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IntroductionDRAFT 1-5 a VISION FOr NeW BrIGhtON 2040 This vision was written from a future perspective. It describes how the City of New Brighton looks, feels and functions in the year 2040. The vision helps provide direction for the city and is a step in the process of updating New Brighton’s Comprehensive Plan. In the past years, New Brighton has built upon its strengths. Working from existing cultural, natural and historic patterns, the city has developed a unique, distinct image identifiable to both residents and visitors. This image is seen immediately upon entry into New Brighton, where gateways with welcome signage and attractive landscaping announce one’s arrival into the city. Through a special landscape treatment at the edge of the freeway, even those passing by on I-35W and I-694 can identify the city. By reestablishing historic drainage patterns and protecting them with open space, many of New Brighton’s lakes, streams and wetlands have been reconnected to form a prominent north-south corridor. A trail winds through this corridor, providing recreational opportunities as well as a major off-street transportation route for pedestrians and bicyclists. The trail provides amenities such as rest stops with drinking water and benches, interpretive signage, overlook points, and links to a regional network of pedestrian and bicycle ways. New Brighton’s residents have many transportation options. The pedestrian and bicycle system offers several major routes with regional connections, as well as neighborhood connections to parks, schools and other activity areas. Due to an improved and expanded schedule, public transit is a much more viable option for many residents. Those who choose to drive do so on traffic-calmed streets. New Brighton’s shopping and service areas have improved as well. While these areas still provide basic goods and services, they now have much more to offer. Buildings have been brought to the street to create a lively place to stroll. New businesses such as coffeehouses and delis provide both outside and inside seating, and attractive benches and street furnishings make the sidewalk a friendlier, more social place. The city’s retail areas have become gathering nodes for the community. New Brighton’s parks have been transformed. While they still provide active and passive recreation opportunities, several parks have become much more than places to play. They have become places for gathering and neighborhood interaction, places where people of all social and economic status can find activities which improve their mental, social and physical well being. The park shelters are neighborhood activity centers that expand the typical role of a park system. The centers provide meeting and storage space for a wide array of groups and individuals of all ages. Participation in neighborhood and community events is up, thanks to the programs and facilities provided by neighborhood activity centers. Quality housing is still a strong component of the city. Concerned homeowners and housing rehabilitation programs have ensured that older homes have been well maintained. New housing of various types and densities has been constructed throughout the city, increasing the range of life-cycle housing options. New Brighton’s apartments, townhouses and single-family homes offer housing choices for residents of all ages and income levels. New Brighton has enhanced its image as an excellent place to live, work and play. All age groups feel safe and welcome here, and with its wide variety of activities, services, and facilities, the city has something for everyone. Residents enjoy the choices in housing and transportation, the community gathering nodes and the expanded City Center, as well as excellent parks and schools. New Brighton’s commitment to a vision has made it possible to become the unique, desirable place it is today.