Public asked to comment on comprehensive plan

By TAYLOR BROWN 

tbrown@yourmvi.com

Public input is being sought for the Mid Mon Valley Regional Comprehensive Plan.

The project is financed through a $40,000 matching grant administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development to update the current plan, which is more than 15 years old. 

Allenport, Elco, Stockdale, Dunlevy, Coal Center and Roscoe each contributed an additional $40,000 to hire a consulting firm. The project is being handled by Martinak Planning and Consulting. 

Such plans are typically updated every 10 years and are used to guide involved communities as they develop plans for their future and identify common goals and objectives. 

Each community involved has representatives on the committee who have been involved in the project so far. 

They are eager to hear input from local residents at a meeting this week. 

MaryEllen Obitko, a representative of the zoning commission in Allenport, said the plan is necessary. 

“A comprehensive plan is an important thing,” she said. “As communities, we all have growing needs. This is a chance for citizens to voice their concerns and give their input. So many times people want to complain, but that right is given up if you don’t take the opportunity to speak your mind. This is that chance.” 

Obitko expects fresh ideas from the residents. 

“I am sure people in communities have good ideas and we truly want to hear them,” she said. “Things are happening across the state because people participate and it helps get things done, so we really hope if anyone has time that they will stop out to make sure they are informed.” 

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