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3. The absence of off-street parking frustrates potential <br />shoppers and discourages individuals thinking of <br />opening businesses along Portage Avenue. <br />4. Communication linkages among existing businesses <br />and neighborhood organizations are weak probably <br />because there is no organization to represent the <br />businesses. <br />5. The deteriorated condition of existing public <br />infrastructure contributes to the perception of decline. <br />Opportunities <br />1. Develop attractive, safe off-street parking for the <br />commercial nodes. <br />2. Improve public and private lighting to prevent an <br />appearance of poor security. <br />3. Encourage private appearance enhancements at the <br />commercial nodes through a facade and landscaping <br />program. <br />4. Encourage developers to examine opportunities to <br />redevelop vacant and underutilized space at the <br />Martins node. <br />5. Encourage adaptive reuse of commercial buildings not <br />located in the nodes. <br />6. Clear derelict buildings and plant low maintenance <br />landscapes. <br />7. Develop communication and program linkages <br />between the neighborhoods and businesses. <br />8. Partner with schools to provide employment and <br />convenience shopping opportunities for students. <br />9. Use public space appearance enhancement to set an <br />example for actions by the private sector. <br />The Action Plan that follows outlines specific tactics to build on <br />the strengths of Portage Avenue and overcome the challenges. <br />Portage Avenue Corridor Revitalization Plan October 1999 Page 13 <br />