I was left with a very optimistic feeling last week after chatting with Assistant City Manager Jacob Roan about plans for the City of Corbin to begin the work of developing a brand new comprehensive plan. You can read the story about this effort, and the grant funding that is making it possible, elsewhere in this week’s edition. What I’d like to do here, however, is share a few of my own personal opinions on the matter.
First of all, it was refreshing to hear what Roan had to say about plans to engage with the community in order to gain insight that will ultimately help make this new comprehensive plan truly, well, comprehensive. More details will be forthcoming on exactly when, where and how these community engagement efforts will take place, but here are a few groups that I think definitely should be polled…
– Students: They are the future of the community, so their opinions really need to be heard.
– Senior Citizens: These are the folks who have built our community into what it is today, so they should also have a big say in where it’s headed.
– Educators: They are shaping the minds of our future leaders. Their insight will be invaluable.
– Church Leaders: Our churches play a vital role in the local community, and will no doubt continue to do so for as long as this community exists.
– Healthcare Professionals: These men and women know what steps should be taken in order to ensure a safer and healthier future for all members of the community.
– Mental Health Professionals: Same as above, but specifically as it pertains to addressing mental health challenges.
– Housing Experts: Anyone who can contribute to the ongoing conversation surrounding the housing crisis… your input will be needed, I’m sure.
– Small Business Owners: Times are tough for these folks, and things don’t seem to be getting better anytime soon. Their voices should be heard.
– Law Enforcement: If you want a safe place to live and raise a family, you have to have law and order.
– Non-Profits: We have several non-profit organizations working within the local community who exist to make a positive difference. Here is a great chance to do just that.
We could go on-and-on, really. Add economic development and tourism directors to the list, as well as civic group organizers and even members of the local arts community. Roan said that he is hoping to hear from anyone and everyone who wants to have a say in the future of Corbin. My advice to everyone reading this would be to take him up on that offer whenever the time comes. You never know, it could be one of your ideas that ends up benefitting future generations of Corbinites.
If I could go ahead and give my two cents, I’d like to see some good museums in town. Specifically, I think Corbin really needs to have a museum dedicated to local sports. I think you could fill that up pretty easily.
Whatever we end up with, a comprehensive plan is a great start and I’m glad to know that the process is underway to get one in place.
