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Architectural Style and Character Downtown has the most distinctive architectural character within the community, with its Victorian and "Main Street" buildings. The contemporary architecture and site planning of the newer business parks are also distinctive and express a strong image of progressive businesses with a concern for the working environment of employees. Building heights remain relatively low, contributing to Pleasanton's small-town character. Older residential neighborhoods are open and accessible to one another instead of being closed by way of cul-de-sacs and limited through-streets. Parking garages sit behind homes leaving front yards for neighbors to gather and children to play, rather than for parking cars or as garage entries. Families and friends gather outdoors on the front porches where they may greet pedestrians passing by, instead of closing themselves in back yards. Other buildings within the community vary in style and character, but not abruptly, since most of the growth has occurred within the last few decades. Light colors and earth tones predominate in houses and commercial buildings throughout both urban and rural areas of Pleasanton. These colors blend in with the open areas and provide a sense of openness in more developed areas. Arroyos and Canals Pleasanton's arroyos and canals are defining features of the community which have influenced past development decisions and offer future open-space linkage opportunities. Even more than the railroad corridors, they open up vistas to distant hills, provide open space within the heart of the city, establish habitats for various forms of plant and wildlife and allow a venue for trails. Adjacent to several arroyos are pedestrian and bicycle pathways that are safely separated from vehicle traffic. Sustainability The concept of sustainability and sustainable development is embedded in Pleasanton's community character in various ways. These include: . The preservation of open spaces which frame the City and encourage urban infill where development can be served most efficiently. . The preservation and reuse of older and historic structures in the Downtown which saves the use of resources and energy, and creates linkages between the past, present, and future. . The design of commercial areas, especially the Downtown, which attract businesses that contribute to the ongoing economic vitality of the community. . The City's urban design which places schools, parks and neighborhood shopping centers close to residential areas. . Landscaping that provides shade and is sparing in water use. SPECIAL INTEREST AREAS Pleasanton includes many clearly identified design districts such as the Downtown, Hacienda and Bernal Corporate business parks, Alameda County Fairgrounds, Foothill Road area, etc. The design of specific areas impacts Pleasanton's character in positive and negative ways. Many areas are highly Community Chamcter 011607 clew 10-4 1/1/2fYJ7