Published: January 14, 2009 10:23 am      

Public invited to planning meeting

Cass County residents and business owners are invited to help county officials shape Cass County’s future at two upcoming open houses.

The meetings are scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 27 at the Walton Library, 110 N. Main St., and Jan. 29 at the Twelve Mile Community Center, corner of Ind. 16 and Jefferson Street.

With a challenging economic climate and little projected growth, what will Cass County look like in the future? What changes are desired? What type of development is desired? These are the types of questions participants will be asked to consider.

A series of exhibits dealing with land use, transportation, economic development, parks and recreation, and community facilities will give participants a preview of the planning that has begun and challenge people to think about the future of Cass County. These sessions will be informal, allowing those interested to come any time between 6 and 8 p.m., view the work, offer comments and ask questions of the consultants and county officials who are preparing the plan.

This year-long planning process will result in a new comprehensive plan for the unincorporated areas of Cass County and its towns. The plan will be a guide for land use over the next 20 years, and officials say public participation is essential to the success of the project.