Public Comment Period Now Open On Draft Of Franklin County Comprehensive Plan

CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – The Franklin County Commissioners are asking residents and stakeholders to provide feedback on the county’s 10-year comprehensive plan. A draft of the plan is available for review online at compplan.franklincountypa.gov through Sept. 12.

A comprehensive plan is a strategic document designed to guide land use policy. Pennsylvania law requires counties to update their comprehensive plans every 10 years. Franklin County’s new comprehensive plan, known as Imagine Franklin 2035, identifies and prioritizes the county’s strategic goals and objectives. When adopted, it will also serve as a blueprint for the county to address opportunities and build upon existing community assets in the years to come. The Franklin County Planning Department is leading the comprehensive plan update.

All individuals who live or work in Franklin County are encouraged to share their comments and thoughts on the plan and the goals it establishes. Feedback can be submitted online at compplan.franklincountypa.gov until Sept. 12. The public is also invited to attend two open houses, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 8. Both events will be held at the Franklin County Administration Building, 272 N. Second St., Chambersburg.

The online public comment form and open houses are part of the planning department’s efforts to engage stakeholders in the comprehensive plan update process and to gather feedback on a variety of topics, including transportation, housing, agricultural preservation and other land use issues. Other public engagement efforts included community pop-up events, focus groups, an online survey and a feedback submission form on the Imagine Franklin 2035 website. Input from these public engagement activities has been critical in helping the planning department establish a comprehensive plan that best meets the needs and desires of all Franklin County stakeholders.

“Imagine Franklin 2035 is the culmination of the many perspectives shared from residents and stakeholders over the course of the plan’s development,” said Steven Thomas, director of the Franklin County Planning Department. “This public comment period is the last step in ensuring the plan aligns with the vision and needs of the community.”

The comprehensive plan, funded in part by a Pa. Department of Community and Economic Development grant, began in April 2022 and will be complete in the fall of 2023. For more information on Imagine Franklin 2035, visit compplan.franklincountypa.gov or contact the Franklin County Planning Department at 717-261-3855 or compplan@franklincountypa.gov.

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