Comprehensive plan kicks off

	TRR photo David Hulse Planner Carol Truppi of HRG Consulting explains how Sullivan will go about putting together the updated county comprehensive plan. (Click for larger image)

MONTICELLO, NY — After a series of opinion gathering sessions over the past year, county Legislative Chair Leni Binder said a noontime September 9 session at the government center was the real kickoff of the planning effort.

The session introduced planners Tom Shepstone and Carol Truppi to an audience of about 60 county and local officials on hand. “We invited just about everybody in [the county directory handbook], but this process is meant to be inclusive. It’s open to anyone who wants to take part,” Binder said.

The new plan has been a priority for the legislative chair for several years.

The new plan will incorporate existing zoning in the 15 towns and aid planners and developers as they consider zoning amendments and projects. “You should know what the fellow on the other side of the town line is doing…It doesn’t mean we’ll all like what develops, but at least no one will be able to say there was no forewarning,” she said.

Binder anticipated up to several additional meetings, another this fall, and one in January. “I’m hoping I get to see this completed,” Binder said in reference to November’s elections.