Online survey and engagement launched for Together Knox.
Knox County, Ohio—The first round of community engagement has been launched for a new comprehensive plan—known as Together Knox—for Knox County and its communities. Residents and other stakeholders can share their insights using the online survey at TogetherKnox.org
“You and your voice are needed to help shape a new county-wide comprehensive plan so that we can better shape our future in an inclusive and thoughtful manner,” said Commissioner Teresa Bemiller. “
All indications suggest central Ohio will continue to see increased population growth and development pressure. Knox County is an attractive place already and Mount Vernon is only 22 miles from Intel’s $28 Billion project. Local governments can work with their respective communities to create public policy that can determine what is conserved and where and how development takes place.
Leaders in the community have established a 35-member steering committee comprised of diverse county perspectives. “The committee is adamant that the new comprehensive plan be based on the insights and values of the community,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Matthew Starr.
A comprehensive plan is the primary public policy document a community can create for its current physical assets and future development that considers the input of citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. The input is integrated with deep technical analysis. The plan is a tool to prepare for change and acts as a guidebook for decision-makers. The plan serves as a foundation for land development regulations, zoning ordinances, budgeting decisions, and more.
“This is a process for anyone who cares about the future of Knox County and its communities. It is an unprecedented opportunity to share ideas about land use, zoning, public services, transportation, housing, the local economy, and natural resources.”
Together Knox is a community-driven effort coordinated by the Knox County Commissioners, City of Mount Vernon, Regional Planning Commission, and Area Development Foundation. The project facilitator is Planning NEXT. This central Ohio-based planning practice completed the Fairfield County comprehensive plan eight months ago. They also designed and facilitated the Framework planning process for 15 jurisdictions in western Licking County.
Steering Committee Members for Together Knox:
- Alexis Morrison
- Amber Keener, Mount Vernon City Council
- Anne Ellsworth, Mount Vernon Municipal Planning Commission
- Carol Grubaugh, Knox County Chamber of Commerce
- Chrissie Laymon, Kenyon College
- Craig Gilmore, Howard Township Trustee, RPC Rep.
- Darrel Severns, Knox County Regional Planning
- David Heithaus, Knox County Parks District
- Don Divelbiss, Divelbiss Corporation
- Donna Hochstetler, Clinton Township Trustee
- Doug Beckley, Butler Township Trustee
- Matthew Starr, Mount Vernon Mayor
- Halle Krajenski, United Way of Knox County
- Hannah Bressi
- Hawthorne Fleckenstein
- Jason Booth, Knox County Administrator
- Jeff Derr, City of Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation
- Jeff Gottke, Knox Area Development Foundation
- Jim Braddock, Wanye Township Trustee
- JJ House
- John Yoder
- Joyce Hurd
- Julia Manning
- Michael Percy, Griffin Insurance
- Mitch Durbin, Ver-Mac Industries
- Paul McNeal, Mount Vernon Nazarene University
- Rick Lanuzza, Fredericktown EMS
- Rob Clendening, Knox County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
- Ryan Gallwitz, Centerburg Local Schools Superintendent
- Sibley Poland, Red 1 Realty
- Teresa Bemiller, Knox County Commissioner
- Tyler Griffith, RE/MAX Peak
- Whitney Johnson, Danville Outdoors
- William Seder, Mount Vernon City Schools Superintendent
- Zach Green, Knox Public Health
