Long-Range Comprehensive Plan

Long-Range Comprehensive Plan for Chatham County

Are you aware that Chatham County is developing a long-range comprehensive plan? That the Commissioners are spending $300,000 tax dollars on consultants to help develop the plan? And that the plan will impact you, your children and grandchildren?

Have you seen the newspaper ads and social media posts telling the public about this Chatham County Comprehensive Plan, along with the mailings and billboards? Neither have I.

The County started this process a few months ago, and the Phase 1 plan was briefed to and approved by the Commissioners at their April meeting. The Plan will cover major aspects of living in Chatham County - Land use, Health, Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment, Parks and Rec, Transportation, Housing, and Utilities. Important things for our quality of life.

In theory, all the information about the Plan thus far is available on the County's website at http://www.chathamnc.org/index.aspx?page=1860. Sometimes it shows up on the front website page, sometimes it does not. Look under Comprehensive Plan Info under quick links and you will see what is available so far. Past meeting information agendas and other information should be posted, but is not, nor are any meeting minutes.

However, you have an opportunity to make your voice and opinions heard. The County is holding three public meetings in June - on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd at elementary schools - look on the County's website for times and places. If you want a voice in how your future in Chatham is being determined, ATTEND A MEETING! Unless YOU speak up the Consultants will claim that the Plan as finally developed is supported by a majority of the County when in fact it will be developed by a very tiny minority of Commission-appointed committee members.

And, as always, if you do or if you don't like what you see or hear, elections are in November.