HHCC board looks at data for future city planning

BY BRYCE KELLY

Mt. Pleasant News

Locals are evaluating the future of Mt. Pleasant.

At least that?s what the Healthy Henry County Communities (HHCC) board was asked to do as they heard from Zach James, planning director of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC), and Brent Schleisman, Mt. Pleasant?s City Administrator, as the two reviewed the newly released comprehensive plan for the City of Mt. Pleasant.

?Really what we are looking at and what we want this board to start thinking of is what the future vision for the City of Mt. Pleasant is, and how can a board like yours impact that vision,? said James as he reviewed the current plan and some ideas that are already in the works.

The comprehensive plan is an official document that outlines a community wide vision, goals, and policies that will assist in guiding decisions for future development within the community.

Most notably, the recently released comprehensive plan revealed some intriguing data surrounding Mt. Pleasant?s current age populations. According to data, Mt. Pleasant is starting to see a growing number of 45 to 65 year olds who are choosing to live in the city, even as they age past 65 years old.

?On the other hand, you have this group of roughly 25 to 35 year olds that are not staying in Mt. Pleasant,? James also said.

As the data showed, James added one of city?s future challenges will not only be providing the needed amenities and comprehensive services for an increasing elderly population, but also finding ways to grow and encourage young adults to not only live in Mt. Pleasant, but to work in the city as well.

Additionally, both Schleisman and James say taking health into consideration in almost every aspect of city planning is something that is in the works for the city. And while both the state and federal governments have been increasing its push for health awareness in policy making, Schleisman says the overall financial and emotional benefits of considering human health in every aspect of government and city planning cannot be taken for granted.

?As a city government, it?s my office?s job to really take stock of the health impact of everything we do. From water quality, to childcare, road maintenance ? all that stuff has to be looked at from a health point of view,? said Schleisman. ?It?s important to the betterment of this city in every way.?

As far as the HHCC board is concerned, Schleisman says the best way for the general population to make an impact in the future of the city is to speak up.

?This plan is made up of data, which helps us identify areas that we as a city can work on to improve,? said Schleisman. ?But really, we need people to tell us what they want. That?s why we are coming to this board, because you all make up so many different parts of this city and this area.?

To effectively collect public information and opinion, SEIRCP and the City of Mt. Pleasant have developed a website detailing parts of the current comprehensive plan for the city. In addition, a free public survey has been added to the website that will collect public opinion on all aspects of city planning issues.

Locals may visit the website and take the survey at www.mp2030.com.

In other board news, HHCC coordinator, Kelly Carr, announced a few upcoming events being sponsored by or affiliated with HHCC:

? The Fellowship Cup will host a free community seminar entitled, ?The Journey of Life?, which will be presented by Sal Alaniz Jr. and Erica Martin on Monday, March 7, at 5:30 p.m., at the Fellowship Cup, in Mt. Pleasant.

? A community conversation regarding underage drinking will be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m., at the Mt. Pleasant High School Media Center.

The next HHCC board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at the HCHC Health Education Center.