FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Thaddeus Yonke, AICP, Boone County, Senior Planner - (573) 886-4330
or Patrick Zenner, City of Columbia, Development Services Manager - (573) 874-7246

Public input sought for ‘East Area Plan’

COLUMBIA, MO (June 25, 2010) - The city of Columbia and Boone County planning and zoning commissions will host the fourth in a series of public information meetings regarding the East Area Plan (EAP), formally called the East Columbia Area Plan (ECAP), on June 29, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Columbia Benevolent Organization’s meeting hall located inside the Elk’s Lodge, 4747 Elk Park Drive East (east of Cedar Grove Elementary School off State Route WW). The purpose of the meeting is to present draft findings relating to the future land use plan for the study area, as well as obtain community feedback on the draft future land use map intended to guide growth on the lands generally bounded by I-70, US 63, New Haven Road and Rangeline Road in eastern Boone County.

Preparing plans ahead of development and engaging the public is the purpose of this joint effort. The planning commissions invite all affected or interested residents to participate.

The program schedule is as follows:
5:30 – 5:45 p.m., Open Q&A
5:45– 6:45 p.m., Presentation
6:45-7:15 p.m., Open Q&A
7:15 – 7:30 p.m., Wrap-up

Participants in this fourth informational meeting will be asked to comment on draft findings related to the study area’s land use conditions and participate in a breakout session intended to assist in developing the future land use map for the study area. Comments and participation in the breakout session will assist the joint commissions in further developing the plan in a manner that best captures the values or ideas considered most important by area residents. Future meetings will be held to provide residents the opportunity to see the progression of the planning process. Prior to final plan adoption by City Council and the County Commission, a public hearing will be held offering residents yet another opportunity to comment on the plan.

An online copy of the draft Land Use Analysis and Allocation chapter will be available for advance public review after June 24 at www.gocolumbiamo.com/Planning/EastColumbiaAreaPlan_ECAP.php (under the “Plan” heading) or at the city or county planning department offices.

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