The City of Zephyrhills has launched a community opinion survey to identify the city’s key issues and opportunities across the next 15 years.
The 20-question survey, which is open through Oct. 31, will be used to update the city’s long-range comprehensive plan, also called Zephyrhills 2030.
(File Photo)
The Zephyrhills Comprehensive Plan projects forward 15 years to envision where residents will “live, work, learn, play, socialize, maintain health, and preserve assets for benefits of current and future generations.”
The plan — which should be complete by the end of 2017 — also seeks to address the city’s growth and development priorities and opportunities.
Per state law, comprehensive plans must be evaluated every seven years and updated as needed.
Todd Vande Berg, planning director for the city of Zephyrhills, said he’s in the beginning stages of updating the comprehensive plan.
He’s already received over 400 survey responses.
“It’s just another way for us to gather input, data, comments, what people feel, what they like, dislike and ideas they have,” he said. “How can we improve quality of life of Zephyrhills?”
The current evaluations of the Zephyrhills Comprehensive Plan began in September with interviews of more than 50 people with different backgrounds and interests. Roundtable discussions included the following areas: real estate, economic development, culture/leisure, health, education/job training, community quality of life and transportation/mobility.
Vande Berg noted there was a “strong response” from residents for building a new community center.
“A lot of the types of issues people were very vocal about (were) improving the demographics of our community,” he said. “We really wanted get some broad support and involvement with the update to this city comprehensive plan. There are so many things that are happening and evolving in southeast Pasco that we feel this comprehensive plan update is going to be very important.”
Key forthcoming city projects, Vande Berg said, include the extension of State Road 56, the transformation of Zephyr Park and the redevelopment of Gall Boulevard.
“There’s various points of interest that…are a big part of growth and development of our community,” said Vande Berg.
A summarized report based on the survey and roundtables will later be presented to both the Zephyrhills Planning Commission and the city council, Vande Berg said.
To complete the survey, visit bit.ly/survey2030.
Paper surveys may be obtained in the City of Zephyrhills Planning Department, 5335 Eighth St., or at the Zephyrhills Public Library, 5347 Eighth St. Those who complete the survey and provide an email address will be entered into a drawing for a $100 grocery gift card.
Published October 26, 2016
