By Brandi Makuski

City leaders on Monday will hold the last of 11 neighborhood meetings seeking public input on the Stevens Point Comprehensive Plan.

Residents from the first 10 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.

Last year 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, according to Ostrowski, have included the need for additional public parking, inadequate oversight of off-campus housing for university students, bicycle access and the desire for a more cooperative government.

The meeting will be held Monday, Jan. 26 from 6:30 – 8 PM in room 122 of the Natural Resources Building at UWSP.

Residents, businesses, & organizations in the district and from throughout the city are encouraged to attend.