Public invited to weigh in on comprehensive plan for Luzerne and Lackawanna counties

Luzerne and Lackawanna counties are working with a consultant to develop a regional blueprint for transportation, land preservation and development and other issues facing their communities for years to come.

Recommended every decade, the last comprehensive bi-county plan was released in 2012.

The public now has an opportunity to weigh in on the crafting of the next plan, said Tina Roseberry, a planning manager with Michael Baker International, the consultant handling the project.

Roseberry urges residents, businesses and agencies to attend a virtual community forum from 6 to 7 p.m. July 22 to learn more progress on the plan and how to provide input.

Meeting registration is required at https://mbi.ticketleap.com/lackawanna-luzerne-community-meeting/.

In addition to attending the forum, Roseberry encourages residents of both counties to complete a survey that will help with ongoing efforts to gather data needed to prepare the report. The survey link: Lackawanna-Luzerne.metroquest.com.

This survey asks residents to rank priorities and provide comments, if desired, about their views on the region’s environment, parks and open space, economy and jobs, housing and growth.

Hundreds have completed the survey so far, she said.

Roseberry described the comprehensive plan as an opportunity to focus “on the future of the region’s landscape” and develop a “collective vision for year 2040,” with the overall goal of increasing the quality of life.

Also part of the initiative is an update of the long-range transportation plan that will guide funding recommendations for projects impacting motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, she said.

Project planners had to switch from in-person gatherings to online public information and feedback sessions due to the coronavirus pandemic, Roseberry said.

Several stakeholder meetings have been held virtually to get a handle on the region’s development trends and needs, she said.

“A lot of people care about the project and want to participate,” she said.

Once completed, the comprehensive plan will provide guidance on issues that “transcend local boundaries,” Roseberry said, citing recreation opportunities, flood prevention, population trends and retail needs as other examples of topics that will be addressed.

Ideally, the plan will guide municipalities and counties in their decisions and serve as reference material for entities advocating local projects and seeking funding, she said.

The 2012 bi-county plan, which contains several chapters, is posted in the planning/zoning department section at www.luzernecounty.org.