The Kent County Planning Commission commenced updating the 2006 Kent County Comprehensíve Plan during a work session on January 7 ,2015. Sandy Coyman, Project Manager for Earth Data Inc., the County’s consultant, said, “The success of this project hinges on Kent County citizens actively reviewing and participating in updating the plan to meet the County’s current land use concerns and emerging challenges.”
At the worksession, Coyman highlighted for the Planning Commission the update process and substance of the existing Comprehensive Plan. The consultant will assemble background information on key factors affecting the County’s change in land use and the quality of life for residents. The Planning Commission and staff with the help of the consultant will analyze this information and solicit input from key stakeholders. The project team will identify existing as well as potential issues and opportunities to be addressed with this project. These will be documented in a summary background report.
The Chair of the County Planning Commission, Elizabeth Morris, said “The background report will be shared with Kent County citizens to gain perspectives and desires for maintaining and improving our quality of life and economic opportunities.” Amy Moredock, Planning Director, added o’The information will be used to review the existing plan and adapt its policies and strategies to create the framework to shape the County’s desired future.” Katrina Tucker, Community Planner, advised that “The public will be able to provide their comments through a citizen survey, additional public forums, as well as web-based platforms. Details about upcoming project events will be located on the County Planning Department’s website (https://www.kentcount)¡.com/planning/comp-plan-update .
Subjects covered by the Comprehensive Plan will include: land use, the economy, the towns and villages, the countryside, the environment, housing, transportation, community facilities and services, historic and cultural preservation, along with strategies for implementation. Other subjects may be covered as developed through the public input and data analysis.
A formal public hearing will be held when the Planning Commission completes its draft plan. They will make adjustments as needed and transmit their final recommended plan to the County Commissioners. The County Commissioners will review it, hold a public hearing and may modify, amend, approve or disapprove the plan. When adopted the comprehensive plan becoms the County’s main growth, development and community investment policy document.
The Kent County Comprehensive Plan final draft is scheduled to be brought before the County Commissioners for action next winter. For more information and/or to register your name on the Plan Update email distribution list, Kent County citizens can contact Katrina Tucker, AICP, 410.810.2220, [email protected].
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.