***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
(Woodstock, Illinois)—The future is now. McHenry County Board Chairman Kenneth Koehler and Planning and Development Committee Chairwoman Barbara Wheeler are pleased to announce the seating of a new McHenry County Regional Planning Commission.
This new Commission will be responsible for the formulation of McHenry County’s 2030 Land Use Plan. The Plan, when adopted by the McHenry County Board, will be a policy document to aid elected officials in making land use decisions.
The Commissioner’s themselves come from a wide variety of backgrounds and areas of expertise. 42 people applied for the 13 open positions on the RPC. The candidates were vetted by the County Board’s Planning and Development Committee and appointed by the McHenry County Board. Two people were chosen from each County Board district, with one member at large. Those chosen represent McHenry County’s open minded citizenry and balanced viewpoints regarding growth, open space, farming interests, quality of life, water resource management, economic development and infrastructure.
“I believe this Commission truly represents the best the County has to offer. This Commission has the talent and ability to recommend a plan to the County Board that will continue to make McHenry County one of the most desirable places to live,” said County Board Chairman Koehler. Planning and Development Committee Chairwoman Barbara Wheeler is excited by the collaborative nature of the individuals involved. “This Commission really is looking to work with not only the County Board, but with everybody in the County to develop the best possible plan.”
The Commission has been meeting monthly since its first meeting in December 2006. At its March 8, 2007 meeting, the Commission will forward recommendations for the goals and objectives of the 2030 Land Use Plan to the McHenry County Board for advice and consent. The Commission has 24 months to finish the plan.
Soon, the Commission will announce the launch of its website which will allow citizens to track progress, read meeting agendas and minutes, and to learn about the planning process.
For further information, please contact the McHenry County Regional Planning Commission through the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development at 815-334-4560.
Released February 26, 2007
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