Open house Wednesday for county growth plan

An open-house format "town meeting" on the development of a growth policy for Lincoln County is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, in the meeting room on the lower level of the county annex at 418 Mineral Ave.

The meeting is the first in what will become a series as the policy is developed over the course of the spring and summer, said county planner Mary Klinkam. The policy is being drafted by a nine-member planning board established last April. There are three board members from each of the county's three districts, Klinkam said.

Counties are required by state law to have a growth policy. Wednesday's meeting will provide an overview of the planning process and the issues to be addressed by the policy.

The policy will cover issues including land uses, natural resources, local services, economics, public facilities, housing needs and population trends. It will serve as a guideline for future regulations.

Wednesday's meeting will also provide an opportunity for county residents to provide input on the planning process. The planning board recently mailed 5,000 surveys to registered voters, asking them to prioritize issues and list what they like and dislike about Lincoln County. The survey also includes sketches of two different approaches to residential development and asks those responding which they prefer.

About 500 of the surveys have been returned so far, Klinkam said.

Anyone who didn't get a survey in the mail can find it online at www.lincolncountymt.us or request a copy from Klinkam's office at 293-7781 extension 292.