What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A Comprehensive Plan (CP) is a road map used to guide today’s County decision-making in order to have a better tomorrow. In more technical terms, a CP is the adopted official statement of the Clay County Board of Commissioners that sets forth (in words, maps, illustrations and/or tables) goals, policies, and guidelines intended to direct present and future physical, social, and economic development that occurs in Clay County.
What topics will be covered?
When thinking about a CP, it is helpful to think about the many things needed to make the county function. The CP evaluates things that happen in the county individually and in the context of how they relate to one another. A CP investigates demographic data and also evaluates existing county conditions, such as economic development, cultural resources, community facilities, housing, land stewardship, water resources, transportation, community facilities and services, schools, and parks and recreation. The gathered data and information, combined with community input will then be used to generate a set of goals, policies, and recommendations that will guide Clay County in the future.
How long will the plan take to complete?
The CP will take approximately eighteen (18) months to complete.
Who will pay for the plan and how much does it cost?
The County will pay for the CP, which is being developed with assistance from the NC Division of Community Assistance. The budget for the planning process is approximately $2,000.00.
How can I be involved?
Citizens will be involved throughout the eighteen month planning period. Formal community input meetings will be taken at least three points throughout the process. The first step will include vision setting and issue identification, the second input point will allow citizens and the committee to check-up on plan progress to make sure there is mutual understanding, and the third formal input point will be the draft plan comment period.
Other community participation tools may be used between formal community meetings. Community members are welcome to attend the planning committee’s monthly meetings, however, citizens should be aware that committee meetings are working meetings and community input will not be heard. Citizens may also submit comments on the Plan website and talk with Planning Committee members.
Where do I get more information?
A website has been created and this is where the most up-to-date information can be found. The site is www.claycountycomp.wordpress.com. Citizens are also welcome to submit comments via the website and are encouraged to talk with CP committee members.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Dr. Gail Criss, Chair
Clay County Comprehensive Planning Committee
Phone: (828) 361-3481
Email: bgcriss@verizon.net
Kristy Carter, Coordinator
NC Division of Community Assistance
31 College Place, Building B
Asheville, NC 28801
Phone: (828) 251-6914
Fax: (828) 251-6918
Email: kcarter@nccommerce.com
Clay County Transportation provides both human service transportation and public transportation to the elderly, disabled, and general population of Clay County. We are bringing over $700,000 of federal grants into the County this year. We have a stake in the future of the County and I would like to have the opportunity to discuss are vision of public transportion place in your plan
By: Rebecca Smith on July 30, 2009
at 8:01 pm
Ms. Smith–
Thanks for visiting the website and thanks for making a comment.
We welcome your involvement! In most of our committee meetings, the value of Clay County Transportation has been acknowledged. Our October discussion topic is transportation, and while you have not yet received an invitation to be one of our guest speakers at that meeting, be assured that an invitation is on it’s way. I’ll follow up with you in a personal email.
There are other ways to be involved–there will soon (Sept. 1) be a community survey on which you can provide feedback, we will be hosting a series of community meetings, and, if you are interested, we can work with you to gather together a small group of people to provide input.
We look forward to learning from you!
By: claycountycomp on July 30, 2009
at 8:21 pm
Recently a task force has been formed to investigate Broadband initiatives available to Clay County. Our committee is researching all avenues for information and grant opportunities to improve the economic status of our rural county.
We are working with our Commissioner Harry Jarrett to better inform and communicate with the citizens and businesses within our County. Your input is vital and requested.
Thank you
By: Mary Wiegold on February 10, 2010
at 10:04 am
Thank you making us aware of your efforts. The Comprehensive Planning Committee discussed infrastructure, which included broadband access, at its December meeting. The meeting materials are posted here. The committee recognizes the need for increased access. Also, based on preliminary community input results, the need for increased broadband access for economic development efforts and overall quality of life is an important issue to the broader community. We welcome more dialogue with your group and the Comprehensive Plan Committee.
By: claycountycomp on February 15, 2010
at 4:58 pm