Warsaw’s Comprehensive Plan drew discussion from Warsaw Common Council and the general public Monday evening at the council’s monthly meeting.
The final draft of the comprehensive plan was presented for final adoption after several year’s work. Mayor Joe Thallemer and Jeremy Skinner, city planner, both stressed the plan is flexible and not site specific. Thallemer stated it is “guardrails to stay within.”
The plan was created utilizing input from various people, including the public. The essence of the plan is for evaluating projects for consistency and a guide. Skinner noted the city’s plan commission is working on two amendments to the plan, which will be presented in January. “The idea is this is a working document, not an ordinance or law,” said Skinner.
The last comprehensive plan adopted by the city was in 1998. The current plan will provide legitimacy when applying for Stiller Community Funds, working with MACOG and transportation planning.
According to information in the plan, the state through statute Title 36, Article 7, empowers communities to plan with the purpose of improving the health, safety, convenience and welfare of the citizens and to plan for the future development. This includes highway systems, growth with adequate public way, utility, health, educational and recreational facilities; needs for agriculture, industry and business recognized in future growth, residential areas have healthful surroundings and growth of the community is commensurate with and promotive of efficient and economical use of public funds.
The plan reflects analysis of the community, existing land uses, development trends, land use suitability and natural land features. The plan is broken down in various parts. Part one is the community profile; part two the comprehensive plan essence; part three land classification plan; part four transportation plan and part five subarea plans.
Jeff Grose, councilman and plan commission member, stated it is a helpful guide and an opportunity for all parties to look in the same direction. Mike Klondaris, councilman and plan commission member, called it a high water mark for the council.
Cindy Dobbins, councilwoman, referred to past hap hazard planning without the plan. “This will provide a look at where we are going and what it will look like. We will be able to make good decisions.”
Amy Prosser, a resident of Melody Acres, who had a copy of the plan, noted she had no idea about the plan until six months ago but, that it was her fault for not becoming involved. Her concern was the plan suggested annexation of Melody Acres in eight to 10 years. Yet she was pleased to hear the plan was a guideline, not “this is how it is going to be.”
Thallemer and Skinner both addressed the annexation. Thallemer stated it was a look to the future and it could be a possibility, but there was no time table. Both men noted annexation of an area is not a simple endeavor. Numerous considerations are taken into account.
A complete copy of the plan is available on the city’s website at: http://www.warsaw.in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1268