What Will Miami County's Future Look Like?

Miami County's Department of Development Releases Report

Last year, the Miami County Department of Development kicked off their efforts to update the county’s comprehensive land use plan. Over the past few months, the department has been working with stakeholders and receiving comments on what residents believe the future of the county should like; especially when it comes to the built environment of the county. Recently, the Department of Development released the Phase II Community Engagement Report on the project website. You can access the website here.

The Miami County Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan's latest engagement report provides a comprehensive overview of the community's input and feedback on future land use in unincorporated areas of Miami County. This phase of engagement involved a series of meetings, events, and surveys designed to gather insights from stakeholders and the public on what types of land uses are appropriate and where they should be located.

At the heart of this engagement process were the Steering Committee meetings held in September and October 2024. These meetings were crucial as they not only introduced the Phase 2 deliverables and schedule but also involved a worksheet exercise where the Steering Committee reviewed and provided feedback on the existing Comprehensive Plan goals. The feedback from these meetings, combined with public comments from previous phases, helped consultants and county staff identify additional topics to address in the updated goals. Key areas of focus included strategic growth, economic development, transportation, open space and recreation, and environmental and natural resources. Additional topics such as annexation, historic preservation, public safety, and wind and solar energy were also discussed.

The engagement process also included discussions with a diverse group of participants, including county department heads, developers, and non-profit leaders. These discussions highlighted several important considerations for Miami County's future development. For instance, there was a recognized need for a greater mix of housing choices, as large minimum lot sizes were seen as contributing to high costs. Additionally, stakeholders noted that the shelter system was strained, with a potential homeless crisis looming. In terms of transportation and infrastructure, there were suggestions to support industrial expansion near the airport and to evaluate the impacts on the county. There was also a push to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the I-75 corridor.

One of the most significant events during this phase was the Fall Farm Fest, held on October 13, 2024, at Lost Creek Reserve. This event provided an opportunity for the project team to engage with approximately 30 attendees, discussing themes such as rural versus urban uses, adaptive reuse versus new construction, and the preference for low-impact uses in unincorporated areas. There was a strong emphasis on preserving rural lands and limiting housing development in these areas, with a focus on outdoor recreation and preservation.

A public survey conducted during this period further reinforced these themes. The survey results showed that the community strongly supports certain types of housing and commercial uses. For housing, large-lot rural single-family homes on five or more acres were the most favored option, with 79% support. Accessory dwelling units and small-lot rural single-family homes also received significant support. On the commercial side, neighborhood retail and libraries/community centers were the top choices, with entertainment and dining options also being popular.

Beyond housing and commercial uses, the community expressed a strong desire for protected preservation areas, adaptive reuse projects, river access for kayaking, neighborhood parks, and bicycle and walking trails. These preferences underscore the community's commitment to preserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development practices.

The feedback from these engagements has been translated into a framework for revised goals and strategies across four theme areas: Strategic Growth & Development, Infrastructure & Transportation, Civic & Community, and Environment & Sustainability. For example, under Strategic Growth & Development, there is a focus on preserving rural areas and farmland, managing annexation, and guiding housing and commercial development patterns. In Infrastructure & Transportation, the emphasis is on maintaining and expanding existing infrastructure networks, including pedestrian and bicycle paths.

The upcoming phase of engagement will build on these findings, focusing on finalizing the Future Land Use Map and drafting the comprehensive plan. The Steering Committee will meet to review and provide guidance on these documents, and the public will have opportunities to offer feedback before the adoption process begins in late spring.

Overall, the Phase 2 engagement report highlights the community's desire for balanced growth that respects Miami County's rural character while addressing pressing issues like housing affordability and environmental sustainability. The comprehensive plan update is poised to reflect these priorities, ensuring that future development aligns with the community's vision for its future.

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