1986center revital comm-bogen rpt

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Managing change in the Center is a continuous process which has to be shared by the town and the business community -- since both have a stake in the Center and both derive benefits when it is a vital and attractive place. The key to the long term viability of the Center is a coordinated effort that recognizes the Center as a dynamic and changing organism and at the same time respects the Center as a symbol of the town and its proud history. RECOMMENDED POLICIES The CRC has agreed on a set of twenty -four policies that deal with land use, development, and the role and character of the Center. These policies view the Center as. the focal point of the community and a place for residents to do business and take care of their needs. At the same time, the necessity of serving non - residents is recognized as a means of sustaining a large enough market to provide a variety of goods and services. CRC policies: • Encourage a variety of uses in the Center, with special concern for retail establishments so that office uses, in particular, do not overwhelm the Center. A variety of uses reinforce each other by providing "one -stop" convenience. A variety of retail uses is especially important to the vitality- of the Center since they provide visual excitement and color. Promote a compact Center with development of a scale that is compatible with the character of the town and sympathetic to the quality of the Battle Green area. • Support the retention of historic buildings and the "village" characteristics of the Center. • Encourage improvement in the Center's appearance and the provision of amenities. Special efforts are needed to improve facades, signs, backs of buildings, and parking lots. Amenities and improvements in maintenance and cleanliness are necessary to enhance the Center's competitive advantage. Support protection of adjacent neighborhoods. vii