City of Green’s Launches 12-month Comprehensive Plan Process on April 26 at Steering Committee Meeting
GREEN, OH -- The City of Green is launching its 2023-2024 Comprehensive Plan Process at the inaugural meeting of the City’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee meeting on April 26 at 6 pm. at City Council Chambers, 1755 Town Park Blvd.
This first steering committee meeting will review the purpose, scope and timeline for the development of the 2023-2024 comprehensive plan as well as an overview of Green’s community profile. The public may attend all steering committee meetings, observe discussions, and will be provided with an opportunity to speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. Throughout the plan’s development process, there will be multiple opportunities for input from the community at large. The steering committee is charged with hosting these public events and helping to spread the word to the community about the importance of having their feedback included.
The 20-member steering committee includes one representative from each of the City’s boards and commissions, one representative from City Council, representatives from the city’s business and non-profit communities, 5 members of the community at large and one student from Green High School. This process is being led by key members of city staff responsible for implementing the plan and Kleinfelder Consultants approved by City Council January 10, 2023.
“We appreciate the time and energy the committee members have committed to this process,” said Wayne Wiethe, Planning Director for the City of Green. “Several members bring a wealth of experience from their service on various city committees, and others bring a unique perspective as business, nonprofit and community leaders. We are also pleased to welcome a student voice to the steering committee. All of these perspectives are necessary to creating a vision and focus to guide key decisions for the next decade.”
Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan
A comprehensive plan is a long-term strategic document that guides the physical, economic, social and environmental development of a community. It is a blueprint that outlines the goals, objectives and policies for land use, transportation, housing, community facilities, infrastructure and economic development. The final product should represent the community’s vision and include a list of recommendations to achieve that vision. This document guides decisions made by City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission (PZC), Design Review Board and other decision-making bodies. It is also a living document that is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect changing needs and circumstances. While the development of a comprehensive plan requires key steps like documenting existing conditions, developing a needs analysis and identifying future trends, one of the most critical ingredients is public feedback.
“A comprehensive plan is a road map for the community’s future. Working with the community to develop solutions can produce creative and innovative results that might not have emerged otherwise. We are committed to engaging with our community at every stage of this plan’s development,” said Wiethe.
History of the Comprehensive Plan
The first Long Range Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Policy Guide was approved by Green City Council on October 23, 1996, just four years after Green was incorporated as a city. It was updated in 2004 as the Long-Range Land Use Plan and again in 2014. Previous plans were served by a volunteer steering committee, Planning and Zoning Commission members, city staff and a consultant to facilitate and produce the final plan.
Process of Developing the Comprehensive Plan
Throughout the next 12 months, the consultants will review previous long-range plans and other planning documents previously approved by City Council in order to discuss and recommend ideas to fit current and future needs of Green. Following the creation of a preliminary framework, community input will be sought at multiple points and by varied methods throughout the process. Residents and business owners are invited to stay up to date on the plan process, upcoming steering committee meetings and draft documents by subscribing to the City’s Comprehensive Plan page: www.cityofgreen.org/compplan.
The final draft will be presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their review and recommendation. Upon favorable recommendation from PZC, the plan will then be submitted to City Council for final approval.
The City of Green, Ohio, founded in 1992, is a prosperous, progressive and promising city with more than 27, 475 residents. Approximately 33.5 square-miles, Green is located in southern Summit County. Visit www.cityofgreen.org.
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