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Area residents attending a town hall style meeting hosted by the Land Use committee last Tuesday were treated to an evening of information and entertainment. Members of the Land Use advisory board explained how the last few months have been spent developing a plan to assist Fowler’s future growth and ensure the area’s ability to retain its unique character.
Fowler’s Land Use Plan, made possible by grant funding, is being created by a team led by James Van Hemert of the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute with input from an advisory board made up of area residents. This board is comprised of a cross section of Fowler’s population representing several important facets of the community including housing, education, religion, technology and business.
“There’s no place like Fowler,” stated Van Hemert as he addressed the crowd Tuesday. “Fowler would be an excellent candidate on a list of top ten small towns in America,” he added saying many elements in the area are the kinds of things planners and developers strive to re-create as they build communities in urban areas.
Van Hemert explained how the land use plan is a vision, or roadmap, to Fowler’s future. Communities that plan tend to be more prosperous and successful. “This plan will assist you to be good stewards of the resources currently in your care.” However, he stressed the plan in no way is a set of restrictions. Rather, it will serve as a guide for such issues as capital improvements, zoning updates and land use proposals. “This plan will hold future decision makers accountable,” he said.
The land use plan for Fowler focuses on six main areas including community growth, renewable energy, housing, economic development, agriculture and protection of the environment. Town administrator, Wayne Snider, was repeatedly commended for his work on securing renewable energy for Fowler.
“Renewable energy is the future, I believe in it 100 percent,” stated Otero County Commissioner, Keith Goodwin.
Audience members were invited to comment at the close of the meeting regarding their thoughts and wishes for Fowler’s future. Feedback from Tuesday’s meeting will be incorporated into the existing plan before being reviewed by the advisory board and interested community members. The next land use meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at Cottonwood Links Golf Course. These meetings are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.
Area residents attending a town hall style meeting hosted by the Land Use committee last Tuesday were treated to an evening of information and entertainment. Members of the Land Use advisory board explained how the last few months have been spent developing a plan to assist Fowler’s future growth and ensure the area’s ability to retain its unique character.
Fowler’s Land Use Plan, made possible by grant funding, is being created by a team led by James Van Hemert of the Rocky Mountain Land Use Institute with input from an advisory board made up of area residents. This board is comprised of a cross section of Fowler’s population representing several important facets of the community including housing, education, religion, technology and business.
“There’s no place like Fowler,” stated Van Hemert as he addressed the crowd Tuesday. “Fowler would be an excellent candidate on a list of top ten small towns in America,” he added saying many elements in the area are the kinds of things planners and developers strive to re-create as they build communities in urban areas.
Van Hemert explained how the land use plan is a vision, or roadmap, to Fowler’s future. Communities that plan tend to be more prosperous and successful. “This plan will assist you to be good stewards of the resources currently in your care.” However, he stressed the plan in no way is a set of restrictions. Rather, it will serve as a guide for such issues as capital improvements, zoning updates and land use proposals. “This plan will hold future decision makers accountable,” he said.
The land use plan for Fowler focuses on six main areas including community growth, renewable energy, housing, economic development, agriculture and protection of the environment. Town administrator, Wayne Snider, was repeatedly commended for his work on securing renewable energy for Fowler.
“Renewable energy is the future, I believe in it 100 percent,” stated Otero County Commissioner, Keith Goodwin.
Audience members were invited to comment at the close of the meeting regarding their thoughts and wishes for Fowler’s future. Feedback from Tuesday’s meeting will be incorporated into the existing plan before being reviewed by the advisory board and interested community members. The next land use meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at Cottonwood Links Golf Course. These meetings are open to the public and everyone is invited to attend.
