04-08-1999 Council Work Session - Laserfiche WebLink

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I I I > • I « I < ♦ f » 4 f -• » « Away from Lake Minnetonka, the rolling countryside is dotted with other lakes and wetlands, creeks, woods and steep hillsides. This is the country that fostered dairy and truck farms, orchards, and woodlots without the lakeshore amenities. These areas of Orono have remained rural in character with low-density residential and quasi-agricultural land uses gradually overtaking the remaining farms. Public services and and facilities are limited, and the residents intended to keep them that way. Here, there is opportunity to run a horse or two, to watch for deer and waterfowl in their natural habitat, to have a secluded homestead; these amenities attract a type of resident whose desires are far different than those attracted to the more crowded lakeshore. Thus we see that O*")no has two distinct personalities: The urbanized lakeshore and the rural woudti. i^elds and open spaces. Both areas are primarily residential in nature, relying upon the existing town centers of Navarre and other nearby cities for shopping, commercial and industrial activities. The concern of the residents is to provide for continuing maintenance and preser>’ation of those natural resources and social amenities which attracted people to Orono in the flrst place. Near the lake, density of development has to be regulated in order to minimize the resultant stormwater runoff pollution which, if unrestricted, could permanently alter and destroy the ecology of this very unique resource. Away from the lake, the natural marshes and wetlands are to be protected as the primary and most practical method of storm water filtration and enhancement. Steep slopes will be protected from over-development and erosion. Woodlands will be preserved as wildlife habitat, erosion protection, noise barriers and places for personal solitude and contentment. Open space is to be cherished and protected. In urbanized areas, recreational needs go hand-in-hand with the necessities of light, air, and solar access. Views of the lakeshore are invaluable property rights and personal experiences. In rural areas, the long vistas and open fields are restful sights, reminders of slower-paced years gone by. The open fields and pastures are witness to the rural lifestyles active in Orono, and each property owner has the ability to provide for his own varied recreational needs. Institutional and commercial needs have been met by the existing centers with no need for future expansion. Map No.__indicates the interreliancc of the many I • lake area communities and the many industrial, retail-commercial and health care facilities accessible to Orono residents. School populations are increasing slowly, and new technologies and program demands require some expansion of existing facilities but no new’ centers. Orono’s population growth has been historically slow, allowing for gradual service increases and fiscal security. Public facilities have been