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Draft-September 2002 <br /> • Vision for Elk River <br /> Importance of a Vision? <br /> According to an old story, two stonecutters were asked what they were doing. <br /> The first said, "I'm cutting this stone into blocks." The second replied, "I'm on <br /> a team that is building a cathedral." <br /> This story describes the role of a vision on managing the growth and <br /> development of a City. Without a vision, development management works <br /> much like the first stonecutter. New pieces are added without a clear picture of <br /> what is being built. The vision provides the picture of the "cathedral" that Elk <br /> River seeks to become. Each development and redevelopment project must <br /> help to build the future,not just fit cleanly with the next"stone block". <br /> The Comprehensive Planning process has been described as building the future <br /> Elk River. The cornerstone of that building is the vision. The Vision Statement <br /> provides a broad and enduring view of Elk River. The Vision serves several <br /> purposes: <br /> • The Vision serves as a tool for evaluating proposals,projects,ideas and <br /> new directions. How does this action fit with the Vision? <br /> • • Creating a Vision Statement allows a shared understanding of <br /> community desires for the future. <br /> • The Vision encourages the community to consider the future, even to a <br /> future that is twenty years distant. <br /> • The Vision provides an anchor in times of conflict and change - a way <br /> of fording common ground and shared values. <br /> • The Vision encourages imagination, recognizing that the direction it <br /> sets will be the reality of the future. <br /> • The Vision creates energy and enthusiasm for maintaining the <br /> commitment to the Comprehensive Plan. <br /> Vision Statement <br /> The vision for the future of Elk River consists of several themes. <br /> Maintain a distinct identity for Elk River. <br /> • Elk River will keep an identity and character all its own. <br /> • Natural, cultural and historical resources of the community are essential <br /> ingredients of Elk River's identity <br /> Ill <br /> Building the Future <br /> i <br /> (\ The Comprehensive Plan for Elk River <br />