JEFFERSON, WISC. (Excerpts from dailyunion.com) – On Nov. 19, members of the public had an opportunity to learn more about the proposed City of Jefferson Comprehensive Plan that emphasizes, among other concepts, strengthening of economic development.
For the past six months, Jefferson residents and officials, along with staff from the engineering firm of Vandewalle and Associates, have been working to update the Jefferson Comprehensive Plan.
The open house was the latest step in a series of public-participation events. As part of the process, the City conducted a community workshop in September to help people understand the public vision for the future of Jefferson. Meetings and plan updates also were held with the common council, Plan Commission and Redevelopment Authority.
Vandewalle became involved in the process in July, with its more concentrated efforts beginning in August, according to Meredith Perks of Vandewalle, the lead author of the document.
Jefferson hosted the public open house to ensure the draft plan represents the opinions and desires of Jefferson residents. Perks said she and her colleagues were pleased with the turnout, which numbered about 20 people over the course of one hour.
Perks said the proposed comprehensive plan, which is 109 pages long with 36 pages of appendices, is being designed based on the City’s preceding plan, which has offered a good foundation. She said Vandewalle and City officials, such as Mayor Dale Oppermann and City Administrator Tim Freitag, also have been receiving solid direction from residents and members of City government, including the Plan Commission and City Council.
The plan addresses issues and opportunities; agricultural, natural and cultural resources; land use; transportation; utilities and community facilities; housing and neighborhood development; economic development; intergovernmental cooperation and the plan’s implementation.
Economic development is an emphasis. When the plan is adopted, the city would pursue redevelopment and infill of underutilized lands. Potential redevelopment projects include the city hall parking lot, Riverside Alley, the former Tyson Foods site, and downtown streetscape and alley improvements. The city would continue to promote downtown as the focal point of the community, with a mix of uses including increased opportunities for people to live downtown. Recreational opportunities downtown would be fostered.
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