More growth by leaps and bounds

Minnetrista has 15 development projects in the works.

Strong growth continues to propel the St. Bonifacius and Minnetrista areas into the new century.

With a population of about 2,400 in 2005, St. Bonifacius continues to grow at a fantastic rate, up 28 percent from 2000. This is a continuation of explosive growth during the 90s, when the city registered a phenomenal 59 percent increase over 10 years since 1990, according to the 2000 census.

Minnetrista is also growing at a fast rate, with a population of 5,250 in 2005, up 20 percent from 2000. This number is also a steady continuation of vigorous growth in the 90s, since the city registered a 27 percent increase during that period.

Minnetrista has no fewer than 15 development projects in the works, which includes five projects that are proposed, said City Planner Ben Gozola. The largest project is Park Cove, located east of St. Boni along Highway 7, and encompassing 512 acres.

Two other larger residential developments, established on either side of St. Boni, are Hunters Crest to the west and Turtle Creek to the east. Other proposed projects, all of which are within proximity of prominent lakeshore, include Sanctuary Cove, Halsted Pointe, Cardinal Cove, and Palmer Pointe.

St. Bonifacius, at the hub of both communities, technically has only six lots available in its square mile area and is at capacity land wise, but this hasn’t stopped growth in the form of subdivisions and the like, commented City Clerk Brenda Fisk.

Several features attract new residents include a short commute to the Twin Cities, a profusion of natural lakes and beautiful landscape, close proximity to the Three Rivers Park district, and many other amenities.

Both communities exhibit a population that is mainly families with young children, according to census figures.

All of the proposed developments in Minnetrista embrace lakeshore.