7A - Comprehensive Plan Discussion

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I features, social gathering places and events, and recreational opportunities - to serve as the foundation for 2 economic vitality and quality of life.An increasingly large number of studies support this philosophy,with findings 3 indicating that communities taking steps to actively protect their distinct community assets clearly enhance their 4 economic potential, putting them at an advantage over other communities that don't identify and preserve the 5 components contributing to their community character. 6 Support traditions, festivals and events that bring the community together and celebrate Pequot Lakes' 7 heritage. The City should continue to sponsor and assist with organizing festivals and events that unite Pequot 8 Lakes and build on its unique history and local culture. 9 Preserve and maintain forested gateways leading into Pequot Lakes. Planning participants expressed concern 10 that forested gateways into the City could be lost. Residents need to work hard to preserve their community's 11 natural and scenic areas. 12 Ensure that new development adds to the character of the community and enhances the sense-of-place. Many 13 new developments follow suburban land use patterns and design guidelines, resulting in look-alike cities.All new 14 developments—including commercial, industrial, residential,mixed use,recreational, or civic—should incorporate 15 Pequot Lakes'small town feel and cultural heritage in their layout and design. 16 Encourage public participation in an open and transparent local government system.The foresight and lack of 17 complacency among residents is distinct in Pequot Lakes. By continuing to encourage and support its tradition of 18 civic engagement,the City will strengthen its community pride and strong traditions. 19 Ensure that elected and appointed officials,local citizens,business owners,and landowners are informed of and 20 understand the goals and strategies contained in the Comprehensive Plan.This Comprehensive Plan will not be 21 effective unless all property owners, residents, staff, and officials are aware of its policies and actions. Over the 22 years, hundreds of area residents and concerned individuals have volunteered a great deal of time working on 23 I planning t�_-in the community,including development of the Pequot Lakes Comprehensive Plan,Sibley Township's 24 Comprehensive Plan, the Downtown Plan, the Highway 371 planning efforts and/or any one of the lake 25 management plans that have been assembled. These participants want to make sure that their work is not 26 discarded, but rather is repeatedly referred to. The City needs to educate everyone impacted by the 27 Comprehensive Plan so that it is the driving vision behind all local decisions. 28 ACTIONS 29 SHORT-TERM ACTIONS (WITHIN 1 YEAR): 30 ❑ Develop basic architectural design standards for all new developments and renovations of existing 31 properties. 32 ❑ Require an adequate reforestation plan from Mn/DOT as part of the Highway 371 improvement project in 33 order to retain the forested gateway. 34 ❑ Work with community groups to start a Heritage Days festival to celebrate local culture and history. 35 MID-TERM ACTIONS (1-5 YEARS : 36 ❑ Provide a welcome packet to all new property owners within the City containing information on the City's 37 zoning ordinances,permit requirements and contact information specific to their property. 41 Page