Feedback wanted on city's Comprehensive Plan

The Monroe Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 4, at Monroe City Hall (806 W. Main St.), to receive public testimony regarding the 2015 Comprehensive Plan update and draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Updated every 10 years, the city's Comprehensive Plan is a guiding statement that incorporates community vision, goals, policies, long-term land use intentions and more. The plan is meant to evaluate potential growth and development along a 20-year trajectory, while the corresponding EIS examines the potential impacts of the plan's proposed land-use activities, goals and policies.

"This plan will guide how Monroe will manage growth and development as a community over the next 20 years,GÇ¥ said Monroe Community Development Director Dave Osaki. "So listening to what the public has to say is essential.GÇ¥

Washington state's Growth Management Act mandates that municipalities create long-term comprehensive plans to help guide community growth and mold future land-use decisions. Washington State RCW dictates that the plans be updated every 10 years, to accommodate population growth and the increased need for services, including schools, parks, utilities and roads.

The plan consists of 10 chapters dedicated to topics such as community vision, land use, transportation, economic development, housing, parks, capital facilities, shorelines and plan implementation. In addition to updating the Comprehensive Plan, the city is also updating the Parks and Recreation Plan and the Transportation Plan.

Following the issuance of the draft Comprehensive Plan document on April 3, a 60-day public comment period commenced, which concludes on June 2.

Citizens are welcome to provide testimony on any topic related to the Comprehensive Plan update at the upcoming public hearing.

"The planning commission really encourages everyone to review the latest draft and provide them with thoughts and comments,GÇ¥ Osaki said.

The city's draft Comprehensive Plan can be viewed on the city website, www.monroewa.gov/index.aspx?NID=449.