Ironwood comprehensive plan revision kicks off

IRONWOOD - The revision of Ironwood's comprehensive plan kicked off Wednesday afternoon with a workshop before the planning commission meeting.

Brad Scheib, of the Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., of Minneapolis, the consultant planner for the project, outlined steps for updating the comprehensive plan.

Scheib said public involvement will be a key part of the process and said Ironwood residents will receive surveys designed to assist in developing the plan in their November tax bills.

City residents will be asked basic background questions and also what they like about Ironwood, what they don't like and if they would recommend the city to someone planning on a move.

Scheib noted the city has an existing comprehensive plan, but parts of it are outdated and need to be changed.

He said the objectives in the plan should look five, 10, 15 or 20 years down the road.

Part of the plan will include developing a portfolio of photos from throughout Ironwood.

It will include a zoning map, but it won't trump the city's existing zoning ordinances.

Scheib and Anna Springer, also of HKGI, were scheduled to meet this morning with area stakeholders about the process.

Scheib said input from the planning commission, parks and recreation committee, economic development corporation and other city-related groups will be important before the plan is ultimately presented for final approval to the city commission.

He told planning commissioners, "This is your chance to be proactive."

The public will become involved with the plan through the city's website, in the Daily Globe through media releases and comments will be sought at the Jack Frost Festival and SISU cross country ski race.

"We love when people comment online," Scheib said.

Listening sessions will be conducted in January and the next work meeting with the planning commission, open to the public, is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 4:30 p.m.

Scheib is working directly with community development director Michael Brown and city employee Kim Coon.

The city commission hired HKDI for $70,000 to assist in updating the plan.

The entire process is expected to take about a year.

People who have questions about the plan or who would like to share information may contact Scheib at brad@hkgi.com.