Here’s a copy of the follow-up article on the November 13, 2008 Vision Workshop, as published in The Pilot on November 16, and authored by staff writer Matthew Moriarty.

The November 13, 2008 Vision Workshop featured several handouts, worksheet items and presentation materials.

Here’s a copy of the slideshow used by Studio Cascade’s Bill Grimes to introduce the Long-Range Plan, some of the census and facilities data gathered so far, and the evening’s activity schedule.

On October 21st, the Southern Pines Long-Range Plan Drop-In Center held scores of residents - including councilpersons and Mayor Mike Haney - for a grand opening event.

But the first day of operations actually took place a week later, on October 28th, when part-time staff became available.

This is to introduce local resident Kathleen (Kathy) Hicks as the center’s staff and local liaison. With a background in insurance sales and bookkeeping, Kathy’s admittedly new to planning, but given the center’s role as project library, listening post and outreach headquarters, we think she’s a great fit.

Be sure to visit the center soon, meet Kathy, and become acquainted with the long-range planning process. Over the coming weeks, the center will grow and evolve, with lots of new materials, questionnaires and participant exercises to take part in, reflecting the progress made on the plan itself.

The Drop-In Center is located at 161 E. New Hampshire Avenue, in downtown Southern Pines.  Hours are from 1:00-6:00 pm, Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday, or as posted on the right-hand side of this website. The Center’s phone number is 910-692-9807, answered during business hours and forwarded to Studio Cascade off-hours.

Between July and October of 2008, a series of orientation interviews were conducted with Town staff, council-persons and others to help give consultants an initial understanding of the town and issues it faces today. Findings from the interviews help provide a baseline understanding of the town’s needs and expectations, and are used primarily to develop materials used in soliciting feedback in initial public workshops, where the full range of plan issues are identified and prioritized.

Here’s a copy of the summary document prepared from those interviews, including names of participants, notes collated by topic discussed and more.

The Southern Pines Long-Range Plan process will begin with the first of several community workshops scheduled for Thursday, November 13th from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Southern Pines Recreation Center, 160 Memorial Park Court, north of Morganton Road and east of Highway 1. The event will be held in the large gym at the center, commonly known as the Boys and Girls Club. All Town residents and those living within the Town’s ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) are encouraged to attend.

The meeting, called a "Vision Workshop," will ask participants to discuss and list issues and opportunities faced by the Town - whether current or expected over the course of the 20-year plan horizon. Multiple topic areas will be created to facilitate discussion on the full range of issues the plan will likely address. All written comments will be transcribed and included in work to develop a community “vision,” a broad-brush statement that will guide formation of goals and policies in the draft plan. The evening will begin with a presentation by consultant Bill Grimes of Studio Cascade on long-range plans - including their purpose, function, form and development process.

Other community workshops will take place early next year, and continue through the spring. Following a summer break, one or two additional workshops will help complete the draft plan, slated for delivery in September of 2009. Planning Commission and Town Council review will follow.

A copy of the postcard notice sent to all Town utility customers and others submitted by plan advisory committee members is linked below. E-mail notification will occur in advance of all public workshops; to be included in such mailings, add your e-mail address in the field to the right of this page and click “submit.”