Work is underway to develop a new Alexander County Comprehensive Plan and citizen input is being sought to help guide the county’s future. An online survey will be available beginning May 22, and a series of public input sessions have been scheduled.
The survey may be accessed at https://bit.ly/ac-plan-survey (or scan the QR code with your phone’s camera). The public input sessions are scheduled for May 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sugar Loaf Volunteer Fire Department, May 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hiddenite Arts Educational Complex, May 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, and May 31 at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. at the Alexander County Services Center.
According to Brian Burgess, Director of Planning & Development, the Alexander County Comprehensive Plan touches on almost every component of quality of life. The plan addresses issues like public services, land use and flexibility, the natural environment and culture, and a variety of other facets that matter to Alexander County’s citizens, visitors, and local businesses.
“A comprehensive plan is a document that identifies and distinguishes the county’s vision for the future and determines its goals, objectives, and strategies that guide the decision-making process,” said Burgess. “We highly encourage our citizens to complete the online survey or attend one of our public input sessions because we want the plan to reflect the thoughts and ideas of our residents.”
The survey has eight (8) topics: Demographics, Land Use, Transportation, Economic Development, Housing, Public Facilities, Environment & Recreation, Historic & Cultural Resources, and Closing Questions. The survey will take about 15-20 minutes to complete, depending on how much information is shared.
The Alexander County Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee members are Commissioners Marty Pennell and Josh Lail, Allison Brown, Tyler Brown, Bud Caywood, David Icenhour, Sharon Mehaffey, Harry Schrum, and Brian Walker.