09/02/2008 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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• The evolutionary phases of the community's planning history can be categorized as follows: Start -up The period from 1857 ending in 1955 when Lino Lakes was incorporated. Transition from rural village to growing city. Between 1955 and 1995, Lino Lakes grew from 1,800 to 13,100 in population. It experienced a steady increase in residential development, but little significant commercial and industrial development. Vision -based planned growth In 1995, the city initiated its first all- community visioning process, called 20/20 Vision, which defined initially citizens' views about the future of Lino Lakes. Lino Lakes' population increased by 50 %, to 19,700 by 2005. Continued vision -based planned growth as a 'developing "community (Metropolitan Council designation) In 2006, the city initiated the Spotlight on 2030 visioning process, inclusive of the current citizenry of Lino Lakes, as a component of its comprehensive planning process. 2006 to 2030 will be a period of continued growth in the "developing edge" of the northern section of the Twin Cities metropolitan region. This growth is projected to progress northward, encompassing Lino Lakes and adjacent communities. The Spotlight on 2030 visioning process discussed in the table above is described in greater detail below. This process set the stage for the 2030 Comprehensive Planning Process. • Vision Background • Lino Lakes is a recognized metro leader in coordinated planning efforts that balance the need for natural resource protection with the need to accommodate growth. The city recognized that significant changes are likely to occur by the year 2030, and initiated a unique process that projects the community's views and plans forward to the year 2030. This process began with an extensive, scientifically valid public survey in early 2006. The public survey examined citizens' views about their quality of life. The survey found that Lino Lakes residents are generally pleased with their community and its future. They see major growth - related changes occurring, but a 70% majority feels that the City is taking the correct approach. While 30% of the community wants no further development, the remainder support a number of development priorities, especially dining and entertainment establishments, full -time job opportunities, and service and retail establishments. Survey respondents felt that development efforts should be focused on housing opportunities for both seniors and young families, and on amenities such as entertainment, dining, service, and retail, present in other suburbs. Many residents also feel that property taxes are too high and do not look kindly on policies which will cost even more money. Even so, there are key issues where residents would be more open to solutions, even if moderate tax increases are required, such as expansion of the trail system and the completion of the neighborhood park system. Although the existing park and recreational facilities were well- regarded, respondents did identify gaps and support further development of the park system. Trails and neighborhood parks were the focus of some discontent among respondents. Residents were very supportive of cooperation with Anoka County in providing additional recreational facilities. Overall, city services were reviewed positively. Lastly, residents felt that the City did an exceptional job in communicating with residents about city government and policies, particularly through the City newsletter, City Council telecasts, and the city website. 1 -9