The Town of Hunter and the villages of Hunter and Tannersville will hold a community visioning workshop next month as part of a joint effort to develop a new Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan.
The workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Hunter Elementary School cafeteria, 7794 Main Street in Hunter.
The event will give residents an opportunity to learn about the comprehensive planning process, complete a community survey, and provide input on the future direction of the three municipalities.
The Joint Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan Committee is encouraging residents, including full-time and seasonal residents, property owners, business owners, workers, tenants and students, to participate.
The Town of Hunter was awarded a grant through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Adirondack and Catskill Parks Community Smart Growth Grant Program and the New York State Department of State Environmental Protection Fund to prepare the intermunicipal plan.
According to the municipalities, the plan will help identify projects, programs and policies to guide development and community improvements over the next decade.
Town of Hunter Supervisor Sean Mahoney said public involvement is a key part of the process.
“The Town and Villages are developing a new comprehensive plan that will balance sustainable development with resilient growth,” Mahoney said. “Don’t miss your chance to help build a roadmap to Hunter’s future at this community visioning workshop!”
Marc Czermerys, chair of the Comprehensive Plan Committee, encouraged residents to take part in shaping the plan.
“Everyone who is committed to Hunter’s future is encouraged to attend and identify essential projects to preserve and improve our Town and Villages,” Czermerys said.
The committee meets monthly on the third Tuesday of each month at Tannersville Village Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
The comprehensive plan surveys are now available online for community members and area businesses. Paper copies are also available at Hunter Town Hall, Hunter and Tannersville village halls, and the Mountaintop Library.
The planning process will focus on Smart Growth principles developed by the New York State Department of State, including economic development, environmental stewardship, energy and climate resilience, and equity.
The municipalities said the Smart Growth approach is intended to support sustainable communities, encourage walkable and accessible neighborhoods, protect natural resources, and promote a range of housing and employment opportunities.
The Joint Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan Committee includes representatives from all three municipalities. Members include Marc Czermerys, David Kukle, Charles Randles, Sarah Slutzky, Ismael Villafane, Daryl Mercer, Neal Chernin, Alexsandra Smith, Robert Johnson, Paul Slutzky, Harout Dermenjian, Kevin McArdle, George Kelly, Kody Leach and Serhiy Yevtushkenko.
More information about the workshop, surveys and opportunities to participate is available through the Town of Hunter’s comprehensive plan website at plan.townofhunterny.gov.