By Brandi Makuski

City leaders on Thursday will hold the seventh in 11 neighborhood meetings seeking public input on the Stevens Point Comprehensive Plan. 

Residents from the first 6 city districts have met with community development officials since the beginning of October to give their feedback on the strengths, weaknesses and assets of the city, as well as what they want to the city to look like in 10 more years.

In May Michael Ostrowski, director of community development, announced his department would go the extra mile to hear from residents by holding meetings in each of the city’s 11 aldermanic districts. The intent, he said, was to engage the public in overall city development.

The comprehensive plan provides an assessment of existing conditions and future needs within the community over the next 10-20 years.

City Council members and plan commissioners have also been in attendance to hear what the public has to say. Common themes so far include the need to additional parking, inadequate oversight of off-campus housing for university students, bicycle access and the desire for a more cooperative government.

Thursday’s meeting will be held from 6:30 – 8 PM in the Bannach Elementary School cafeteria, 5400 Walter Street. Though the meeting is open to residents from throughout the city, residents, businesses, and organizations in District 7 are encouraged to attend.