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I <br /> i <br /> Because of the lack of sidewalks throughout town, visitors are dependent on their <br /> automobiles or walking on the street to travel from place to place.Automobile-confined <br /> travel limits the type of impromptu activities that add to the atmosphere of great places <br /> and make them feel inviting, such as observing bypassers or chatting with different <br /> people. The City can improve this situation by providing sidewalks throughout the <br /> Downtown to encourage visitors to walk more. More seating options, both in the park <br /> and along the sidewalks,will encourage people to sit and stay awhile as well as provide <br /> places for visitors to rest when walking from shop to shop. Businesses can be <br /> encouraged to bring commerce out onto the sidewalks during the warmer months to <br /> liven up street activity,outside of the regular festivals and events. <br /> The Trailside Park provides Downtown Pequot with the unique opportunity to draw <br /> cyclists and other trail users into town. More bike racks and seating areas near the trail <br /> will help to distinguish Pequot as a destination for trail users and add to the diversity of <br /> Downtown patrons. <br /> Comfort and Image <br /> Surrounded b1_a canopy of pine trees and an array of architectural styles, Downtown _. Deleted:with a towering <br /> Pequot has established the small, rural town image. Buildings are no more than two - Deleted: <br /> stories tall, many have pitched roofs or parapets, and most of the buildings invoke that <br /> sense of small town charm with small details like signage, awnings, and flags and <br /> banners. This image should be consistent throughout Downtown with all buildings <br /> using design details that add to the City's character. The image pursued, however, <br /> should not stifle creative new design or uses that will augment the character of the <br /> community. <br /> Many of the buildings in the Downtown are already built close to the road or sidewalk, <br /> partly because they were built in the early igoos and partly because the current Land <br /> Use Ordinance does not require front yard setbacks in the Downtown.Placing structures Deleted:businesses <br /> close to the sidewalk helps to place development on a more human scale. Conversation Deleted:reduce the scale of <br /> �► is encouraged by this smaller scale and people generally feel more comfortable in such development,putting things <br /> settings. Having seating between the sidewalk and the building or even on the sidewalk Meted:on a <br /> encourages such interactions,adds to Pequot's small town character,and provides space <br /> for people to relax.Needless to say,folks enjoying their recent purchase in plain site can <br /> also be good for businesses. <br /> Downtown is home to an abundance of mature trees that provide respite from the sun <br /> on hot summer days and breaks from the wind during the winter. These trees help to <br /> frame the outdoor commons and reduce the scale p a pedestrian level.The trees should Deleted:of the commons <br /> --------------- that--- <br /> be preserved and supplemented to retain Pequot's `up north' charm and so that <br /> pedestrians throughout Downtown can find shade when needed. Shade can also be <br /> provided through the use of building awnings.,A few of the buildings on_Government Deleted:Many <br /> Drive have awnings at provide relief for visitors on sunny days as well as adding to the Deleted:display <br /> charm of the area. Deleted:Whim <br /> Often overlooked in the planning for successful places,public restrooms are a necessary <br /> part of maintaining the comfort of visitors. With all the activity that Downtown Deleted:ingredient in <br /> Pequot Lakes Downtown Plan—Updated December 2007 ii <br />