Edinburgh officials seek feedback for comprehensive plan update

EDINBURGH — Edinburgh is asking for the public’s help to shape the town’s future with an underway comprehensive plan update.

Town officials are partnering with HWC Engineering, an Indianapolis consulting firm, to gather community input and prepare for growth. The comprehensive plan is a group of documents that will guide development and growth in the town for the next 10 to 20 years. Edinburgh’s current plan hasn’t been updated in 13 years, Kevin McGinnis, town manager said.

There will be multiple opportunities for residents to give input on the comprehensive plan and the first way to participate is by filling out a survey.

McGinnis said the survey plays a pivotal role in developing the plan.

“It gives us guidance to listen and take in the concerns of the citizens on future growth,” he said. “We can turn the new Edinburgh into what is desired by the people who live here.”

Residents are encouraged to participate through an online version of the survey found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XVKHP7B. A paper copy of the survey can also be picked up from the John R. Drybread Community Center, 100 E. Main Cross St. All responses are anonymous and confidential to ensure honest feedback, McGinnis said.

The survey, which will remain open until March 31, delves into various aspects of community life. Questions ranging from the residents’ satisfaction with municipal services to their input on housing, infrastructure and amenities.

The following people can take the survey: current Edinburgh residents and business owners, nearby county residents and business owners, people who grew up in Edinburgh but live elsewhere and people who are interested in the future of the Edinburgh community.

The comprehensive plan update is funded with a $50,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs as well as a contribution of $5,600 from the Town of Edinburgh. In addition to the survey, a series of public engagements are scheduled regarding the comprehensive plan.

These meetings are open to the public and will be held at Edinburgh Town Hall:

• A public workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. on March 27;
• A “Big Ideas” open house from 6 to 7 p.m. on May 15;
• A public presentation of the plan and a video showcase from 6 to 7 p.m. on July 16;
• A Plan Commission adoption presentation and public hearing on Aug. 20;
• An Edinburgh Town Council adoption presentation on Sept. 9.

Town officials have been working toward updating the comprehensive plan for the past year, McGinnis said. It is important to update the plan, as well other planning documents such as the subdivision control ordinance to prepare for development that is expected in the coming years.

“Timbergate [Homes] has come alive again and we have a national home building [company] looking at some ground to build a few hundred homes,” he said. “We may be on the radar for future development opportunities. We don’t get a whole lot of development opportunities, so [the comprehensive plan] is key when we have some coming in.”