Rec center, education top city's goals
SANDPOINT — After months of work, the Idaho Community Review report on the city is available to download.
At 164 pages long, the report is by no means a quick read. However, for local business owners, city officials and other community members, the time investment is well worthwhile, Sandpoint Planning Director Jeremy Grimm said.
The goals identified in the report are extensive and far-reaching. In summary, community members identified a recreation center, sustainability, improved broadband Internet, higher education, youth investment, more sidewalks and political collaboration as very desirable focus areas. Meanwhile, they hope to minimize sprawl, big box stores, poverty, violence vacant buildings, more bars and low-wage jobs.
As for review team members, they identified several opportunity areas in economic development, downtown revitalization and sustainability. Opportunity areas include things like developing the local aerospace industry, establishing a consensus on downtown development and enhancing the local food system. The report then explores the potential means for achieving those goals in detail.
Drafted by 21 of Idaho’s foremost business experts, academics and public officials, the report is packed with information on how to best utilize Sandpoint’s resources and improve local quality of living.
“The timing of the release of the document is opportune as the new mayor and council settle into their positions,” Grimm said. “This document will serve to complement the comprehensive plan in our strategy and planning efforts for the next term of elected officials.”
Those who don’t mind a little homework can check the findings out for themselves by downloading a PDF copy of the report. Simply visit www.cityofsandpoint.com, scroll down until you find the section marked titled “Community Review” and click on the highlighted “Community Review Report” text to begin your download.
The report might not match your latest bedside novel for exciting late-night reading, but it will provide an excellent primer for an upcoming meeting. At 7 p.m. Thursday in Sandpoint City Hall, the Idaho Community Review team will be present to formally introduce the report and cover the most essential information contained within.
The goals identified in the report are extensive and far-reaching. In summary, community members identified a recreation center, sustainability, improved broadband Internet, higher education, youth investment, more sidewalks and political collaboration as very desirable focus areas. Meanwhile, they hope to minimize sprawl, big box stores, poverty, violence vacant buildings, more bars and low-wage jobs.
As for review team members, they identified several opportunity areas in economic development, downtown revitalization and sustainability. Opportunity areas include things like developing the local aerospace industry, establishing a consensus on downtown development and enhancing the local food system. The report then explores the potential means for achieving those goals in detail.
Conducted over the month of September, the Community Review report is the result of more than 1,200 Internet and mailed surveys filled out by community members. The report also benefited from three days of hands-on work conducted by Idaho Community Review team members. According to Grimm, the report will be an invaluable resource in brainstorming and prioritizing projects.
“(This will help ensure) that the future is not a random act of investment and chance development, but rather ... materializes out of the articulated wishes and desires expressed through our residents,” Grimm said.