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Ease of reaching the Village area by driving (1=Very Difficult, S=Very Easy) <br />Driving <br />70 <br />60 <br />50 <br />40 <br />C <br />U <br />U <br />v <br />a 30 <br />20 <br />10 <br />Prevailing strengths of the Village area <br />Respondents agree <br />that it's Very Easy to <br />get to the Village by <br />driving. <br />• Aesthetics. Many responses included words like "charm", "quaint", and "cute" which highlight <br />an appreciation for the visual appeal of the downtown village area. <br />• Small Town Character. Almost 200 residents indicated the importance of maintaining the "small <br />town feel", referring to both the size of the downtown, the amenities, and sense of place it <br />offers. <br />• Business and Development. Over 100 responses pointed to businesses as a strength of the area, <br />with several mentions of Lake Elmo Inn, Sunshine Coffee and various other small businesses <br />contributing to the vitality of the village. <br />• Walkability and Location. Residents also appreciate the town's convenient location and the <br />ability to walk easily, emphasizing the importances of maintaining and potentially enhancing <br />walkable spaces. <br />Prevailing weaknesses of the Village area <br />Weaknesses discussed for the village area were varied. Two clear themes were transportation issues <br />(including parking and safety) and development. speeding and pedestrian safety. Several respondents <br />highlighted dangerous conditions for crossing streets without crosswalks or sidewalks. <br />• Transportation Issues. Many respondents were concerned with traffic generally and the speed <br />of traffic. Participants expressed concerns with a lack of crosswalks sidewalks as a significant <br />safety concern. Several residents expressed that there was a need for parking in the village area. <br />• Development. Residents noted the desire for a variety and diversification of new businesses in <br />the village area. Many responses were about "use". Over 50 responses included "restaurant" <br />indicating the desire for more businesses centered around eat, drink and play. "Pizza", "ice- <br />cream", and "grocery" were all pointed to as wish -list items for the downtown. <br />31 <br />