Nearly Eighty Attend First Middletown Comp. Plan Input Session

Nearly 80 people came out to Union Grove Distillery on March 26th to participate in the first Middletown Comprehensive Plan public input session.

MIDDLETOWN - Middletown Comprehensive Plan Committee members held the first public input session on March 26th. Nearly 80 people came out to participate at Union Grove Distillery.

“It was great to see so many people show up to our first public input meeting for the comprehensive plan. I’m a big proponent of the philosophy that if you don’t engage, you can’t complain,” said Councilmember Robin Williams.

A comprehensive plan is designed to guide a municipality in united future goals. The plan can be critical for securing grant awards or for advocating against state and federal regulations. Middletown, Margaretville, and Fleishmanns are working together to update the plan, last revised in 2011.

Committee members include Luke Beemer, Annie Pevear, Harold Kuhn, Todd Pascarella, Lissa Harris, Rebecca DeVito, Gary Kusen, Steve Finch, Zach Baldwin-Way, and Williams. The members are working with the Barton & Loguidice consulting firm.

Barton & Loguidice representatives reviewed Middletown demographics and other data, including business industries, land use, flooding, and zoning.

Comprehensive plan survey results indicated five priority areas: healthcare access; affordable housing; parks, trails, and natural resources; transportation; and the availability of grocery and dining options. Attendees were provided with prompt questions on topic areas to better understand community needs. The questions, answers, and survey results can be viewed by visiting the plan’s website at bandl.mysocialpinpoint.com/mmf-jointcompplan

“I thank every person that came out to contribute innovative ideas and stayed solution-focused,” said Williams, “We have a beautiful community, and I can’t wait to see where this plan helps guide us in the future.”

Folks can still provide feedback on priority topics by visiting bandl.mysocialpinpoint.com/mmf-jointcompplan/mmf-pim-1-activity

A pop-up Comprehensive Plan event is tentatively planned for May; check the website for updates.