HOW FAR CAN WE SEE?

When contemplating changes in our community, is it not wise for us to take the time to look at surrounding communities and examine their visions and the process that is utilized to guide their principles for future development? We might not be Wayzata, Stillwater or other towns, but we are a community that has the zoning responsibility and opportunity to demonstrate quality growth while still maintaining a high quality of life that will make Eureka exceptional. It would be wise and advantageous for Eureka to recognize other communities as possible role models rather than adversaries and perhaps build on their development strategies that have proved to be successful. After all, are we not all in some way large or small, in this together?


The Sunday, September 15, StarTribune dakotacounty, Section N, printed an article "Lakeville drafts vision for future". The article "Envision Lakeville" is worthy of Eureka's attention. It demonstrates the necessity of engaging a task force and bringing citizens together to share opinions and ideas regarding how they view their community. Community surveys are utilized; town hall forums are included as well as focus group meetings. Data is gathered and analyzed; the task force then uses the community input with the facilitation of a professional consultant and knowledgeable speakers to propose a unified community vision. Sounds reasonable, right?   

 

As this community engages in the study and feasibility of Agri-tourism, I recommend the Eureka Town Board members and Planning Commission members review the summary of the process utilized by Lakeville to develop their vision. I feel quite confident in stating that this is a process familiar TO and adopted by most communities who are cognizant of the most logical and long-term uses as established in their comprehensive plans. The guiding principles will address the need to
protect the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience and general welfare of its citizens; while promoting well-managed and staged development of residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and public areas. Specific to Eureka, our guiding principles are to protect and preserve lands for agricultural use, conserve and manage the natural resources, and provide for the compatibility and most appropriate use of the land throughout the Township.

I would like to believe our Town Board and Planning Commission members will take great pride in knowing that they utilized the most applicable guiding principles in a timely manner to develop and envision each and every challenge that can be managed by present and all future Boards..
Can we see that FAR as we envision agri-tourism and other uses?  


 The summary of the Lakeville process can be found at www.lakeville.mn.us and click on "Envision Lakeville." The full draft is at http://tinyurl.com/oxws7dg.