Greenville comprehensive plan hearing Aug. 19

    GREENVILLE — A public hearing on Greenville’s new comprehensive plan will be held on Monday, Aug. 19 at 7 p.m. in the town office.
    The  Comprehensive Plan Committee has worked almost two years in completing the plan, which was recently deemed consistent with Maine’s Growth Management Law by the Land Use Planning Commission. The recommendations of the plan are based on extensive public input, including a town-wide public opinion survey.

    The comprehensive plan contains the following vision for through the year 2024:
• A prosperous community of civically engaged people;
• Renowned natural resources and a rich cultural heritage;
• Prosperity through collaboration and public/private partnerships;
• Long-term economic stability through diversification;
• An attractive, authentic and efficient community;
• Housing for a variety of lifestyles and needs;
• Affordable services and facilities to meet community needs; and
• A full-service, regional transportation hub.
    The plan’s recommendations are specific actions that the town can take to work towards achieving this vision. Since the plan is advisory, actual changes, such as municipal expenditures or regulatory modifications, must be voted on by the citizens at future town meetings.
    Some of the specific recommendations regarding the economy include:
• Build public and private partnerships; convene an economic summit to build consensus on a plan of action for the town/region, and begin implementation;
• Establish up-to-date communications, such as town-wide, high-speed Internet and adequate cell phone service. Consider providing free/low-cost high-speed, wireless Internet as an incentive for development in Greenville;
• Develop project plans for build-out of the Industrial Park, reuse of Greenville Steam facility and revitalization of Village District. Implement when possible;
• Develop and implement marketing strategies: to promote tourism and outdoor recreation, and to attract business investments;
• Utilize funding mechanisms other than town’s general funds. Utilize the services of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council as appropriate;
• Take advantage of regional initiatives to promote economic activity in Greenville, such as the Moosehead Lake Concept Plan, a resort at Big Moose Mountain, and the Moosehead Lake Scenic Byway;
• Seek opportunities for a conference center in Greenville;
• Identify specific parcels in the Village District that could accommodate more development and work with willing property owners to explore opportunities;
• Seek opportunities to assist in the expansion of public sewer and water; and
• Pursue recreation enhancements that support economic development, including regional trail systems with trailheads in Greenville.
    Copies of the comprehensive plan are available at the town office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.–4 p.m.