County working toward revision of Comprehensive Plan
The Jefferson County Commission and the Departments of Planning and Zoning are currently initiating a 24-month planning process for the development of the 2014 Comprehensive Plan, “Envision Jefferson 2035”.
While the Jefferson County Department of Planning staff will have a leadership role in this planning process, the County Commission has determined that a Steering Committee would be an asset in the development of the 2014 Comprehensive Plan. This Committee will be comprised of members appointed by the County Commission who will provide input, policy feedback and recommendations to staff.
Steering committee members will assist staff in assessing the public’s input into local planning issues and policies, be mindful of current political issues and be educated on best management practices of Planning and Comprehensive Plan concepts for possible inclusion into the 2014 Comprehensive Plan. The Steering Committee is expected to be formed by early November 2012. The 2014 Comprehensive Plan is projected to be finalized in the fall of 2014 for adoption by the County Commission by December 2014.
The County Commission has determined that each of the five commissioners will appoint two citizens to serve on the Steering Committee from their geographic area of the county and jointly appoint two to three members at large. The commissioners are requesting that interested citizens apply to be considered by the close of business Wednesday Oct. 10. Application forms can also be found at www.jeffersoncountywv.org/uploads/planning/Steering Committee Press Release 10-01-12.pdf.
Interested citizens should be aware that participation in the steering committee requires a commitment to attend meetings once or twice a month for the 24-month planning period from November 2012 through December 2014. There will be a kick-off meeting for the steering committee in November 2012 which may include a 2 – 4 hour retreat to discuss group dynamics and ground rules.
There will also be expected participation in public input meetings which will be held at four different phases throughout the two-year process. The interested individual will be required to be involved in at least one additional sub-committee that will require additional meetings. Most meetings will be held at 7 p.m. or on Saturday.