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establishments and chains as well as offices also <br />attest to its attractiveness to business. There is <br />both a strong'retail market and a strong office <br />market. Theaters, art galleries, eating <br />establishments, and consumer services add variety and <br />energy to the mix. <br />• There appears to be a balance between land uses and <br />parking for the Center as a whole at the present <br />time. On a subarea basis, however, this is not <br />always the case, since demand varies according to the <br />time of day, season, and type of establishment. <br />Although there is some traffic congestion, it seldom <br />results in inordinate delay and is not likely to <br />worsen substantially unless additional floor space is <br />added. The new parking program for the Center and <br />recent parking and traffic improvements have added <br />parking spaces and facilitated movement within the <br />Center. <br />• The new zoning regulations for the Center require <br />that new construction or expansion or more intensi -ve <br />use.of existing buildings in the business zone be <br />accompanied by.adequate parking. Since there is no <br />vacant land available and the demolition of existing <br />buildings may be either uneconomic or undesirable for <br />visual or historic reasons, the key to additional <br />development /reuse is finding other appropriate ways <br />to provide additional parking spaces. <br />The.Center is generally pleasant and includes a <br />number of older or historic buildings -- particularly <br />on its edges -- and an attractive promenade along <br />Massachusetts Avenue. From a design viewpoint, <br />however, in can be considered undistinguished. Many - <br />buildings are non- descript, and building and sign.and <br />awning changes tend to take place on an individual <br />basis without regard for overall unity or <br />coordination. Moreover, adequate amenities, such as <br />seating, bike racks, restrooms, and the like are <br />lacking. Litter is a problem that needs more <br />attention. <br />Competition in the Lexington trade area is intense, <br />and the Center must continue to strengthen its <br />advantages in order to have a healthy level of <br />sales. Superior customer service, unique and well <br />priced merchandise, convenience, and a special <br />environment are all necessary to assure the soundness <br />of the Center. <br />vi <br />