04-22-1996 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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HI. CITY OF LONG LAKE CHARACTERISTICS The city of Long Lake is a historic community whose local government and residents are concerned with maintaining the character and viability of their dty. As transportation alternatives in the TH 12 corridor are developed and evaluated. Long Lake will work to ensure that the following unique characteristics are addressed. A Fixed Boundaries The downtown area of Long Lake was platted over 125 years ago. and its boundanes have changed very little since that time. The majority of the residential areas were annexed in the 1950's \Mhen sewer and water service was made available. The city has fixed municipal boundaries, being completely surrounded by the lake and ottier communities. Most of the land in the city is developed, and a majority of the available parcels were annexed from the City of Orono and have covenants permitting single-family residential uses only. The result is a situation where new or relocated development can occur only at the expense of existing residences or businesses. Expansion of the business district is also limited by the lake and the Department of Natural Resources Shoreline Ordinance. B. Commercial District Borders TH 12 Long Lake ’s commercial district borders TH 12. The business district has continued to develop, in recent years, in the same location where the area's first businesses were located. This development not only carries on the history of the area, it also follows the pattern established in the city's comprehensive plan, which was based on a highway alternative passing south of Long Lake. Since the earliest settlements on the shores of Long Lake, the town's businesses have served the region, and not just the residents of the town Development of a viable commercial center in Long Lake has left adjacent communities to develop as residential areas. The size and vitality of the commercial district indicate that it is not supported just by Long Lake ’s population. Shoppers and clients travel to Long Lake ’s commercial center from locations outside the city. In many cases, the businesses lie at the edge of the present TH 12 right-of-way. with no room for widening of the highway Most businesses have-and need-driveway access onto the highway. C. Community Character Long Lake is a small city with a strong sense of community and history. Residents identify with the town and participate in its activities. The town has served as a focus of life in the area since its founding. Its businesses, churches and recreation areas have drawn people from surrounding areas, and the presence of Long Lake as a commercial center has shaped the development of adjacent communities. Long Lake is more diverse in age. income and residence type than surrounding communities, in addition to providing the majority of businesses and services in the area. There is more moderately priced housing in Long Lake, and more multi-unit dwellings. Long Lake ’s businesses and residences lie on both sides of TH 12. The highway presently bisects the community However, the existing highway consisting generally of two lanes with frequent access for cross-streets and dnveways. permits circulation on and across the highway. PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF w:Mongtake\repart.doc