OAKLAND, ME, October, 1 – The Town of Oakland’s Comprehensive Planning Committee (OCPC) has nearly completed the first year of its two-year process of crafting a Comprehensive Plan with the goal of creating a blueprint for the Town’s future.
A Comprehensive Plan is a long-range plan commonly used to promote quality of life, prosperity, and dialogue between neighbors, and to gain an advantage when applying to state and federal funding opportunities. For Town Manager Gary Bowman, a Comprehensive Plan and its associated community outreach initiatives are “critical for leading the Town in its desired direction for the next twenty years.”
As OCPC begins its second year, its focus has shifted from compiling an inventory of the Town’s assets and resources to gathering community input on Oakland’s quality of place and projects which would enhance that quality. In late June, OCPC convened its first public workshop, which yielded productive discussions on Oakland’s strengths, opportunities, and areas of improvement. At the workshop, participating residents praised the town’s schools, municipal government, and natural resources, while identifying opportunities for increases in local eateries and downtown development projects.
After the June workshop, OCPC launched its anonymous Community Survey, which provides seasonal and year-round residents and business owners the opportunity to share their thoughts on life in Oakland and their hopes for its future. The survey was mailed to residential households, and is available online. The community response has been promising. “Over 250 residents and business owners have completed the Community Survey, giving us valuable input into what they enjoy about living in Oakland, what type of Town projects they would support, and what improvements would make our small town a better place to live,” said OCPC Chair Bob Nutting.
OCPC emphasizes the importance of community involvement in the Comprehensive Plan process. Input from the community is critical, as it shapes the vision for the Town’s future. Interested year-round and seasonal residents and business owners can access the Town of Oakland’s Community Survey online at www.centralmaine.org/oakland-comprehensive-plan or they can request a physical copy at the Town Office.
Further information regarding Comprehensive Plans and the progress of the OCPC may be accessed via OCPC’s Comprehensive Planning website: https://www.centralmaine.org/oakland-comprehensive-plan/
Media Contact
Garvan D. Donegan
Director of Planning & Economic Development, CMGC
207-680-7300
gdonegan@centralmaine.org
Last modified: October 2, 2018
