09-23-1999 Council Work Session Packet

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- r ~ Hard decisions have been made to limit the extension of burdensome urban services into rural areas. However, the combination of low density residential development, establishment of privately owned and maintained roads, and use of septic systems and wells has provided Orono with unique and sustainable neighborhoods ;i.at are not only self-sufficient but collectively have a relatively low environmental impact. Enforcement of the policies necessar>’ to create and maintain these rural neighborhoods have been consistent and effective. Through it all, the average Orono residents have been soundly behind every' such endeavor. Today, Orono still faces the same options as oilier outlying communities, although Orono is no longer the 'outer ring ’ that it was 20-30 years ago. Development pressures continue as speculators view our remaining open spaces seeking to put them to a "highest and best use". The Metropolitan Council has recognized an urgency to curtail "Urban Sprawl" by making more efficient use of the remaining undeveloped land within the 7-county Metro area. Yet Orono has an obligation to its residents, both those who live on the Lake and those who reside in the rural area, to preserve these two complementaiy' lifestyles. And Orono has an obligation to the citizens of Minnesota who treasure Lake Minnetonka as a unique and valuable natural resource and who expect it to remain in a usable condition. Orono's ongoing plan to preserve the watershed of Lake Minnetonka is sound, environmentally correct, and in step with regional planning for metropolitan needs. This Plan is intended to explain i^deatil whyOrono is unique, why Orono must continue to provide special environmenfal protections for the health of Lake Minnetonka, and how Orono intends to provide for future land use management through effective, low-key governmental concern for the welfare of Orono citizens. i