2023-121 Ordinance - Laserfiche WebLink

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHANGE Lorain Road is North Olmsted's main street - connecting the community's numerous civic and commercial assets while linking the community to the greater region. It is well positioned. But the Lorain Road corridor is challenged. Changing demographics, an aging population, changing retail patterns, and decades of auto - focused details have created an environment that is inhospitable at best for those who cannot or who chose not to move through the community by car. The City of North Olmsted received funding for a corridor repaving project, but considered the logic of merely repaving and perpetuating the infrastructure patterns that continue to limit the city's long-term growth. City leadership saw the opportunity to do more; to leverage the improvements associated with repaving to begin to transform the corridor for a different future. This plan signals a shift to pursuing the possibilities that exist when experience is valued over efficiency. In recent decades, there has been a notable shift towards more mixed-use and pedestrian - friendly suburban commercial developments. This transformation has been driven by a desire for greater walkability, reduced traffic congestion, and a sense of community. Traditional downtown areas have experienced revitalization, with a resurgence of locally -owned shops and restaurants. The advent of e-commerce has forced suburban retail centers to adapt. Many suburban malls have been repurposed into lifestyle centers, emphasizing experiences over pure retail. These centers incorporate entertainment options, green spaces, and diverse dining choices to attract visitors. This is a critical moment in the City's history. The changing nature of transportation and commercial development means that the City of North Olmsted is well positioned to adopt an intentional approach of building for the future. There is road work ahead.