Planning department seeks public comment on Open Space plan; announces household hazardous waste collection

Planning staff at the Nov. 5 Pike County commissioners meeting asked residents and municipal officials to review and comment on the updated Open Space, Greenways and Recreation Plan, and announced a household hazardous waste collection this coming Saturday.

Jessica Yoder, planning staff, said the open space plan update includes an inventory of natural and recreational assets, highlights achievements such as the scenic rural character preservation and agricultural land preservation programs, and sets goals and recommendations for the next 10 years. The public comment period for the plan closes Nov. 15, 2025; staff encouraged residents to submit comments online or via the planning office.

Michael Brzezinski of the planning department described the household hazardous waste event: registration runs online or at the planning office through the end of the week; the fee is $30 per car. The event will accept paint, pesticides, poisons, old oil and gas and other household hazardous materials. Brzezinski asked commissioners to help publicize remaining registration slots so residents can safely dispose of these products rather than risk environmental harm.

Why it matters

The open space plan will guide county programming and land‑use priorities for the next decade; public comments inform final recommendations. The household hazardous waste event reduces potential environmental and public‑health risks by providing a supervised disposal option for hazardous household materials.

Next steps

- Planning staff will collect public comments through Nov. 15 and incorporate feedback per plan procedures. - The planning office will continue registration and publicity for the household hazardous waste event.

No formal votes were required for the announcements reported here.