Town of Little River Public Workshop Summary

October 14, 2000

As a part of the Town of Little River "Smart Growth" Comprehensive Planning process, the Town Plan Committee hosted a public workshop on Saturday, October 14, 2000 at the Town Hall, 3627 CTY A, Oconto, WI.  The workshop was scheduled from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm.   Approximately 25 people were in attendance.

The meeting began with OMNNI Associates presenting a recap of the summer planning activities.  Specifically, the demographic, housing and economic information presented to the Plan Committee at their June 13^th meeting was reviewed with the public (Summary provided on this web page under Demographic Data).  In addition, the updated existing land use map was on display for viewing and comments .

Following this general summary, OMNNI facilitated a discussion with town residents about future town goals and objectives.  The discussion centered around the main issues discussed at the Public Workshop held in January:

1. Reconstructed STH 41 Meets Little River Needs
2. Retain Town Authority in Land Use Decisions
3. Preserve Farmland
4. Protect Rivers, Streams and Shorelines From Harmful Uses
5. Keep Costs of Public Services Down
6. Maintain Property Owner Rights
7. Trust in Public Officials
8. Develop and Maintain Applicable Building, Lot Size, and Density Restrictions
9. Retain Natural Resource Areas
10. Cost of New Sewers Due to Increased Population Demand and the Impact on the Sanitary District
11. Protect Property Values Through Appropriate Land Use, Zoning, and Maintenance Requirements
12. Support Land Use Valuation

Through the course of the discussion, new concerns were raised by residents and added to the list of goals and objectives to be addressed in the plan.  For a complete list of the current draft goals and objectives, please see the Planning Objectives and Priorities tab on this web page.

Following the meeting, OMNNI Associates, used the comments received from the public to draft the Town of Little River Community Vision Statement.

In the year 2020, the Town of Little River will have retained its rural atmosphere by encouraging an optimal mix of farming and residential development.   New and long-time residents will take great pride in the town's abundant recreational opportunities. Undeveloped, natural areas and wide-open scenic vistas will be an integral part of the landscape - permanently preserved and protected from future development pressures.  New commercial and industrial development will be located near the City of Oconto and along the USH 41 corridor, where utilities and services are more readily available, but in locations that are still accessible to town residents.

The next meeting of the Town of Little River Plan Committee will be in December.  Watch for public notice postings for the exact date and time of the meeting.  A tentative agenda includes a presentation by OMNNI Associates about conservation subdivisions and a review of the community facilities and utilities chapter information. The public is welcome to attend this meeting to provide input.