The 2030 (subdi)VISION

I love my new community. My boyfriend and I just bought the most perfect house this summer in Lino Lakes, a small rural town about 30 minutes outside of the twin cities area. We are surrounded by large lakes, protected forests, meandering bike paths, lots of city parks and acres of restored prairie lands. Because small Minnesota towns like Lino Lakes are so simplistically beautiful in comparison to the clustered lifestyle of metropolitan outskirts, they have been statistically showing massive growth rates year to year. In response to the demands of this constantly enlarging population, Lino Lakes and other towns like it must create comprehensive plans that strategize ways to not only accommodate people in terms of living space but also to encourage retailers and industrial businesses to locate within the city limits. This creates jobs for the new citizens and allows the money earned to be recycled back into the city's economy to pay for community amenities and ultimately – even more future growth.


In 2007 the City Council of Lino Lakes passed a plan called the 2030 VISION detailing each area in which expansion is required over the coming decades and where the new neighborhoods, roads and commercial development sites will be located. The concern I have, and the reason for my choice of topic, is that the community that I prize so highly for it’s pristine landscapes and homey appeal will not even exist by the time the year 2030 rolls around. Ecologically friendly city planning is - thank goodness - on the rise and the "Vision Plan" is no exception with it's acknowledgement of the responsibility we have to our surroundings. But even though green sanctuaries are incorporated in the plans there will inevitably be a loss. Progress is obviously a necessity to any community, however I think one of the most valuable assets this area can boast to potential citizens is something that might be paved over and turned into a strip mall.

Lino Lakes Marketplace

On Lake Drive

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Lino Lakes