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Survey results determine next step for HowlandJanuary 12, 2009 - By DARCIE LORENO Howland Community News
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HOWLAND - With the results of a township survey in, defining a community identity is the next step in the revamp of Howland's comprehensive community plan. During a community forum set for Thursday, residents can get an overview of the plan and offer their ideas on a township identity, including how it can be set apart from neighboring communities. "The one thing trustees wanted us to address, was they wanted a firm to look at an identity," said Glen Grisdale, planning manager of Stantec, the company hired to spearhead the comprehensive plan. "A lot of times you're in the township and you don't know where you're at." The township hired Stantec in March 2008 to update the plan, which was last completed in 1999. The plan addresses issues like land use, transportation, environmental issues and economic developments. A Comprehensive Community Plan Committee was formed last year and in August a 23-question community survey was available online for residents to complete and offer input on township services, activities, issues and quality of life. The results will be used to help develop goals and objectives f or the plan. At Thursday's meeting, residents will get a chance to help officials refine concepts including promotion of a community identity, suitable locations for gateways, visible township identifiers and other signage, according to a press release. "They thought we needed a fresh new perspective," said Grisdale. "They hope this identity will bridge into a new gateway and landmarks to let people know when they've arrived in the township." Further down the road, said Grisdale, another forum will be held when the comprehensive plan work is complete. Officials had originally estimated the work would be done sometime in fall of 2009. |
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Fact BoxSurvey results, which are listed in full detail at www.planhowland.com 93 percent of 420 voters were homeowners, 54 percent were female and 31 percent said they've been township residents 31 to 49 years. When asked why they live in the township, 57 percent said location and 47 percent schools. Participants could give more than one reason. 52 percent rated quality of life as good. More than 60 percent most supported efforts to keep youth in the township, preservation of natural resources, street improvements and alternative energy sources. Less than 40 percent most supported tourism/festival development, township gateways in key locations and the attraction/retention of light industries. As far as township services or qualities, most rated fire and police protection as excellent. Categories for street conditions, job opportunities and cultural and entertainment opportunities were among those rated in lower categories. |