NORWICH – The city’s Planning Commission met Monday night to hear a second preliminary report – focused on recreation, culture and tourism – as it continues its update of the 2003 Comprehensive Plan.

Planning and Community Development Specialist Todd Dreyer’s hour-long presentation addressed the city’s achievements since the 2003 Comprehensive Plan went into effect, as well as the continuing issues, opportunities and challenges it faces looking forward.

While Dreyer said he didn’t anticipate any major changes to the updated plan in regards to recreation, he proposed a new section focused solely on culture and tourism within the city. Both have a significant impact, he added, and it’s important to have a collective community vision in place before moving ahead.

“As we receive more community input, we will be able to refine the Comprehensive Plan prior to its submission to the city’s Common Council,” said Dreyer. “Public participation is an important part of this process and we want to stress public involvement. We’re encouraging people to attend these meetings and it’s an opportunity for them to have some influence on the future of the city.”