by KIM HILSENBECK
A vision for the future of Kyle – that is what city leaders want from residents.
From 9 a.m. to noon March 24 at the Earnest Kimbro Building at Kyle Elementary School, residents will have a chance to get involved in planning the city’s future.
As Kyle grows, says spokesman Jerry Hendrix, so does its “to-do list.” He cited road improvements, water and wastewater line rehabilitation, infrastructure upgrades and a new police station as potential items on that list.
“This community visioning process is a chance for Kyle citizens to tell their leaders what they want to see for the city,” Hendrix said.
The visioning process is the next step in the city’s comprehensive plan, according to Hendrix.
“This process will allow us to hear from our citizens about how to prioritize projects,” said Mayor Lucy Johnson in a written statement.
While the comprehensive plan also had community input, Hendrix said the visioning event goes further because it will include funding issues.
“If an idea is important, how do we pay for it?” Hendrix said. “We need community support to move forward.”
During the visioning process, participants will be randomly split into four idea areas: economic development, public safety, quality of life and infrastructure.
A professional meeting facilitator will then walk participants through a series of discussions and brainstorming exercises. The four idea area groups will reconvene and consolidate the priorities from the breakout sessions.
Hendrix said a second meeting in another month or so will bring residents back together to see how each priority will be funded and gather public support.
City department leaders, the city manager and the mayor will attend and participate in the March 24 event. City Council members are also expected to take part.
The Community Visioning Process is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided. The school is at the corner of North Sledge and North Blanco streets in Old Town Kyle.
