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<br />The essential objectives of the comprehensive plan are as follows: <br /> <br />.:. It is a plan to guide the future physical development and redevelopment of the community; <br />.:. The time frame is long, extending over a twenty-year horizon; <br />.:. It encompasses a large geographic area including the corporate limits and ET J of the <br />community; <br />.:. It is general in nature, allowing some issues to be resolved and many decisions to be made; <br />.:. It articulates ideas in a framework of goals and objectives, policies and actions, and plans <br />and projects; <br />.:. It is intended foremost, to serve as a continuing guide to decision-making, to provide a <br />common direction and to provide stability as issues are addressed and future decisions are <br />made. <br /> <br />Residential Development. Neighborhoods are one of La Porte's greatest assets as they form a <br />foundation for a sound quality of life. The City is made up of several distinct neighborhood areas, <br />each with somewhat different physical characteristics such as the age of housing, street <br />configuration, and the sizes of structures and lots. Much of the City's overall image and identity is <br />due to the unique character of its neighborhoods and these distinguishing features should, therefore, <br />be preserved. Neighborhoods that are safe, well maintained and have character will maintain <br />property values and thus maintain a sound neighborhood environment and a stable residential tax <br />base. <br /> <br />The attractive appearance and environmental quality of existing and future low-density residential <br />neighborhoods should be protected and improvements made where necessary to maintain the value <br />of properties and enhance the quality of life. As the city continues to develop it is important that the <br />integrity of the neighborhoods is preserved and the value and enjoyment of property is maintained <br />and enhanced. <br /> <br />Goals for residential development: <br /> <br />.:. Consider programs to revitalize and rehabilitate existing housing where needed. <br />.:. Meet the future housing needs by providing for a variety of housing options. <br />.:. Encourage the rehabilitation or replacement of substandard housing. <br />.:. Promote a standard of home ownership encouraging well-maintained residential properties. <br />.:. Preserve the integrity of existing neighborhoods and create livable and safe neighborhood <br />environments. <br />.:. Protect the attractive appearance and environmental quality of existing neighborhoods and <br />make necessary improvements to maintain the value of properties and enhance the quality <br />of life. <br /> <br />Beautification and Conservation. Citizens have expressed great interest for enhancing the <br />visual appearance of La Porte and the redevelopment and reinvestment in Downtown, along major <br />corridors and in nonresidential areas. Through public involvement it is apparent that citizens <br />visualize attractive shopping centers, livable neighborhoods, landscaped roadways, pleasant <br />places to walk and an enhanced quality of life. They want successful shopping areas that appeal <br />to shoppers. They see the opportunities in downtown to create a destination that combines a lively <br />entertainment district in a historically significant area, retail stores interspersed with restaurants <br />and professional offices and a blend of residential units as well. <br /> <br />6 <br />