GI Vision Task Force Looks to Improve Area

By: Adam Uhernik - Email

Updated: Fri 9:39 PM, Mar 22, 2013

Visioning Task Force

For more information click HERE.

What Members Decided Friday

· It was determined the process would include all of Hall County

· City staff will research other communities similar to the size of Grand Island to see what visioning process their communities use; including Hastings and Kearney

· Members were encouraged to discuss and explore the visioning process within their own organizations or businesses and bring feedback to the next meeting

· Next meeting will be held in approximately 30 days.

Grand Island and Hall County leaders are looking toward the future.

They're doing that through a new Visioning Task Force, and they say it's not a city process but a community one.

Nearly 30 community leaders came together for the first meeting to start creating a grander vision for the area.

"As I said before if you don't know where you want to go any road will take you there. We want to know the road," said GI Mayor Jay Vavricek.

Grand Island's Mayor Jay Vavricek formed the task force to seek suggestions and improvements.

"We wanted start this knowing it's a community process this isn't a city process. and it gives us a place to start some where," said Vavricek.

Members decided to research communities similar in size to Grand Island like Hastings and Kearney to see what visioning process their communities use.

It was suggested the group build upon the visioning process of 1998 by implementing the use of technology to gain greater input from citizens

"So our vision would simply be that we have feedback from everyone and see what their concerns are. What their needs are from transportation to housing how can government serve you better," said Hall County Board of Supervisor Pam Lancaster.

Lancaster says part of serving the community better is learning how to grow in a manner that works for everyone.

"How do we grow so affordable housing is available to people who move to our community because job availability is here," said Lancaster.

Mayor Vavricek says this process isn't one that will take place over night, in fact it could be a lengthy one.

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