Time is running out to give input on Macon-Bibb County’s future
Comprehensive Plan open house is set for Tuesday and Aug. 1 is the deadline to complete the online survey
The Macon-Bibb County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee met three times since May to help shape the community’s future.
As Macon-Bibb County leaders plan priorities for the next 20 years, the public has about a week to have their voices heard in plotting the future.
The Comprehensive Plan currently under development is the “vision and policy guide for land-use decisions such as zoning and capital improvements, as well as an opportunity to assess current conditions relating to cultural preservation and protection of environmental resources.” This monthslong process is required for Macon-Bibb County to remain eligible for state funding and programs.
Tuesday at the Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning office from 11 am. to 7 p.m., P&Z staff will be available to answer questions and provide guidance on how to provide input. The hearing room is in Suite 300 in Terminal Station at 200 Cherry St.
An online survey is also available through 5 p.m. Aug. 1. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and information gathered will be compiled and the results published in the Comprehensive Plan.
A Steering Committee of local leaders has been meeting regularly to share ideas on drafting policies and shaping the plan for urban growth over the next two decades.
Property owners, residents and business owners are also a critical part of the plan development and have been providing input during several meetings across the community that have focused on the key components of the plan: preserving important natural resources; creating opportunities for the public to guide the future; identify issues, trends and accommodate change; ensure that growth makes the community better, not just bigger; foster sustainable economic development; discuss future ramifications of present decisions; protect property rights and enable public and private agencies to work together in harmony with the county’s plans.
To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan, visit maconbibbcompplan.com.
The plan draft will be reviewed Aug. 11 in a public hearing at City Hall Commission Chambers from 5:30 – 7 p.m.
The final version must be reviewed and adopted by the end of October.
– Civic Journalism Senior Fellow Liz Fabian covers Macon-Bibb County government entities and can be reached at [email protected] or 478-301-2976. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the location for the open house July 26.
