Citizens in Six Counties Will Be Filling Out Scorecards
The Grand Vision will present community-driven scenarios for regional growth, along with detailed information about the costs and benefits of each, at its kick-off event on Tuesday, October 7 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the State Theatre in Traverse City. The event will mark the beginning of The Grand Vision Decision, a concentrated three-week process in which residents of our six county area (Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Wexford) affected by this land use and transportation study will be asked to fill out a scorecard, rating each of the scenarios.
Presentations of the alternative growth scenarios are also scheduled in each of the counties from October 8 - October 15 (see Kickoff Schedule below). Scorecards will be available online and at a number of pick-up and drop-off locations for the convenience of residents in each county. Completed scorecards can be submitted through Tuesday, October 28.
The primary objective is to engage as many residents as possible to let their voices be heard by filling out the Grand Vision Scorecard.
Residents are encouraged to take an active role in the Grand Vision Decision by coordinating group discussions with friends, family and business associates. A "tool kit" of presentation materials will be available for this purpose and may be ordered online or by calling toll-free 866-441-5214.
"At this time, the Grand Vision consulting team is preparing various alternative growth strategies based on values surveys conducted in the region and suggestions from thousands of citizens who attended public and school workshops throughout the six counties since last October," said Matt McCauley, Associate Director of Regional Planning for the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments.
According to McCauley, a "consensus scenario" will be introduced early next year, based on the Scorecard results and a thorough analysis by the consultant team to ensure compliance with federal and state rules & regulations. After a final workshop to refine what will truly be "the people's choice," the team will assemble an implementation strategy in the spring of 2009 that includes technical and legal language and funding. Benchmarks will also be established to track the progress Grand Vision participants are making in enacting the plan at the local level. In the late summer of 2009, recommended land use and transportation reports and maps will be released leading to implementation steps in the fall.
"The goal of The Grand Vision is to plan for the inevitable growth over the next 50 years," said Marsha Smith, chair of The Grand Vision Public Involvement Committee. "In a very real sense, we're trying to ensure this area will be an even better place for our children and grandchildren and future generations."
Between now and "The Grand Vision Decision," residents throughout the region are encouraged to visit the project's website (www.thegrandvision.org) throughout the summer to learn details about the characteristics of the scenarios that will be scrutinized in the fall. Visitors to the website will also be able to see videos of people from all over the region saying what they think about growth and how it impacts our economy, environment and communities.
In addition, the website offers an email signup list, blog, YouTube videos, photos marked-up maps from previous workshops, and much more about this unique, wide-open, citizen-based regional planning project.
The Grand Vision Decision - Kickoff Schedule
Tuesday, October 7: State Theatre, Traverse City (Regional kickoff)
Thursday, October 9: Kalkaska High School (Kalkaska County )
Monday, October 13: Cadillac High School (Wexford County)
Monday, October 13: MSU Horticultural Research Station (Leelanau County)
Tuesday, October 14: Shanty Creek Resort (Antrim County)
Tuesday, October 14: Benzie Central High School (Benzie County)
All times are from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
