City should act on comprehensive plan recommendations

On March 9, the Janesville City Council adopted a comprehensive plan that will affect our community for the next 20 to 25 years. if projected growth and development take longer to materialize, this document could potentially be a useful guide for an even longer period of time.

At a cost of at least $180,000, the plan certainly could be considered a good investment, given its longevity. As part of adopting the plan, the community was engaged in a passionate debate about its possible impact on farmland and agriculture near Janesville. The value of these lands, and the responsibility of this and future councils to be the best possible stewards of the land, is beyond question.

But what was left out of the debate almost entirely is the fact that the plan, which took Janesville's Plan Commission, Community Development Department and a consulting firm more than two years to complete, has many excellent recommendations. These should be discussed and encouraged, because they are very likely to have a positive and long-lasting impact on our community.

While the debate raged about growth and potential development, the plan notes the need to "infill" and to create the so-called "neighborhood hubs" and "mixed-use development" centers. In other words, the plan readily acknowledges the need for and advocates preservation and development of our existing neighborhoods, many of which were built with no stores in sight, because people who lived there were expected to drive to commercial centers.

But the times are changing. As we look to drive less and do more work via phone and the Internet, there is more interest and demand for small neighborhood centers, which would include grocery stores, restaurants and various shops and services within walking distance.

Another recommendation, which I'm partial to, recommends that Janesville look closely at the idea of creating a facility for higher learning, perhaps downtown. The plan plainly states that the most logical partners for this project would include the University of Wisconsin-Rock County and Blackhawk Technical College.

The plan also suggests setting aside more land on the south side of the city for commercial development. This is vital if we want to demonstrate that Janesville welcomes new businesses. And, it resulted in additional studies on the Old 4th Ward and Look West neighborhoods.

It would be a real injustice to the community if this plan, which must be submitted to the state, is allowed to gather dust on a shelf somewhere. A lot of thought, work and money went into crafting a vision for Janesville's growth and development. We would do a disservice to the city by not pursuing the recommendations that would help make Janesville the city we want and believe it can be.

Originally published in Janesville Messenger on March 29, 2009.

Poll Roll - Elections

K. Andreah Briarmoon 0 votes
George Brunner 5
Billy Ray McCoy 2
Frank Perrott 4
spencer Potter 5
Daniel Straasburg 3
Russ Steeber 5
Bill Truman 6

Please vote on the part 2 of this poll, now also including Julie Backenkeller. There is now just over a week left until the elections.