Business

June 16, 2009

Long-term plan for counties on tap

Public information sessions will determine how to better use resources.

By Jerry Lynott jlynott@timesleader.com
Business Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – The first of three public information meetings on far-reaching plans impacting development and conservation in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties will be held tonight at Luzerne County Community College.

The counties are collaborating on the first of its kind project to create a comprehensive plan that includes long-range transportation and hazard mitigation.

The plans’ aim is to assist the counties in determining where to grow, what to preserve and how to use their resources to accomplish those goals.

A preliminary draft of the land use plan will be presented at the meetings this week. Public input from the sessions will further shape the plan, said Adrian Merolli, executive director of the Luzerne County Planning Commission.

The project team is seeking input on topics such as housing; utilities; natural, historic and cultural resources; mineral resources; water supply; transportation and agricultural land.

“We take all input into the process,” Merolli said Monday.

The plans have been in the works for approximately two years and will take a while longer to complete and implement.

In late 2007 the counties hired McCormick Taylor Inc. of Philadelphia as consultant for the $1.12 million project.

Merolli said the data collection and mapping are almost complete. In addition there have been a number of committee meetings.

A project update held last October drew few interested citizens and Merolli encouraged people to attend any of the meetings.

Public meetings on bi-county plans

Tonight in Room 132 of the Education Conference Center, Luzerne County Community College, 1333 S. Prospect St., Nanticoke

Wednesday in the Hazleton Area School District Administration Building (across from the high school), 1515 W. 23rd St., Hazleton

Thursday in the Pearn Auditorium of Brennan Hall, University of Scranton, 320 Madison Ave., Scranton

Meetings’ schedule: 6 p.m., open house mapping displays; 7 p.m., presentation; 8 p.m., questions and discussion

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