St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper announced the first round of public involvement opportunities for New Directions 2040, the update to the Parish’s Comprehensive Plan. These events will introduce the initiative, explain the role of the Comprehensive Plan in decision-making on land use and infrastructure, and show how residents, businesses, and other stakeholders can participate.
The combination of in-person “pop-up” events and virtual informational sessions will take place at the following locations and times: Thursday, November 12 from 6-7 PM // Virtual Kickoff and Info Session – Registration required; Friday, November 13 from 2-6 PM // Coquille Parks and Recreation; Saturday, November 14 from 10AM – 1PM // Camp Salmen Nature Park; Sunday, November 15 from 10 AM-3 PM // Madisonville Maker’s Market, Madisonville Ball Park & Playground; Monday, November 16 from 10 AM-1PM // Folsom Farmers Market, Giddy Up; Thursday, November 19 from 6-7 PM // Virtual Info Session #2 – Registration required.
The Parish also launched the project website, where a visioning survey, ideas board, interactive map, and more information is available: www.newdirections2040.com. All pop-up events will occur outdoors. The planned outcome of the Comprehensive Plan update process will provide a factual basis for land-use decision-making; educate and inform the public; resolve points of conflict; and reduce arbitrary decision-making through establishing plan perimeters.
The entire process to finalize a draft of the plan for a public hearing, and final presentation of a draft for adoption to all Parish governing bodies, is expected to be complete in late 2021 to early 2022.
