Archive: Opinions

To The Village of Lansing;

I understand that the Village Representative are looking for ideas and suggestions for them to consider so that they can update the Comprehensive Plan. I suggest that in order to get a real feeling where the villagers want the Village to go, that a survey be conducted with all the Village Residents so that there is enough input to have a real Comprehensive Plan.  I have always said, if you don’t know where you are going, you might end up somewhere else.

The following is a list of topics that I would like to be included in the updated Comprehensive Plan.

1)            The population and economic profile is a good way for us to gauge where we were, and where we are projected to go. It is also good to point us in the direction that is consistent with where the village should go. This is a necessary in order to move forward and hence the urgent need to update the plan.

2)            Resources is another critical step that needs to be updated. We need to know currently how the land in the Village is being used and how it has changed since the last Comprehensive Plan was completed. Have some of our resources expanded or depleted?

3)            The Vision Statement needs to be looked at as well. Does it accurately reflect what the villager’s vision is today? Are there additions that need to be made and added?

4)            What about Housing? Has the demographics changed and what is the current need? What types of housing are needed or no longer needed? Has the size or affordability changed since the last Comprehensive plan?

5)            Has the need for commercial and business centers changed? Are the current areas being used or left abandoned? How has any growth in these sectors visually impaired the Village? How has traffic  been impacted? How has this impacted our environment?

6)            Transportation has been impacted over changes since the last Comprehensive Plan was done. What is needed and how can we address those changes will be answered with a new Comprehensive Plan. Just the changes in population alone warrant a revised plan.

7)            The community’s need for facilities has changed since the last Comprehensive Plan was completed as well. The need for more parks and green space has changed and should be updated. The open space protection plan should be updated so that it can be instrumental as a tool again.

8)            It stands to reason that many of the goals and recommendations from the last Comprehensive Plan have changed. Some were completed and some should be reviewed to see if they should be continued. I am sure that there can be additions as well.

When it comes to development, I feel that the needs of the villagers should always take precedence. The village has the responsibility to act in the best interest of those they represent and therefore all the decisions made have to be done with accurate up to date information. this is done with the Comprehensive plan.

It is also important that the village representatives to not encourage any initiative unless it is in the best interest of the current residents. There should be no interest or tax subsidy without consent of all in the village that would be affected by such an act. Our founding principles should be strengthened so that the residents are protected even more from entities who wish to exploit the village for their own self gain.

Many items need to, and yes can be addressed by an updated plan. Keeping our village safe and maintained are key issues that need to be looked at. Property values should not be hindered by future developments or initiatives. Property rights of the residents need to be maintained and protected. We need to look at what we have and improve that. We have a few properties that are in need of intervention due to their appearance and safety. We have many storefronts that are empty that require intervention. We should develop what we have, not create more eyesores.

We need to get back to our original principals and why we incorporated the village by referendum in 1974. The need for regulation was apparent then, and is still at the top of the list now. The village was formed to preserve the integrity of residential areas in the face of commercial expansion. Isn't that why many are pushing for a new Comprehensive plan now? In the end, we all want the Village of Lansing to be a desirable place to live while sustaining its strong economic base. In essence, we are all in it together; shouldn't we know where we need to go? This can only be achieved by knowing which direction through an up to date and accurate Comprehensive Plan.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

Brian Goodell
Village of Lansing

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