Public Communications serves as a communications link between the city of Columbia’s municipal government and the citizens. The Public Communications Office coordinates several programs that are designed to link citizens with their city government.

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 (August 20, 2010) - The city of Columbia and Boone County planning and zoning commissions will host the fifth and final public information meeting regarding the East Area Plan (EAP), formally called the East Columbia Area Plan (ECAP), on Aug. 31, 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 future land use allocation and growth management strategies for the study area as well as obtain community feedback on previously presented chapters. The East Area Plan is 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 fifth and final meeting will be asked to comment on draft findings related to future land use allocation and growth management strategies. Comments may also be submitted on any previously presented chapters. Input received 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. Following this meeting a “final draft” of the entire plan will be available for public comment. 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 and Growth Management chapters will be available for advance public review after Aug. 25, online 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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