By JONATHAN SNYDER
A master plan, containing different implementation ideas touched on in the Wells County Vision 2035 plan, is halfway complete.
After putting together the 2035 plan — a document detailing the decision making process for zoning changes, infrastructure needs, potential transportation improvements and other areas for improvement throughout the county — the county contracted The Veridus Group to put together a document detailing specific ways to accomplish community goals.
Veridus, a project implementation firm based in Indianapolis, is putting together a master plan document meant to specify different ideas and projects, so that communities can have a roadmap for the future. The plan acts as an expansion for the Vision 2035 plan, with the goal of moving from conversation starters, set out in Vision 2035, to creating implementation ideas and expanding on the goals set in Vision 2035.
“If the Vision 2035 plan is goals and aspirations, the master plan is more specific ideas and how to implement them.” Wells County Area Plan Commission Executive Director Mike Lautzenheiser said.
Currently, Veridus is holding focus group meetings with county communities to discuss potential ideas and other needs in the area. Lautzenheiser stated that the intent is to give community leaders key principles that they adhere to for future decisions.
“The goal would be that if you were making a decision at any government level, that these vision principles would be looked at and verified that, ‘Yes, our decision we’re making is taking one of these vision principles into effect, and is why we want to do this project, because it’s helping to implement or being true to it.’” Lautzenheiser said.
“It gives them a chance to put their vision for the next 10 to 15 years on paper,” Project Manager Jack Woods of Veridus said. “Once we understand what that vision is, some specific projects and action steps can get them to where they want to be, so that they have that roadmap or plan they’re working off of right there in front of them.”
Each community will have a say in what they want their community to look like. Woods acknowledged that each community has different assets that make it unique and stated that communities like Poneto, Vera Cruz and Uniondale are relishing the opportunity to see those communities get a say.
“It’s really a great opportunity for some of the smaller communities in the county,” Woods said. “Typically, types of communities that size don’t have the resources to do a plan themselves, especially of this scale, and the county being very intentional and allowing each of those smaller municipalities to be involved. I’ve seen this as an energizing process for them. They’re really excited about it.”
Woods stated that Veridus has yet to meet with Ossian and Uniondale for their focus group meetings. Once those are completed, a community survey will be launched so the wider public can have input on the master plan. Woods stated that the survey is targeted for a late October to early November launch. Afterwards, a public open house discussing the master plan will be held.
Lautzenheiser noted that if the public is interested in being part of the steering or review process, they can contact the Area Plan Commission office and be added to the list.
jonathan@news-banner.com
