3 - Comprehensive Plan Discussion

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• Preserve and maintain forested gateways leading into Pequot Lakes. Planning participants expressed concern that forested gateways into the City could be lost. Residents need to work hard to preserve their community's natural and scenic areas. Ensure that new development adds to the character of the community and enhances the sense-of- place. Many new developments follow suburban land use patterns and design guidelines, resulting in look-alike cities.All new developments—including commercial, industrial, residential, mixed use, recreational,or civic—should incorporate Pequot Lakes' small town feel and cultural heritage in their layout and design. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • Not sure I agree in Industrial areas...the downtown, yes. Certainly. attached neighborhoods...yes. • Would design standards need to be developed for each area? Encourage public participation in an open and transparent local government system.The foresight and lack of complacency among residents is distinct in Pequot Lakes. By continuing to encourage and support its tradition of civic engagement,the City will strengthen its community pride and strong traditions. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: Ensure that elected and appointed officials,local citizens, business owners,and landowners are informed of and understand the goals and strategies contained in the Comprehensive Plan.This Comprehensive Plan will not be effective unless all property owners, residents, staff, and officials are aware of its policies and actions. Over the years, hundreds of area residents and concerned individuals have volunteered a great deal of time working on planning in the community, including development of the Pequot Lakes Comprehensive Plan,Sibley Township's Comprehensive Plan,the Downtown Plan,the Highway 371 planning efforts and/or any one of the lake management plans that have been assembled. These participants want to make sure that their work is not discarded, but rather is repeatedly referred to.The City needs to educate everyone impacted by the Comprehensive Plan so that it is the driving vision behind all local decisions. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • Develop materials for people interested in Pequot Lakes, including having it available online. • Develop a welcome/marketing brochure for all new property owners that a) sells the City and b) advises them about the Comp Plan and how it benefits the overall City in terms of land values and business value. Initially this should be sent to all current residents as well.