Laserfiche WebLink
Chapter 2: A Vision for Elk River / 5 <br />Elk River Comprehensive Plan <br />Ch <br />a <br />p <br />t <br />e <br />r <br /> <br />2 <br />: <br /> <br />A <br /> <br />V <br />i <br />s <br />i <br />o <br />n <br /> <br />f <br />o <br />r <br /> <br />E <br />l <br />k <br /> <br />R <br />i <br />v <br />e <br />r <br />Importance of a Vision <br />According to an old story, two stonecutters were asked what they <br />were doing. The fi rst said, “I’m cutting this stone into blocks.” The <br />second replied, “I’m on a team that is building a cathedral.” <br />This story as fi rst told in the City’s 2004 Comprehensive Plan illustrates <br />the role of a vision in managing the growth and development. Without <br />this vision, development management works much like the fi rst <br />stonecutter with new pieces added without a clear picture of what is <br />being built. The comprehensive planning process is a tool used to guide <br />the future growth and development of Elk River. The cornerstone of this <br />process is the Vision Statement, which provides the larger picture of <br />the “cathedral” that Elk River seeks to become by offering a broad and <br />enduring view of Elk River. Each development or redevelopment must <br />help to build that vision, not just fi t cleanly with the next “stone block.”