The revised version of the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan with changes recommended by the Monroe County Board of Commissioners is now available for review as of Monday, October 31, 2011.

The revised Comprehensive Plan may be viewed and downloaded on the County website:

http://www.co.monroe.in.us/tsd/Government/Infrastructure/PlanningDepartment/DocumentManagerPlanning.aspx?Command=Core_Download&EntryId=27566 

The proposed Comprehensive Plan was forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for consideration following approval at the December 21, 2010 regular meeting of the Monroe County Plan Commission. On February 9, 2011 and March 2, 2011, the Board of Commissioners held public hearings to take public input regarding the proposed Plan.  Written comments filed with the Monroe County Planning Department also were considered by the Commissioners.

The Plan has been revised to incorporate the changes being recommended to the Plan Commission.  After an informal public review process, the Commissioners will forward the amended plan to the Monroe County Plan Commission.

The proposed Comprehensive Plan establishes guidelines for the future growth of Monroe County and deals with issues related to the appropriate uses of land.  The proposed Plan balances development preferences, management and preservation of natural resources and adequate planning for infrastructure such as roadways, parks and other public services.  After the proposed Plan is formally approved, it will serve as a policy guide for decisions about community development.

Development of the proposed Plan included the Plan Commission and planning staff soliciting public input from Monroe County residents, businesses, local leaders, and various civic groups through community meetings, surveys and stakeholder interviews.  The planning staff compiled all of the results of this participatory process which ultimately became the driver for this Comprehensive Plan update.  The Plan Commission also held several public meetings, workshops and hearings to discuss the Plan with the community. 

Copies of the amended Comprehensive Plan will be available for public examination at the Commissioner’s Office located in Suite 100 of the North Showers Building, 501 N. Morton Street, Monday through Friday, between the hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Copies will also be available for review at the Monroe County Planning office (Suite 224, North Showers Building).