My Position: I support a grass-roots approach where citizens determine what they want and do not want in terms of development and quality of life in their areas/neighborhoods and in the county. It should not be fast-tracked (rushed). The Helmsburg community is a good example of community leadership in planning. A comprehensive plan identifies what citizens want and do not want in terms of economic development and quality of life. The plan guides zoning, which influences our economic base and budgets.
I have been advocating for an updated plan since 2017. It was only recently that the need became more apparent to many.
Sept 5, 2024. UPDATE: The Area Plan Commissioner selected a consultant to start work on development of a new County Comprehensive Plan.
- APC Meeting Notes, Internally Lit Signs, Comp Plan, Code and Zoning Enforcement. Veridus Group, in partnership with Contacts Design, was selected as the consultant for plan development.
- A little history and context: Comprehensive Plan for Brown County and the Town of Nashville
The Commissioner Meeting on May 15, 2024, identified that the Community Foundation, two commissioners – Pittman and Wolpert, and their assistant, support fast-tracking (rushing) the development and completion of of a new county comprehensive plan by the end of the year. Pittman and Wolpert are “lame ducks” – their terms of office ends this year. Wolpert was appointed to his position by the local GOP precinct chairs by “7” votes of the 11 cast.
- o. 1:06:46 Brown County Community Foundation (BCCF): Remarks by Board Member Phil McCowan. “Who do I lean on” … to get this done by the end of year?” The foundation provided funding to the Area Plan Commission (APC) to support the development of a County Comprehensive Plan. The “funding” was contingent on the plan being completed by the “end of the year.” The amount provided is $26,000. Was this from a BCCF fund consisting of their receipt from the county of excess revenue from the Music Center (see above)?
- Commissioner Pittman. Wolpert, assistant commission Stinson appreciative of the BCCFs involvement. The county’s attorney was on Zoom/phone – no comments on the legality or appropriateness of the county accepting money from a private donor with a contingency.
Background Information:
County Comprehensive Plan. The area plan commission is responsible for developing the plan. They are applying for a $60K OCRA grant. Commissioners must vote to approve the plan. Public meetings are required. The county match is $6K. The current plan was revised in 2011 and consists of 12 pages.
The plan represents the voice of “ALL” the citizens—not just the special interests—regarding what they want and do not want in terms of development and quality of life. It provides guidance for Zoning and Special Exceptions and helps prevent “spot” zoning.
I’m Looking forward to seeing if any consultant who is selected to develop the County Comprehensive plan will accept the end-of-year constraint (unlikely).
