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Deleted:The area of encompassing <br /> Downtown Pequot Lakes is not strictly <br /> defined by specific boundary lines,with <br /> -- businesses and urban-style residential <br /> areas concentrated in the area just to the <br /> east of Sibley Lake and then tapering out <br /> from the center.Participants in the <br /> planning process set the boundaries for <br /> downtown,designating County Road 112 <br /> as the eastern limit,Grove Street as the <br /> northern limit,Front Street as the <br /> western limit,and Lake Street as the <br /> southern limit.(Note:These boundary <br /> lines are somewhat flexible as areas <br /> outside of the boundaries have been <br /> included in the plan.) <br /> Deleted:This area was seen as being <br /> the heart,or downtown,of the City of <br /> Pequot Lakes with businesses,shops, <br /> restaurants,and homes are concentrated <br /> in this area.Several features that <br /> residents had identified as contributing <br /> to the City's identity and character are <br /> located In the downtown area.The iconic <br /> Bobber Water Tower,signaling to visitors <br /> that they have arrived in Pequot Lakes,is <br /> visible from most points in the <br /> downtown area.The Paul Bunyan Trail, <br /> adding to the recreational opportunities <br /> in the City,runs parallel to Highway 371, <br /> bisecting Downtown.The concentration <br /> of businesses and restaurants provides <br /> patrons with the ability to walk from <br /> store to store in the center of town. <br /> Deleted:Expanding Central <br /> Lakes Region¶ <br /> Pequot Lakes is located in the heart of <br /> the Central lakes Region,which has <br /> been identified as a core regional <br /> growth area.Population in Cass and <br /> Crow Wing Counties is projected to <br /> increase by over 60 percent by the <br /> year 2030.In the last three years, <br /> population in Pequot Lakes has <br /> increased by g%,and population in <br /> the region as a whole as experienced <br /> similar growth rates.The Brainerd <br /> Micropolitan Statistical Area(defined <br /> by the U.S.Census Bureau as <br /> including both Cass and Crow Wing <br /> Counties),was ranked as the fourth <br /> fastest growing micropolitan area in <br /> the Midwest,and ranked 28th in the <br /> nation.A micropolitan statistical area <br /> is a population cluster with at least <br /> 1o,000 people that is located outside <br /> of metropolitan areas.4 <br /> 1 <br /> Coming with the increase in <br /> population is the growth in year- <br /> round demand for goods and services. <br /> While the Central Lakes Region <br /> largely relies on tourism as a <br /> foundation for commerce,there will <br /> be an increasing demand for basic <br /> goods and services associated with <br /> the increase in the year-round <br /> Pequot Lakes DoNvntown Plan—Updated June 2011 8 <br />