Brainerd Lakes 2008 Relocation Guide - (Page 30) BUSINESS & ECONOMIC TRENDS CONVENTIONAL DEVELOPMENT Land is often divided and sold in larger parcels, with each property owner receiving a piece of the best natural features. Natural areas are difficult to preserve under multiple owners. Roads and buildings are placed for convenience and may disturb or diminish forests, farmland, and shoreline. There is little or no shared open space. Privacy is valued over nature and neighborhoods. CONSERVATION-DESIGNED DEVELOPMENT The best natural and cultural areas are intentionally preserved. Forty to eighty percent of the scenic land becomes permanent open space, to be enjoyed by all property owners. Buildings, roads, and other infrastructure are designed on the least-sensitive areas of the property. Walking trails, parks, and shared water access are often incorporated. Architecture promotes a neighborhood feel with smaller, more manageable lot sizes. Sources: Minnesota Land Trust and Randall Arendt (www.greenerprospects.org) | Courtesy of IQ Magazine (www.IQmag.org) regionally, yet still retain their local identities. We looked for the best practices in other areas that have faced similar challenges.” Although the concept of the “micropolitan” is fairly new, there are other places across the country that exhibit similar dynamics: a fast-growing area that is not large enough to be a “metropolitan,” but still has a principal population nucleus as the main source of job opportunities, medical services, training and educational opportunities, and shopping. This center is surrounded by smaller communities that offer rural atmosphere, slower pace, and affordable real estate values. Since the communities are somewhat interdependent, they offer a special mix of cooperative services and individual identities. Coordinated regional planning seems to be key to the success of such fast-growing areas. For example, transportation issues need to be addressed regionally, since thoroughfares connect everyone, rather than beginning and ending at jurisdictional boundaries. The expansion and delivery of other infrastructure, such as telephone, electricity, gas, and other utilities, are accomplished most economically when plans are in place based on population density guidelines. This can also maximize the protection of natural amenities like lakes and wetlands. The Initiative Foundation (IF), perhaps one of the region’s biggest champions, has been involved in this planning project since the beginning. A central Minnesota nonprofit organization, it was originally developed 20 years ago by The McKnight Foundation to help stimulate economic growth and community development in its 14-county district. As part of its economic development initiative, the IF provides business investment funds designed to help communities secure quality jobs and support local entrepreneurs. The funds help fill gaps in financing not covered by traditional lenders. Another perspective is voiced by Rod Osterloh, commercial broker with Close~Converse Commercial & Preferred Properties and a member of the Regional Business Council. He sees “a new confidence that people have in the growth and future of this area. What the micropolitan status recognizes is that the tide is rising for the entire area. “The people who move here need services. They shop. They go out to eat. The ‘big box stores’ are in Brainerd and Baxter, which creates an opportunity for the outlying communities to express their individuality. All our communities have a different personality, a unique local flavor. The small communities are finding niches.” The Lakes Area is continuing to grow, and plan for that growth, so the future’s challenges can be met efficiently and effectively. Proper planning will help protect the natural resources and scenic beauty that make this such an exceptional place to live and work. “Good planning is seamless,” Gunsbury says. “You don’t get kudos for planning ahead but you can sense it and you know it when you’re in it. If we don’t put a priority on planning, we will always be reacting. We will be putting out fires instead of preventing the fires from happening in the first place. “I’m impressed that the Brainerd Lakes Chamber made this an initiative and that all the people who got involved felt strongly enough to devote many hours to plan for a better future, to help this be a better community, for our children and our children’s children.” Illustrations by Ted Tollefson 30 Brainerd Lakes Area Business & Relocation Guide http://www.greenerprospects.org http://www.IQmag.org
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