City invites public input on new comprehensive plan; online survey, mapping tool and focus groups open

City Planning and Community Development staff told the Franklin City Council on Sept. 15 that the city is collecting public input for a new comprehensive plan being prepared with HWC Engineers.

Krista (Planning and Community Development staff) said the Planning and Engineering Department and the Community Development Department "have been working on, new comprehensive plan with HWC engineers." Staff have held public input sessions at the Farmers Market and Biz Bash, ran a public hearing at Beason Hall, and conducted a series of topic-focused focus groups. Krista said there was another day of focus groups scheduled for the coming Wednesday.

"We have over 250 surveys, which is awesome, but, more is always good," Krista said, and she urged residents to complete the online survey and use the mapping tool to mark specific places or intersections of concern. Staff said the survey and mapping tool would remain open through the end of next week; respondents may add open-ended comments at the end of the survey. Krista reminded the council that the comprehensive plan is typically updated every "10 to 12 years" and that the council will be the final adopting body after review by the Plan Commission.

Flyers about the survey were placed on a table at the meeting for attendees to take. Staff asked that council members share the survey link on the city Facebook page and other community outlets to increase participation.

No decisions or votes were taken on the comprehensive plan at the Sept. 15 meeting; the item was presented as a public-engagement update and timeline for future drafts and council review.