City of Columbus; A socio-economic shift
As I have stated in the previous entry, I live in a city called columbus. Many if not almost everyone has not really heard of this town yet it is just north of the twin cities on a prime piece of real estate just west of Interstate 35. However, 6 monthes ago had someone asked me where I lived I would have to say Forest Lake; or more specifically, columbus township. It all started about 2 years ago when the City of Forest Lake began looking to the west side of Interstate 35 to expand its economic boundaries. Columbus township is located in what would be called the freeway district. When Forest Lake took the issue to court and tried to annex Columbus township to obtain the freeway district real estate and economic boost for the city, Columbus township residents realized that in doing this, they would be excluded from the benefits of the economic prosperity if in fact they did live outside the actual city limits. The courts ruled in favor of Columbus Township and a movement was started to try to turn Columbus Township into a city in order to further prevent encroachment of the nearby cities. On September 22, 2007, it was finalized; Columbus Township was now The City of Columbus. Prior to it becoming a city, Columbus Township had prided itself on a place that was rural, yet close to the twin cities. An area that is near Carlos Avery Wildlife Management area. An area that will remain that way because it was backed by legislation; providing zoning restrictions, minumum 5 acre parcel for each house, etc. But when Columbus became a city, all this was changed. The first thing that was established was zoning changes to the areas closest to the interstate. Following that change, a harness racing track and casino company began looking at Columbus for its multi-million dollar track and casino locale. And in this previous spring, construction took place. This is one issue that I do not agree with. It seems as though as a nearby city expands, it has a ripple affect outwards. Now a once rural area will soon become a sprawling urban area. I dont think I need to mention the things that follow casinos. This is exactly what residents of the city do not want. It almost seems as though the city officials are slowing trying to urbanize this rural expanse. If you look at the website for the city, even the logo and banner for the website seems to highlight the fact that we are undergoing change. It shows an Interstate winding through a wilderness. Is that honestly appealing to anyone? It bothers me on so many levels. Another action in which I do not agree with is an issue involving Carlos Avery WMA. There is a parcel of land that backed up to the WMA and was worth a substantial amount of money. Its owner, interested in keeping the land the way it is, offered to sell it for much less than what it was worth to the MN DNR to expand Carlos Avery WMA. It was approved at every level of government except the county and city. Why you ask? Because the County and City saw it as an oppurtunity to develop. Or should I say expand their taxpayer base. This I think goes against everything that the Township stood for and what its residents want.