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Urban Renewal Vision Statement Downtown is the Heart of Lafayette, our community center. Downtown projects the image of Lafayette we present to our community and to visitors. It is the economic engine that will take us into the future. This area possesses a unique sense of place. It provides respite from the look-alike commercial areas around us. It has three distinct areas: Public Road, East Simpson Street, and Baseline Road. These areas, though distinct, are interconnected by our pedestrian and vehicular transportation systems. The provision of amenities, including lighting, signage, trash receptacles, bike racks, and news kiosks, also links these areas together. • Public Road remains open to vehicular traffic, while encouraging pedestrian activity through the addition of amenities, such as public art and seating. A mix of retail, office, and residential uses creates a healthy business and living environment. A variety of architectural styles, heights, materials, and setbacks is appropriate to create a varied but harmonious streetscape. Parking is convenient, but not dominant, accomplished with innovative, sensitive solutions. Lighting design is sensitive to adjacent neighborhoods. • Simpson Street is slower paced. Here the strolling pedestrian rules. Professional offices and services are dominant, with an occasional café or market. It is important that the buildings convey a traditional, historic character, reflecting the established 50' lot widths and a maximum height of 2 stories. The storefronts will be continuous, with zero setbacks at the lot lines. Commercial activity enhances the nearby residential community. The streetscape reflects the history of this area, including flagstone walks, lighting, and landscaping. • Baseline Road reflects its status as a State Highway, while also accommodating pedestrians and bicycles. Since it contains a wide variety of uses, the building and site design criteria are more diverse. The streetscape is modified to include a uniform sidewalk and street tree pattern. The result of the three combined areas is a vital, comfortable, and inviting community core. Lafayette – The place you want to be.