BERLIN – Area residents have one more chance to share their ideas for Berlin’s future as the town enters the final stage of the strategic planning process.
Between now and March 5, citizens can share their thoughts and concerns for Berlin’s future through a survey available both online and at Berlin Town Hall.
“We really want your input,” Mayor Gee Williams said.
The survey is designed to collect feedback from those who didn’t attend one of the four community input sessions hosted by the town and strategic planning facilitator Christine Becker during the past month. In all, Williams said 120 people, not counting council members and local officials, took part in the sessions.
“I was delighted with the public participation at the strategic planning sessions, both in terms of attendance and enthusiasm,” he said, adding that residents came out for the meetings in spite of this month’s bitterly cold temperatures. “I take it as visible evidence that there is a lot of interest and pride in our town.”
Williams said the ideas presented by citizens were inspiring and would be useful as town officials drafted the strategic plan. He said he was encouraged by the fact that residents of various ages and from a range of different backgrounds had similar hopes and dreams for Berlin.
“I was particularly pleased with the diversity of the people who turned out, not just racial diversity, which I expected, but that there was a broad cross section of people who had lived in Berlin for over 25 years down to those who had lived here a year or less,” Williams said.
He said the meetings revealed that there was broad support for more parks and recreational facilities in town. At the same time, citizens said they didn’t want too much change.
Councilmember Lisa Hall was pleased to hear that residents wanted to make sure the town retained its unique character.
“The residents in Berlin expressed their love of Berlin and how they want to protect and maintain the special charm of Berlin,” Hall said.
After data from the survey has been compiled, the council will participate in a two-day work session March 11-12 to review the information that’s been gathered and draft a list of priorities for the next three years.
“The obvious challenge is that it will be the responsibility for the Mayor and Council to chart a course that over time provides the many wonderful amenities the citizens want, but in a way that does not add to their tax burden,” Williams said.
The final strategic plan will be presented at a council meeting in the spring.