Jackson seeks public's comment on new city plan

Jackson has hired a firm to create a long-range comprehensive plan, a guide for developing playgrounds, road improvement priorities and expanding the city, either commercially or through annexation.

Those are just a few of the topics up for discussion during a 7 p.m. Wednesday public hearing.

Representatives of the firm hired to draft the new plan will be present with city officials, to answer as well as ask questions.

"We want opinions [from the public] whether good, bad or indifferent," said Janet Sanders, the city's building and planning superintendent.

The hearing is an important early step in the process of updating Jackson's current plan, drafted in 1997.

Dan Gardner and two associates from the Naperville, Ill.-based Houseal Levigne Associates are scheduled to meet with city officials today and continue gathering information through Wednesday night.

Sanders said a good turnout by Jackson residents is important to the city and the consulting firm.

"The first hearing gives [the firm] an idea of the feel of the community," she said.

Gardner concurred with the need for resident participation.

"We always try to make it easy for anybody to be involved in the process," he said.

Sanders said an Internet survey is being created and will be available on the city's website, www.jacksonmo.org.

The designation of commercial zones, road improvements, land use and potential annexations are all influenced by the comprehensive plan. Also involved are Infrastructure upgrades affecting delivery of utilities. Gardner said the firm will offer a brief presentation explaining what a comprehensive plan is and how it benefits the community.

The new comprehensive plan is scheduled to be complete in late 2009.

The city is paying Houseal Levigne $85,000 to draft the new plan. The company's website describes the firm as "specializing in all aspects of urban planning and community development."

Gardner said his company has won many awards from the Illinois chapter of the American Planning Association.