Re: [TCMetro] Lots of little downtowns?

[Wendy Wulff]

Lakeville has been working to preserve and improve its historic downtown area, and was mentioned in Larry Werner's article in the Strib.  Our downtown has a set of architectural guidelines for development and redevelopment, and the DLBA sponsors concerts in the park plaza, and we have a growing farmer's market on Wednesdays. (www.downtownlakeville.com/design.htm has an overview of the design guidelines) The shopping opportunities have increased in the past few years, and I spend a lot of time down there because I like the small-town ambiance. As for the "real" downtown - I once lived within shouting distance, and worked there.  I rarely go there anymore, though. Great restaurants like the Pickled Parrot are moving my way, and I can find plenty of shopping and entertainment/recreation opportunities closer to home. I used to go to the Lake St./Nicollet Ave area to grocery shop, as it was the only place that I could find good Asian grocery stores.  Now, there are several in Burnsville that meet most of my needs, and even the chains are carrying things like fish sauce, coconut milk, and fresh cilantro.  Plus, the parking is free, and I am not adding to the highway congestion.... Wendy Wulff Lakeville