Public input sought for McHenry County regional plan

The McHenry County Regional Planning Commission is seeking public comment on the draft McHenry County 2030 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Chapter and Future Land Use Map. This section of the 2030 Plan will complete the long-range vision for the development and redevelopment of the county and for the preservation of the county's valued natural resources. The final plan will serve as a general guide to regional policy and decision making for the next two decades.

County residents, municipal and township officials and other community leaders are invited to attend one of two open house meetings to be held Friday, Oct. 9 and Saturday, Oct. 10. Each open house will provide an opportunity to review and comment on the comprehensive plan's future land use map and accompanying text. The county board also will conduct public hearings before the final adoption of the plan, which is anticipated this winter.

During the open house, an overview presentation of the land use chapter will be provided every 30 minutes on the hour and the half-hour. Participants also will have an opportunity to review the Future Land Use Map and engage in one-on-one discussion with members of the Regional Planning Commission. Participants will be able to submit verbal and written comments during the meetings. Written comments also will be accepted until Oct. 16. Pre-addressed forms will be provided.

Friday afternoon and Saturday morning open houses are scheduled in order to accommodate broad participation. The open house times and dates are 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 9 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 10.

All open houses will be held in the county board meeting rooms of the McHenry County Administration Building, 667 Ware Road, Woodstock. Participants can arrive at the meeting at any time and should anticipate spending 1-11/2 hours at the open house.

Participants are encouraged to review the draft map and text in advance. The map and text will be available for review on the 2030 Plan Web site; at the McHenry County Government Center in the Department of Planning and Development; and at public libraries throughout the county.

Comments on the draft Land Use Chapter and Future Land Use Map can also be submitted via e-mail to 2030plan@co.mchenry.il.us or in writing to McHenry County 2030 Plan, Department of Planning and Development, McHenry County Government Center, 2200 N. Seminary Ave., Woodstock, IL 60098. All comments must be received by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 16.

For more information, visit www.mchenrycounty2030plan.com or call (815) 334-4560, ext. 1.