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November Public Outreach Forums

November Public Outreach 1 November Public Outreach 2 November Public Outreach 3 November Public Outreach 4 November Public Outreach 5 November Public Outreach 6

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Overview

In November 2007, the residents of Union County were invited to attend a series of public forums to openly discuss pressing issues, challenges, and opportunities facing Union County. The intent of the forums was to generate discussion and gather citizen input for the development of a comprehensive long-range plan for the County. To encourage participation, three outreach forums were held, one in the Western, Eastern, and Central planning areas, respectively.

The Western Planning Area forum took place at the Hartley Township Community Center in Laurelton on November 14, 2007 at 7:00 pm. This forum attracted 34 attendees.

The Eastern Planning Area forum took place at the Union County Government Center in Lewisburg on November 15, 2007 at 8:30 am. A total of 62 residents attended this meeting.

The Central Planning Area forum took place at the Sun Area Career & Technology Center in New Berlin on November 15, 2007 at 7:00 pm. In attendance at this forum were 33 residents.

The total number of residents from the County who attended one of three forums was 129.

Forum Format

Each forum followed a similar format during which participants were asked three questions to discuss:

  1. What are the County\’s greatest strengths?
  2. What are the County\’s biggest weaknesses?
  3. What ideas do you have for the future of the County?

The responses to each question are summarized in the attached document. The tallies of each forum were tabulated individually and as a whole as part of the evaluation.

Findings

In general, the results were very similar from forum to forum with a few notable differences.

Strengths of Union County

The top five strengths overall of Union County were identified as the following:

  1. Natural Resources, Farmland, and Open Space
  2. Rural Environment, Beauty, Character
  3. Recreational Opportunities (Outdoor)
  4. Education
  5. Sense of Community/Quality of Life

The Central Planning Area rated all five of these issues among the top five issues on their list although not necessarily in the same order.

The Eastern Planning Area identified Natural Resources, Rural Environment and Education among its top five issues. In addition, this area cited Access to Healthcare and Good Infrastructure/Location for Industry as significant strengths of the County.

The Western Planning Area agreed with three of the top five overall issues including Natural Resources, Recreation, and Education. It also recognized Agriculture and Clean Environment as major strengths.

Weakness of Union County

The top five overall weaknesses of the County are:

  1. Sprawl/Lack of Regulation/Threats to Open Space
  2. Lack/Loss of Employment
  3. Lack of Public Transportation and Transportation Options
  4. Lack of Local Government Cooperation
  5. Lack of Biking/Hiking Paths and Recreation

The Central Planning Area reiterated Sprawl, Lack of Safe Bike Paths/Recreation, and Lack of Public Transportation among its top five weaknesses of the County. In addition, it cited a Lack of Concern for the Environment and the Loss of Wildlife Habitat; Inadequate Farmland Preservation (tie); and the Poor Use of Existing Infrastructure and Facilities (tie) among the top five weaknesses.

The Eastern Planning Area agreed almost entirely with the overall top five weaknesses with the exception of item 5: Lack of Biking/Hiking Paths and Recreation. In its place, it cited Limited Local Government Control.

The Western Planning Area also agreed largely with the top five overall weaknesses including: Sprawl; Lack/Loss of Employment, which they noted as Loss of Industry; Lack of Government Cooperation; and Sprawl. This area also noted the I-80 Tolls (tie) as a weakness as well as Restrictive Zoning (tie).

Ideas for the Future of Union County

The top five overall ideas for the future of the County are:

  1. Better Ordinances/Zoning to Contain Sprawl and Reduce Land Consumption
  2. Build Close to Existing Towns/Smart Growth/Traditional Neighborhood Development
  3. Trails/Walkways/Improve Pedestrian, Buggy, Bike Safety
  4. Develop a Common Regional Vision
  5. Preserve Farmland/Agriculture (tie)
    Improve Public Transportation/Provide Transportation Alternatives (tie)

The Central Planning Area agreed with all of the top five proposed ideas for the future of Union County. However, it should be noted this forum specifically cited the need for "More Recreational Opportunities particularly for those aged 14-20," which would be partially fulfilled by Trails/Walkways and Improved Pedestrian/Bike Safety.

The Eastern Planning Area also agreed fully with the top five proposed ideas for the future of Union County, although not necessarily in the same order. Please note that this area used the phrase "Use of Sustainable Design, Energy & Redevelopment," the principles of which are similar to idea 2: Build Close to Existing Towns/Smart Growth/Traditional Neighborhood Development although it does suggest other sustainable design measures as well.

The Western Planning Area cited three of the top five overall ideas for the County including: Reduce Land Consumption; Focus Growth Around Existing Towns; and Preserve Agriculture. It also proposed: Protect Natural Resources (addressed by several of the top five ideas); Attract Better Jobs (tie); and Make Towns More Affordable (tie).