Citizen input requested for city planning

Luverne residents will have a voice in future city development by attending a Sept. 26 open house about Luverne’s Comprehensive Plan.
The document provides the city leaders with a community vision for the next 20 years, and it’s reviewed and updated every 10 years.
The last update was in 2004.
“It’s a crucial document to have as a roadmap, and you can tell which communities don’t have a plan,” Mayor Pat Baustian said in December when the LEDA authorized funding for a consultant to lead the process.
He referred to communities with uncontrolled growth that now suffer from urban sprawl and poor land use.
EDA Director Sammons said, “There’s an orderly way to let development happen.”
In April the LEDA approved a $50,000 agreement with Bolton and Menke, Sioux Falls, to provide consulting services for the process.
The city of Luverne along with planning consultants will host the Sept. 26 open house to solicit input on community issues that will be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan.
Residents are encouraged to come to Grand Prairie Events banquet facility (105 S. Estey St.) anytime from 3 to 5 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. to share thoughts on community planning and development.
The open house will be a come-and-go format where attendees can visit a variety of stations related to land use, zoning, housing, tourism, parks and trails, transportation, economic development, urban design, infrastructure and utilities, natural resources, culture and entertainment.
Sammons said she hopes to see a good turnout at the open house.
“Rather than five people in City Hall making all the decisions, this is a decision for the community,” Sammons said. “What does the community want? What are our assets and strengths and what are our weaknesses and opportunities?”
Details about the open house and an opportunity to participate in an interactive survey can be found at http://www.cityofluverne.org/progress.
One component of the Comprehensive Plan includes housing, and the city paid the Maxfield Research firm $14,000 for a comprehensive housing needs study to provide accurate and detailed information for future planning and development efforts. 
This housing study updates findings from a previously completed study in 2008 and a preliminary senior housing study in 2012.
The 2016 housing study was completed earlier this summer and, among other things, found a shortage of housing for seniors, market-rate renters and first-time homebuyers.