Public invited to give input on county's future

By JAY GOETTING
Register Staff Writer

Valley residents will have the opportunity Dec. 3 to weigh in on Napa County's past planning and future endeavors in the first in a series of public workshops.

Eliot Hurwitz, program manager for the Napa County League of Governments, said the objectives of the session are to share information on the concept of developing a strategy for planning, highlighting the work already done and to gain further community input.

Hurwitz said the idea of bringing people together for planning purposes is a tried-and-true concept, but the development of strategies and goals will break new ground. The process will go beyond nuts-and-bolts planning issues and get into the core values and philosophy behind the policies.

NCLOG has played a major role in bringing together the county and its cities, most notably Napa and American Canyon, in developing housing agreements that should help satisfy state and regional requirements.

Five "stations" will be set up at the Yountville Community Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. Staff members will be at each location recording public input as people view displays dealing with land use, visitor services, the airport area and regional housing strategies.

At 7:15 p.m., the session will take on a town meeting format, with a presentation of the history of county issues and challenges being faced.

Nearly a dozen facilitated groups will form to discuss specific issues with a wrap-up scheduled for 8:40. The open house will continue until 9:30 p.m. and further meetings will be planned.

NCLOG is made up of elected and appointed officials of the county and its five cities. Two elected officials from each entity make up the twelve-member board of directors.

Hurwitz said he has contacted the Napa County Hispanic Network, and will have translators available at the meeting. The Napa Valley Coalition of Non Profit Agencies has been invited to take part, and Hurwitz has even spoken to Vintage High School students in an effort to gain their participation.

Mike Zdon, executive director of the Napa County Transportation Planning Agency, said arrangements have been made to have shuttle buses to provide rides from the various communities.

* Calistoga - From the corner of Washington and 1st at 5:40 p.m.

* St. Helena - From the corner of Fulton and Main at 6 p.m.

* American Canyon - From City Hall near Roosters in Canyon Plaza at 5:35 p.m.

* Napa - From the County Building, 5th and Coombs at 6 p.m.

* Napa - From Solano Ave. and Redwood Rd. in front of Vallerga's at 6:10 p.m.

Buses will return immediately after the workshop. For further information, call 259-8782.

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