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27 <br /> <br />Staff explained the need for the Village Vision study, and engaged with residents to identify their <br />preferences for the future of the area. Staff also advertised the upcoming Public Open house and the <br />ongoing online survey. <br />Public comments were similar to those heard at both open houses. Residents indicated a desire to make <br />shorter, more local, trips to shop for daily necessities. Several attendees expressed a desire to have <br />improved trail connectivity to and from areas of the City not immediately near the Village Area, such as <br />the Tri Lakes area. <br />Public Open House <br />Staff held the final open house at City Hall on <br />Thursday, June 20 from 5 to 7pm. Like the <br />previous engagement for businesses and <br />developers, residents at the Public Open house <br />were provided an overview of the study and <br />preference-identifying activities via boards, and <br />tabletop mapping exercises. Residents had a <br />number of questions about the Village area and <br />the current development moratorium within the <br />Village boundary. <br />Like business owners, residents expressed <br />concerns about connectivity and road safety <br />issues traveling to the Village area. Key discussion <br />points included, generally, connectivity, placemaking, and land uses. <br />• Connectivity <br />o Residents value the walkability of the old village core but desire improvement to <br />connectivity of sidewalks and trails in the village area. <br />▪ Safer, marked crossings are desired at Stillwater Boulevard and Lake Elmo <br />Avenue. <br />o Concern about traffic speeds along Lake Elmo Avenue North and Stillwater Boulevard. <br /> <br />• Placemaking <br />o Maintaining historic, small town, charm. <br />o Strong desire to preserve the existing City ballfields and the Post Office. <br />o Adding new areas of open space and opportunities for natural landscaping in boulevards <br />or new developments. <br />o Working to address underutilized commercial properties as strategic opportunities for <br />new development. <br /> <br />• Land Uses and Development <br />o Desire for housing, rental or owner occupied, that is attainable for members of the <br />community who want to stay in the area. <br />o Limiting the establishment of chain businesses or big box stores to continue the small <br />town village feel.