Planners Meet The Public

A Town Hall Meeting That Was More of an Open House

Last night, roughly three dozen residents showed up to the Troy Junior High School to hear from city staff and the team from American Structurepoint, the city’s consultant, on the community’s new comprehensive plan. Over one year in the making, the “Town Hall” was designed to give the public the first view of this new plan.

The crowd was obviously more than what was expected, as many folks grabbed chairs from other parts of the school’s library to huddle around about a dozen easels that talked about the plan’s process, future ideas for land use and the top priorities the plan was going to address. The only problem was this was not a “town hall” meeting, rather more of an “open house”.

There was no formal presentation given to the public, rather those in attendance were instructed to mill around the easels and the people from American Structurepoint and City Staff would be on hand to answer any questions anyone had. This has become a trend for these types of roll-out events over the past few years, the idea is to help give individuals more of a one-on-one opportunity to ask questions about specific points of the plan with those that helped create the document. The event had a drop-in, leave-when-you-want open house type feel to it.

One of the easels that was helpful had a QR Code that gave access to the complete plan as it currently stands. I was able to get a digital copy of the plan and over the next few weeks, this publication will spend some type getting into some of the details of the plan to help show our readers (and our community) the course that is being set for our hometown.

First Thoughts

The plan is designed as a visionary document aimed at guiding the city’s development over the next two decades. This plan serves as a strategic framework for both public and private decision-making, ensuring that future developments align with the community’s aspirations. By focusing on key areas such as growth management, infrastructure, housing, and downtown revitalization, the plan sets the stage for Troy to flourish while preserving its unique identity.

The plan begins by acknowledging Troy's historical significance as a central hub in Miami County. As a city with deep roots, Troy has long been a focal point for employment, culture, and community life. The plan aims to sustain and enhance this status, recognizing that future growth must be carefully managed to preserve Troy’s small-town charm while meeting modern demands.

One of the central themes of the plan is the management of growth. In their research, American Structurepoint found that residents 77% of respondents wanted the town to grow either “a little, but not too much” or “modestly”. As Troy continues to evolve, the plan emphasizes the importance of balancing new development with the preservation of the city’s character. While growth is both necessary and largely desirable by the majority of citizens, it must be guided in a way that reflects our collective history and community values. This involves making strategic decisions about where and how new developments occur, ensuring that they complement the existing landscape rather than detract from it.

Strategic land use and infrastructure planning are critical components of the Comprehensive Plan. The city’s ability to accommodate growth depends on the expansion and maintenance of essential infrastructure, including transportation networks, utilities, and public services. The plan highlights the need for infrastructure to keep pace with population growth and economic activity, particularly in areas recently annexed into the city. By prioritizing these developments, Troy can ensure that its infrastructure supports its growth rather than hinders it.

Housing is another key focus of the plan, particularly the need for attainable housing options. The plan recognizes that a diverse housing stock is essential for supporting Troy's growing population and workforce. This includes ensuring that housing options are available for people of all income levels, from affordable market-rate homes to more high-dollar housing. By addressing the need for attainable housing, the plan aims to provide quality living conditions for all residents, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable community.

Troy’s parks and recreational facilities are also highlighted as vital assets that contribute to the city’s quality of life. These spaces are more than just amenities; they are integral to the health and vibrancy of the community. The plan emphasizes the importance of maintaining and expanding these facilities to meet the needs of a growing population. One of the critical issues that American Structurepoint found in our community is that while Troy has a large amount of land devoted to parks, these parks are not equitably distributed throughout the community; in fact, a long-standing process of allowing new developments to eschew park dedications by paying a fee has caused some parts of town to not have an accessible park within walking distance. As new developments are planned, ensuring that they include adequate recreational spaces is crucial for creating a well-rounded and livable city.

The downtown and riverfront areas of Troy are identified as key focal points for redevelopment. These areas are not only central to the city’s identity but also to its economic vitality. The plan calls for continued investment in these areas to enhance their appeal as destinations for both residents and visitors. This includes improving infrastructure, encouraging mixed-use developments, and supporting local businesses. By revitalizing downtown and the riverfront, Troy can create vibrant spaces that reflect its heritage while embracing the future.

Social services are another important aspect of the Comprehensive Plan. As the county seat, Troy is home to several agencies that provide crucial support to the local population. The plan recognizes the need to enhance these services, particularly in areas like public transportation and food availability. By improving social services, Troy aims to ensure that all residents have access to the support they need, particularly the most vulnerable members of the community.

The plan outlines a strategic approach to implementing these goals, with a focus on phased development and community engagement. The success of the Comprehensive Plan will depend on the city’s ability to execute these strategies effectively, involving residents in the process to ensure that the city’s growth reflects the community’s values. The plan also includes critical path strategies, which provide clear direction for implementing its recommendations, ensuring that progress can be tracked and adjusted as needed.

While the plan acknowledges the challenges Troy may face as it grows, such as managing population growth and maintaining infrastructure, it also highlights significant opportunities. These include the potential for economic growth, the revitalization of key areas, and the expansion of social services. By seizing these opportunities, Troy can continue to thrive as a vibrant and welcoming community.

Overall, the City of Troy's Comprehensive Plan is a forward-looking document that seeks to guide the city through a period of growth and change, which is exactly what the document was charged to do. By focusing on essential areas such as growth management, infrastructure, housing, and downtown redevelopment, the plan aims to preserve Troy’s unique character while positioning it for a prosperous future. The successful implementation of this plan will require careful planning, ongoing community engagement, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions over time.

What Do You Think?

Were you at the meeting last night? What stood out to you? Were there parts of the plan that excited you? Were there parts of the plan that worried you? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment section!

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