Shenandoah 2045: Collaboration
Apr 25, 2022
Our conversation with Tyler Hinkle, Shenandoah County's Planner is part of an ongoing series following the work on Shenandoah 2045 - Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan. Joining us to talk about the collaboration that happens between the localities was Erick Moore, Director of Planning & Development for the town of Mount Jackson and his counterpart in Woodstock: Jill Jefferson, Urban Designer & Neighborhood Planner.
Each explained their comprehensive plan development/updating process and talked about past plans.
Erick explained that in addition to focusing on development, town council has tasked him with placing a greater importance on outdoor recreation & preservation. This is based on feedback they've received for and since the 2017 comprehensive plan process. He talked about the "Rails to Trails" project and how it will play a role in their future plans. He talked about how vital planning for projects like these are to maximum enjoyment upon completion.
Jill explained her role as Urban Designer & Neighborhood Planner for the town of Woodstock. She told us about all the various entities and government agencies that have input into their planning process such as planning commissions, town councils and boards of supervisors. We talked about the impact housing and growth could have on existing plans as well as what their process will look like later this year when planning begins again to update theirs.
Most of our conversation centered around the collaboration that happens within each locality not just during the planning process and implementation; but, also with neighboring towns and localities as well as with the county as a whole. Both Jill & Erick are happy to also have access to survey results and citizen input for their localities that has been/will be gathered by the county during their process. Jill & Erick also talked about preserving the green space, park space and access to the Shenandoah River being a large part of their community.
Tyler told us about a few upcoming community collaboration sessions where they'll be set up at local events happening in May across the county.
- Battle of the Bands in Mount Jackson on May 7, 2022.
- Strasburg's MayFest on May 14, 2022.
- Jammin' Foods Fest in New Market on May 21, 2022.
- Shenandoah Valley ArtFest in Woodstock on June 25, 2022.
As always, we discussed all the ways that residents of Shenandoah County can (and should) participate in the planning process. Feedback is vitally important and everyone involved in developing the plan is anxious for input from county citizens.
Get more information, take the survey and make contact on their website: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/future/ and on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shenandoah2045