There are too many banks and real estate offices. It keeps the downtowen area from being vibrant. We need more retail destinations preferably not chains.

I'd have to agree with K. Beck. Sweet Beads, Crafty Yankee, Sweet Indulgences, Candy Castle, Michelson's Shoes, Theatre Pharmacy, Mario's, Nourish, the Venue -- they all say "Lexington." The only consolation is that the Historic Districts and Design Advisory committees will keep an eye on the signage. I'll never forget when one bank painted the limestone front and the HDC made them sandblast it off.

I would like to see more non-chain family friendly restaurants...............like Anna's Taqueria.

We don't need a PANERA or a another chain store in Lexington. What we like to see is something unique and definitely NOT a PANERA. This is going to bring a lot of traffic and chaos to our peaceful town.

Please NO PANERA in Lexington!

Hey -- I have an idea: how about an Electric Vehicle Charging Station?!

Larry, you may be joking, but in a few years we're going to see those everywhere. Great to see you at the meeting the other day.

Bike rental shop, store that sells a range of activewear and athletic clothing and shoes (remember Thunder Sports), stores that attract cyclists and walkers off the Bikeway into the center.

A cafe that supports the music and art scene. We were just at the Main St. Cafe in Groton to hear Lexington resident Jon Dreyer play jazz. It was a great evening, one I'd like to have in my own town.

We could use a hardware shop where we could find small items for home and/or business use..

The mix of uses currently in the Center reflects the market and what services the community is requesting...to some degree, by default. There isn't a specific business I think is missing from the Center, but maintaining a variety of small locally owned businesses is an important part of maintaining a unique Town character. Perhaps the powers-that-be could explore ways to encourage this via financial incentives and outreach.

There is certainly a perception (if not a reality) that there are too many banks and real estate offices in the center. How about a bookstore ? I know it's so easy to order books online and/or go to Barnes&Noble, so maybe a bookstore would have to be more creative in it's offerings. Also, non-chain restaurant.

Hey guys,
Thanks for all of the great feedback. Keep it up! It was brought to our attention yesterday that the story we posted about the Raveis expansion neglected to mention that, while two bookstores have left Lexington Center, there has also been the addition of a children's book store, The Elephant's Trunk.

I agree with K. Beck - way too many banks and real estate offices. Walden Books replaced by a fancy real estate office - really?? Stroll through Concord Center - shops that have clothes adults can wear to work, cafes that serve real food and are busy all day long. Lexington pales by comparison.

I agree that we have more than enough banks and real estate offices. I would add salons to that list. It would be GREAT to be able to buy basic groceries in the center - especially fresh produce. I miss the used book store. It was a great use of second floor space. We found many treasures there. More non-chain restaurants would be appreciated. We still drive to Flora in Arlington for a special meal. However, I do think that we would find a Panera useful and I welcome the people it would bring who would likely help other businesses in town. I stop in at the Meat House in Arlington after having met someone for coffee at Panera there. Wouldn't an English style pub be nice - but Nourish, Lexx and Buca provide a bit of that atmosphere.

Thank you Larry. I learned you weren't joking right after that comment -- and have already spoken to a few people. Would love to talk to you too.

Would love to see more restaurants and fewer banks/RE offices. A friend of mine says his bank has been looking at Lexington for an office. Oh, no! Love The Elephants Trunk for the kids but would like a book store back. Agree on the hardware store too...nothing huge just a local shop to get everyday items.

I look forward to Panera in town.