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. � Page 7 <br /> The development paradox is that if municipal services are e�tended into <br /> -ura1 zones, � the cost of these services taxes the land to the point that <br /> development is encouraged. Particularly in the case of sewers, even if <br /> extended to existing pockets of development "to solve a pollution problem" , <br /> inflation, topography and sparse settlement combine to send costs <br /> skyrocketing. Such costs can be paid only by increasing development, <br /> whiCh in turn causes density increases, loss of wetlands and increasing <br /> levels of storm water nutrient pollution, statistically even greater � <br /> ��levels of pollution than the original sewage �'problem" might have been. <br /> In response to the above concerns, Orono has become a nationally <br /> recognized leader in espousing environmental protection. Land use planning <br /> since the 1950 ' s has stressed the advantages of low density development. <br /> Shorelands, wetlands and natural drainage systems have been preserved by <br /> tradition and by ordinance. The first organized attempt at comprehensive <br /> planning in 1974 established as its foremost guiding principle the <br /> protection and preservation of Lake P�innetonka and its associated wetlands. <br /> Hard decisions have been made to limit the extension of burdensome urban <br /> services into rural areas. Enforcement of these policies as an inter-related <br /> packa�e has been consistent and effective_ Through it all, the average <br /> citizens have been soundly behind every such endeavor. <br /> Today, Orono still faces the same option as other outlying communities . <br /> Development pressures continue as speculators view our open spaces and <br /> as urbanization lines are drawn. But situations and solutions are <br /> changing. Metropolitan systems cannot be extended forever. Changing <br /> Lifestyles and increasing energy awareness have begun to make their <br /> presence shown as the center city becomes more attractive. Orono ' s <br /> choice of environmental and rural lifestyle preservation is proving to <br /> be right in step with regional planning for metropolitan needs. <br /> This Plan is intended to explain in detail why Orono is unique, why <br /> Orono must provide special environmental protections for the health <br /> of Lake Minnetonka, and how Orono intends to provide for future land <br /> use management through effective low key governmental concern for the <br /> welfare of Orono citizens. - <br /> � T <br />