Delaware County Initiates Update to Strategic Comprehensive Plan with Public Input Sessions and Online Survey

DELHI — The Delaware County Planning Board is pleased to announce the kickoff of the process to develop a Strategic Comprehensive Plan, a vital document that will guide the future growth, development, and preservation of our community. This project is being undertaken with the expertise of Fisher Associates, a full-service consulting firm offering planning, transportation, land development, and environmental services. Fisher will lead the planning process and public engagement efforts.

The Delaware County Strategic Comprehensive Plan will serve as a guide to promoting the success, safety, and general welfare of Delaware County, providing a basis to guide the development of both the natural and built environment while working to sustain and improve quality of life for residents. The Plan will address various county-wide topics, including land use, transportation systems, economy and industry, farmland and food production, infrastructure, parks and open spaces, renewable energy, sustainability and hazard mitigation. When completed, the Plan will reflect the values and priorities of Delaware County residents and will be used as a roadmap for decision-making over the next decade and beyond.

To ensure the plan accurately represents the aspirations of our community, the Delaware County Planning Board is committed to a transparent and inclusive process. We invite all residents, landowners, business owners, and other stakeholders to take the online survey available at the project website: delcony.us/plncsp/. Those interested in the plan may also participate in two upcoming public input sessions designed to gather feedback, ideas, and concerns that will shape the content and direction of the Strategic Comprehensive Plan.

The input gathered from the public survey and during these initial input sessions will be carefully reviewed by Delaware County Planning and the consultant for incorporation into the draft Plan. There will be additional opportunities for public review and comment as the Plan progresses.

“We are excited to be working with the Delaware County Planning Board to undertake the development of a strategic plan for Delaware County. As a county with a rich and bountiful history we are tied to the land that our ancestors settled. However, we are also evolving as a community. This plan is intended to create a path that strategically preserves that rich history while taking advantage of ideas, programs and investments being brought to the region,” said Shelly Johnson-Bennett, Director of Delaware County Planning. “We are seeking input from as many residents, landowners and business owners as possible. You can help us by completing the survey and engaging with us at the public forums. Your input is invaluable in shaping a Strategic Comprehensive Plan that truly reflects our shared community’s goals and needs.”

The Delaware County Strategic Comprehensive Plan is made possible through grant funding awarded to the County by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in addition to commitments of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as designated by the Delaware County Board of Supervisors.

For more information about the planning process and to complete the public survey, please visit Delaware County Planning CSP or email Delaware County Planning or call 607-832-5444