Douglas County Planning Commissioner Jill Rapella discussed the 2030 Comprehensive Master Plan with residents of Douglas County in a meeting held in May at Buffalo Ridge Elementary.

by Lisa Crockett

Growth. It is the single most important characteristic that will define Douglas County for years to come. In May, the County planning staff hosted a public work session at Buffalo Ridge Elementary School for residents of the central portion of Douglas County. The purpose of the meeting was to elicit feedback on issues residents feel are important to growth and development in Douglas County.

The meeting focused on updating the County’s “Comprehensive Master Plan,” the document which governs how the county is developed and aims to predict what the county will look like over the next 20 to 30 years. The last update to the master plan was adopted in 2001.

“Different communities have different needs,” said County Planner Joe Fowler. “We want each community to identify what they want for Douglas County.”

Participants at the meeting – approximately 20 people – were divided into groups and then asked to come up with possible goals for the county to strive for. Topics ran the gamut from trails and open space to affordable housing for senior citizens.

Ideas gathered at the meeting will be incorporated into the County’s revised Comprehensive Master Plan. Public hearings to adopt the new Master Plan will be held in late 2007 and early 2008.

For more information, visit www.douglas.co.us, then click on “2030 Comprehensive Master Plan.”