Posted: 5/14/03

FL comprehensive plan takes shape

Jessica Foster
Staff Writer

The community turned out to Century Junior High Schoolís cafetorium last week to look into the cityís crystal ball.

The comprehensive planóthe first for the combined city of Forest Lake, was unveiled and the topic of a public hearing Wednesday, May 7.

The former city and township created comprehensive plans of their own in 2000 and 1999 before the municipalities officially were joined.

Sam Husnik, chairman of the planning commission, said the plan is a draft, and nothing is for sure.

ìMy guess is weíre going to see much more change in the comprehensive plan,î he said before the meeting began.

ìThe purpose of a comprehensive plan is to have a vision statement for the community, it is not a zoning ordinance. This is a 20 or 30 year look to the future, itís intended to be flexible.î

The real focus of the plan, he said, is land use. Combining the plans for the former city and township was cumbersome, Husnik said. This new plan has more categories than either.

ìThis is a long range document and itís our best shot today of what may happen or what we wish would happen in the next 20-30 years,î he said.

Resident and local politician Dick Tschida argued the most changes in the communityís landscape occurred in the old township.

ìThey have the perception their land is one thing and the new comprehensive plan is making a change,î Tschida said.

While topics of residents varied, the most prevalent concern regarded plans for high density residential development at 210th St. and Goodview Ave.

High density residental is defined as 10 to 15 Dwelling Units per Acre (DUA).

Karen Morehead, a school board member who said she was speaking on behalf of herself and the school board, expressed concern regarding traffic issues near the schools with more development.

ìYouíre going to create a problem none of us would like to see,î Morehead said.

Kathy DiMeglio also expressed concern about increased traffic in a school zone.

ìWe are really putting at risk these kids in this area,î she said.

Dick Johnson, a business owner in the area, wondered if the plan would signal the end to his familyís businesses.

He wondered if permits to expand his business would be granted and if he would be able to rebuild in the event of a fire.

ìRezoning would be probably a first step for destroying our business there,î Johnson said. ìIím not for sale.î

Tracy Angelo, a resident in the Southview development, also expressed concern about traffic issues at 210th and Goodview. She agreed with Johnson and suggested light industrial was a better fit.

ìItís a nightmare as far as traffic,î she said. ìLight industrial is booming. I think we need to stop and think. I donít think 210th and Goodview is the right spot for this rezoning.î

High density housing includes townhomes, condominiums and apartments.

Ed Zeliniski, who lives near the proposed change in Bridle Pass, wondered if the new housing would bring more crime.

ìWeíre going to have crime and high crime. I donít want high density, I donít want the crime, I donít want the traffic. I donít want it. Donít zone this high density.î

Whatever changes may come, Dennis Kessler said he is glad to be leaving the city of Forest Lake. He said instead of planning for the people who may move here, city fathers should think about the people who live here now.

ìIím sick of this town,î he said. ìIf I can sell my house on the lake Iím leaving this town. Donít even ask why. Start paying attention to who lives in Forest Lake today. We have to make this town a place people want to stay.î

Robert Kennedy wondered about development of the airport property. He said there was too much space dedicated to recreational purposes rather than industry.

ìThere needs to be more land set aside for industrial,î he said.

He added if the space permitted he would like to move his business from Maplewood to Forest Lake.

ìItís all park now and it doesnít make sense to me,î Kennedy said. ìWhere are the jobs going to be for the population thatís supposed to grow.î

Bob Linwood said plans were progressing too quickly.

ìWhat is the hurry? Where are we going? The land is not going to go away. If weíre going to develop anything it should be out on that industrial park. That land is not going to go away. Canít we slow down,î Linwood asked.

He also spoke against the community center. ìIím tired of hearing itís free land. We need that base out there to control our taxes.î

Resident Michelle Brennan implored the planning commission to listen to the comments presented at the meeting regarding development at 210th and Goodview.

The hearing remained open through Wednesday, May 14, when residents could submit written comments on the plan.

The planning commission meets the second and fourth Wednesday of every month at the city hall. Meetings are open to the public.

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