Steamboat Pilot & Today

Steamboat Springs — It was a little disappointing to learn that just 40 of the Community Area Plan Update questionnaires have been returned.

The deadline to return the questionnaires is Friday. Residents can get them at the city and county planning departments.

The Community Area Plan is a critical document that will help shape future policies governing the community. For those who have strong opinions about those policies but who have not been involved in the community plan update, the questionnaire offers an excellent opportunity to ensure your voice is heard.

For those who are unsure about the issues before the community and are concerned about background information, the Community Area Plan Coordinating Committee has worked with consultant Clarion Associates to provide a 25-page informational packet. The questionnaire is the back of that packet.

The packet presents information on both sides of several key issues, including land use, growth management, community design and transportation.

As we noted in an earlier editorial, a true community plan reflects the wishes and needs of the entire community. Obviously, 40 residents do not comprise an entire community.

The Community Area Plan Coordinating Committee has done a good job of reaching out to community organizations to explain the process of updating the plan. Several presentations have been made to community groups.

Now it is our turn to respond. As city planner Tom Leeson said, "this is really where the rubber hits the road. It is actual policy and steps."

Lafarge's application for a permit to mine gravel in the south valley elicited a strong, emotional response from those both for and against the application. But that response was largely reactive. The questionnaire offers the chance to be proactive, to influence policy now and avoid disappointment later.

We urge residents to make their voices heard by taking the time during the next three days to pick up questionnaires, fill them out and return them.