York County holds last of townhall meetings in comp plan process

YORK – York County’s last townhall meeting was held this week, as part of the updating process for its comprehensive plan.

​Prior meetings had been held in York, Henderson, Benedict, Gresham, Waco and McCool Junction.
Marvin Consultants, the company contracted with the county to work through the process, led the discussions at each townhall.
During the last meeting, held at the Cornerstone Event Center on the York County Fairgrounds, attendees were asked why they live and/or work in York County. Some responses included how they were born and raised here, part of a six-generation family who farms in York County; “good soil and water;” “a good place raise kids, great schools;” “good markets for crops;” “business opportunities.”
When asked what they like about York County, respondents offered: “living on the farm and everyone in the family working together as a team;” “we live in the middle of the United States, we have a good energy and foody supply;” “quality of air and water;” “the highway system;” “healthcare;” “availability of churches;” “central amenities;” “friendly people.”
What are York County’s biggest opportunities? “We need a dry soybean processing plant,” two offered. “We need more bars,” another said. “We need to have a horse racing track.” “Programs through York University and Southeast Community College.” “We need more usage of community and senior centers.” Some said, “We need more high technology companies.” Others offered, “ag-related opportunities are here as we are the top corn producer. More answers: “manufacturing, transportation, recruitment of families.”
When asked about York County’s challenges, some listed were: “county roads, keeping York County agriculturally strong, affordable housing.” One person said, “The zoning process has a lot of problems as the planning commission does a lot of work but then the county commissioners don’t accept what’s being sent their way.” Another said, “zoning updates need to be done more often.” Another challenge mentioned was “adequate wages to fit with adequate housing.” It was noted attendees felt “the labor shortage is tied to the housing issue.” More challenges: “protecting local businesses, retirement housing, energy needs.”
And they were asked how an ideal York County would look in 20 years. Some said, “If it wouldn’t change much at all;” “it was kept agricultural;” “county roads with no crushed rock;” “some smart growth which is planned with responsibility;” “population and business growth;” “safe roads;” “more arts and activities.”
While the townhall meetings have ended, the survey process continues. The survey collects public input regarding building economic growth, shaping housing, enhancing parks and recreation, improving roads and infrastructure, ensuring public safety and services, and sharing local perspectives about a number of topics. There also questions about zoning, renewable energy projects, rural residential acreages, preservation of history, responsiveness of county officials, infrastructure and more.
Simply go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YorkCoCompPlan to take the survey.
The answers will remain anonymous and cannot be traced back to the participant. Consultants ask that participants only answer the survey once.
It takes about 15-20 minutes to complete the entire survey.
Physical copies of the survey can also be picked up at the York County Clerk’s office, which is located on the main floor of the courthouse.