City Council Approves Ambitious Plan 2035 for Huntington

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed important updates regarding local projects and the city's comprehensive plan.

One key topic was the rate ordinance related to the Route 10 line extension project. This project will be funded by the residents who will benefit from the extension. A flat surcharge of $21 will be applied, along with an additional fee of $7 for every 1,000 gallons of water used. This structure aims to ensure that those who use less water, such as individuals on fixed incomes, will pay less, while businesses that consume more water will incur higher fees.

The meeting also featured the first reading of Ordinance 2024-045, which pertains to the adoption of the comprehensive plan for Huntington, West Virginia. Planning Director Brianna Shell presented the final draft of \"Plan 2035,\" an update to the previous plan established in 2013. This new plan builds on the successes of earlier strategies and emphasizes the unique characteristics of each neighborhood in Huntington.

Over the past two years, the planning team collaborated with consultants and engaged the community through surveys and discussions, gathering nearly 1,800 responses. The comprehensive plan is divided into three sections: a community profile, future goals based on community values, and an action plan for implementation.

Shell highlighted that the planning commission unanimously approved the plan on November 18. Council members expressed interest in measuring the progress made under the previous plan to set benchmarks for the new one. Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to infrastructure improvements and community engagement in shaping its future.