CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Department of Planning is seeking public input on a developmental blueprint that will guide local leaders over the next two decades.

The department’s 2050 Vision Plan will act as a roadmap for government officials in addition to private and nonprofit entities throughout the county. When adopted, the plan will replace the original vision plan first rolled out in 1992.

The 2050 Vision Plan will help local officials pursue initiatives that spur growth in the area, according to the planning department, and open the county to economic opportunities. The plan addresses new technology and infrastructure needs, as well as a “push to be more sustainable through implementation of the New York State 2022 Climate Action Plan,” according to the Chenango Planning Department website.

“This is going to help us create a more cohesive vision looking forward,” said Shane Butler, Chenango County Director of Planning. “But we really want to write this plan with support from the community. Why have a plan if it isn't supported by community vision?”

Butler said the plan is still in the early stages of development. Engineers have completed an economic analysis, community profile, and an introduction. The challenge now, he said, is getting the public to weigh in on what they want.

“If this is supported by a community vision, then we have more opportunity to make sure things get done,” Butler said. “People are more likely to buy into it so we can follow through with these initiatives.”

The planning department has seen responses trickle in since making the survey public earlier this month. However, given a low response rate of previous surveys, department heads are hoping for a different outcome this time around.

“Typically our response rate is pretty low,” said Butler. “With so many other surveys and input opportunities out there, I think people sometimes get overwhelmed by them. We hope that this is important to our community as we try to make it better, and people will take the time to take it.

The county anticipates the final stage of the 2050 Vision Plan to begin in the fall. The final document will need approval of the Chenango County Board of Supervisors to take effect.

The 2050 Vision Plan initiative has been partially funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission, Empire State Development, and Development Chenango Corporation.

Those interested in taking the Chenango County 2050 Vision Plan survey can do so by visiting chenangocounty2050.com.