Media Release

Jauary 13, 2009

10:15 a.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The public is invited to attend one of three community meetings being held around the County on the Alachua County Comprehensive Plan Evaluation and Appraisal Report in January. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss options for addressing the major community issues identified in the Evaluation and Appraisal Report process for the Comprehensive Plan. Each meeting will have a time for informal discussion with staff, followed by an overview of all the major issues, with additional time for breakout sessions to have a more focused discussion on specific groups of issues. The meetings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

Thursday, January 15, 5:30-8 p.m.                              

Santa Fe High School Cafeteria

16213 NW US HWY 441

Alachua, FL 32615

Thursday, January 22, 5:30-8 p.m.

Alachua County Health Department

224 SE 24th Street

Gainesville, FL 32641

Thursday, January 29, 5:30-8 p.m.

Kanapaha Middle School

5005 SW 75th Street

Gainesville, FL 32606

The input received at these meetings will be summarized for discussion with the Board of County Commissioners and Local Planning Agency (Planning Commission) at a series of Joint Special Meetings in February and March. These meetings will be followed by public hearings in the spring and summer to adopt the Evaluation and Appraisal Report by September 2009 including recommendations for update of the County's Comprehensive Plan in 2009/2010.

A full schedule of meeting dates with the County Commission and Local Planning Agency are posted on the County's EAR website at http://www.alachuacounty.us/ear. A summary of major issues and their identified options is also posted. For more information please call the Growth Management Department at 374-5249 or send an email to ear@alachuacounty.us.

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