Community Character
The character of a community defines a place and sets that place apart from others. Character is not easily monetized, but it has tremendous value. Community character takes generations to build, but is quickly damaged.
Afton's location within a major metropolitan area belies the rural atmosphere that greets commuters at its borders. Residents and visitors to Afton know they have arrived somewhere special. When asked what they like best about living in Afton, residents had many different answers; all are crucial to making Afton a unique home town.
Afton residents value rural qualities: open spaces, active farm lands, abundant wildlife, and the historic district which is our commercial and residential "Old Village". Afton residents enjoy Afton's proximity to the St. Croix River, state and regional parks, the convenient location of the City to commercial centers, reasonable taxes, good schools, and the community identity[1].
(MAP OF HISTORIC SITES)
The purpose of the Afton Comprehensive Plan is to perpetuate this character. It is to identify and capture those things that make Afton a unique and special place and protect them for current and future residents. This Comprehensive Plan seeks to:
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to promote the health, safety, and welfare of the City of Afton and its residents,
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preserve agriculture and open space,
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protect groundwater and natural resources,
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maintain historical character of the Old Village,
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ensure a safe and pleasant environment for residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial and public activities, and
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ensure a strong tax base which will provide the resources needed to maintain our quality of life.
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