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The lack of a city center is a common challenge for modern <br /> communities. Many of these communities developed similarly to <br /> Arden Hills, as a suburb from a larger metropolitan center. Once <br /> critical mass was achieved, a community was formed by the first <br /> • settlers. Since the "city" at that time was the larger metropolitan <br /> downtown, the focus on creating a central business district did not <br /> exist. However, as the community grew the need for its own identity <br /> grew with it. As is frequently the case, the area for a city center was <br /> not zoned or planned in the process. <br /> Arden Hills has areas of higher retail and service concentration; <br /> however they were planned for vehicular transportation and have the <br /> look and feel of such a decision. A city center is typicallymore <br /> pedestrian oriented consisting of: <br /> a. Higher buildings <br /> b. Zero lot line development (front and side yards) <br /> c. Shared parking <br /> d. Parks (typically passive) <br /> e. Entertainment and dining venues <br /> f. Niche retail <br /> Areas like this do not currently exist in Arden Hills. This matter is <br /> further complicated by the fact that the"historical" city center/main <br /> street which many have defined as the area of Lexingtonnd_CR E has Deleted and CR <br /> ....... <br /> been "abandoned" by the construction of the new City Hall along CR <br /> 96 . As city halls are traditionally located in the City Center, the <br /> citizens in Arden Hills question where the true city center may be at <br /> this time. <br /> A master plan, zoning changes and development/redevelopment <br /> • efforts designed to create a city center would benefit Arden Hills <br /> greatly. This center would be addressed through the way-finding <br /> signage presented elsewhere in this strategy and supported through <br /> various fairs and festivals held purposely in this area to help create <br /> greater awareness and presence for the city center in the community. <br /> The EDC views this initiative as a top priority. <br /> 10) Trails & Recreation Program Formatted:Indent:First line 0.24", <br /> Arden Hills is challenged by the presence of major segregating assets <br /> which are its highways and lakes. These bisect the community into <br /> small pockets allowing for separate and unique residential <br /> opportunities. However, this separation also increases the need for <br /> attention to be paid on linking the individual pieces together. Citizens <br /> in Arden Hills reflect their interest in a trails program as they often site <br /> the segmented nature of the community in discussions and surveys. <br /> The City's Parks, Trails, and Recreation Committee (PTRC) developed a <br /> Strategic Plan for Economic Development Page 9 of 21 <br /> • <br />