Desert Messenger

8 www.DesertMessenger.com Town of Quartzsite plans to update General Plan By Shanana Rain Golden-Bear One generation plants trees, the next enjoys the shade. As with the Chinese proverb, through the General Plan process, the Town of Quartzsite must think to the next generations to ensure the town's sustainable growth, economic prosperity and continual progress. Arizona state law requires cities and towns to have a General Plan and to make periodic updates to that Plan. The General Plan is a comprehensive, long-range General plan to guide the physical development of the commu- nity. It expresses community values and goals, and portrays the community's vision for the future. The Quartzsite General Plan was adopted by the Town Council in 2003 and ratified by voters in 2004. The General Plan outlines the Town's vision, goals, and objectives for future growth and development. It is a conceptual plan for evaluating existing development conditions, making forecasts, and outlining broad policies that Town will use to implement its vision through other more specific plans and measures. Some of the more specific measures include the Zoning Ordinance, Transportation, and Development guidelines. The Town Vision Statement was developed on November 25, 2002 during a public participation workshop. The Vision Statement is a brief description of how community members view the future of Quartzsite. The Vision Statement was developed in order to provide direction for the implementation of the elements of the General Plan. " The Town of Quartzsite is a dynamic, attractive and vibrant community providing for all: job opportunities; adequate housing; medical services; educational opportunities; support for the arts and cultural resources; parks and recreation opportunities; and a healthy environment." Public Participation ARS 9-461.06 requires that municipalities' "governing bodies shall adopt written procedures to provide effective, early and continuous public participation in the development and major amendment of general plans from all geographic, ethnic and economic areas of the municipality." The law goes on to say that "the procedures shall provide for: (a) The broad dissemination of proposals and alternatives (b) The opportunity for written comments (c) Public hearings after effective notice (d) Open discussions, communications programs and information services June 12, 2013 (e) Consideration of public comments." Town administration released the schedule of summer P & Z meetings to review the 2003 General Plan (see schedule this page) when most stakeholders are on vacation. Acting Community Development Director Steve Henrichs said the P & Z Board was "anxious to get it [The Plan] done." However, three board members told Desert Messenger they were anxious to get started, but not necessarily anxious to complete it. Council has not yet approved the schedule, which includes a meeting on Halloween night at Town Hall during the annual Halloween Fun Night. Town Administration might adjust their schedule so there won't be a conflict. P & Z Board members were presented with a 12-page survey adminstration wishes to send to residents. The next P &Z meeting will be June 17th to discuss shortening the survey. After a lengthy process, P & Z will forward the plan to Town Council for approval. The State does not require Quartzsite voters to ratify the General Plan, as population growth was under the 20% per year requirement. Census 2010 shows a growth of 9.6% growth since 2000. However, U.S. Census showed a reduction over the past two years. Call 928-927-4333 for more information on the General Plan. Quartzsite Transit Services Available to our elderly, elderly disabled and disabled populations Our hours of operation are 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Pickups will begin at 8:20am; scheduling may be done two weeks in advance. An adult must accompany riders under 10 years of age. There is limited occupancy of 8 passengers depending on the size of the van available. To schedule a pickup call Quartzsite Town Hall at 928-927-4333. VAN SCHEDULE & SUGGESTED DONATIONS FOR SERVICE (round trip) Monday Local QUARTZSITE $ 3 Tuesday (1st & 3rd ) BLYTHE $10 Tuesday (2nd & 4th ) PARKER $10 Wednesday (1st, 3rd, 5th ) YUMA/ALGODONES $15 Wednesday (2nd & 4th) LAKE HAVASU CITY $15 Wednesday Local QUARTZSITE $ 3 Thursdays PARKER $10 Fridays Local QUARTZSITE $ 3 This space courtesy of Desert Messenger, www.DesertMessenger.com Space donated by Desert Messenger - www.DesertMessenger.com - www.MyQuartzsite.com

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