3 - Comprehensive Plan Discussion

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• Carefully define the "downtown" area. It should really focus on the traditional center city area. • Keeping and expanding business in the downtown should be a high priority. Incentives may help drive that. It may be worthwhile to have some control, if possible, over architectual design within the downtown area as remaodeling/new construction takes place. Make the area's natural,scenic,and recreational amenities the Pequot Lakes brand.The primary reason that people choose to live,work and visit the Pequot Lakes area is the natural, scenic beauty and the many recreational opportunities. Pequot is in a unique position to retain that powerful brand and use it to not only enhance the quality of life for residents but provide long-term business opportunities for compatible enterprises. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • Formally adopt a City wide Logo (the Bobber) so all marketing materials - business, City, historical society, etc- send essentially the same message to current and potential residents, businesses, etc. This basically will say we have a lot to sell here in Pequot. Streamline the regulatory process to provide business owners with flexibility while ensure new enterprises build on the community's assets and enhance its brand.The City's regulatory framework needs to protect existing investments while at the same time encouraging the expansion and redevelopment of key commercial areas.The City's ordinances need to be continually re-evaluated to `• ensure that they clearly and aggressively promote the vision of this plan while eliminating needless and counterproductive regulation. Regulations must be clear to understand and approval processes should be as streamlined and user-friendly as possible. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • Strive to have the business park fully utilized.The long-term maintenance costs of the industrial park need to be met by increased development—and more intensive development—within the business park. Storm sewer systems are designed to handle an overall impervious coverage amount of 95%and the sanitary sewer and water systems also have excess capacity. It is critical,for the long-term economic health of the community that the City continues to seek ways to obtain a higher return on the existing business park properties. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • Waive survey requirements for lot subdivisions. • Create incentives to have more intensive use - encourage subdivisions of property. • The character of the Industrial Park has already evolved since its establishment, evidenced by the reference to it, in the idea description, as a business park. Consider contributing to Pequot Lakes being a destination by allowing recreational /entertainment