Residents Encouraged to Get Involved
Lewisburg, March 28, 2023: Union County residents are urged to attend one of the upcoming comprehensive plan public meetings.The open house format sessions will be held from 8:00 AM to 10 AM on Wednesday, April 19th at the Union County Government Center located at 155 N. 15th Street in Lewisburg; from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on April 20th at the White Deer Township Building located at 2191 Creek Road in New Columbia; and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on April 27th at 300 East Chestnut Street in Mifflinburg inside the Mifflinburg Bank and Trust Company.
The purpose of the meetings is to give residents an opportunity to share their concerns and ideas about how to improve the county and their community. There is also a virtual open house option for those that prefer to weigh in on the future of the county from the comfort of their home. The online version can be accessed at www.unioncountyplan.org and will be available from April 5th through May 31st, 2023. Both formats will cover what a comprehensive plan is and county trends while giving participants a chance to identify what is needed now and over the next 10 years, including being able to designate specific issues or ideas on a map.
The comprehensive plan is intended to be a guide for the future and will address community and economic development, housing, agricultural and natural resources, land use and zoning, transportation, community facilities, utilities and cultural, historic, and recreational resources. For example, the plan when completed will make recommendations on what areas make the most sense for new housing while also suggesting where productive farmland should be retained to support the county’s agricultural economy. The plan may also identify priority projects to be undertaken by county and local governments in the future such as road construction, bridge replacement, park and recreation improvements, and sewer system upgrades, among others.
If you are concerned about the quality of living, support having economically competitive and vibrant communities and are interested in how public resources are invested in the future then you are encouraged to participate. “Meaningful public input is key so plan on joining us at one of the open house meetings or visit us through the virtual open house to share your concerns, ideas and passion for Union County,” said Union County Planning and Economic Development Director Shawn McLaughlin.
For more information about the comprehensive plan or assistance with the virtual open house call the Union County Planning and Economic Development Office at 570.524.3840, stop by the office at 155 North 15th Street in Lewisburg or email lrussell@unionco.org.