THE LOCAL NEWS OF THE MADISON VALLEY, RUBY VALLEY AND SURROUNDING AREAS

An example of how future land use could be designated in Sheridan. MAP CREATED BY NORTHERN ROCKIES ENGINEERING. INC.

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Community encouraged to submit comments on updated Sheridan Growth Policy

Have an opinion on how to best manage the future and growth of Sheridan? Now is the time to speak up. The town recently issued an updated draft to its growth policy and is asking the community for its thoughts.

The 283-page document is available for review online at https://madisoncountymt.gov/307/Planning by clicking the UPCOMING PLANNING DISCUSSION header.

The Town of Sheridan’s original growth policy was adopted in 2003 and had a limited update in 2010. Recently, the town enlisted the services of Northern Rockies Engineering, Inc and WWC Engineering to prepare a comprehensive update to the document.

To make the updates, the engineering companies issued a survey for Sheridan residents to fill out between 2017 and 2020. Seventy-three surveys were returned, with results indicating the community thought the availability of emergency services and access to healthcare were two important features of the town. Tourism and civic organizations scored lower on the important feature scale.

Common themes gathered from the survey included a need for road improvements, affordable housing, and updates to parks and playgrounds.

In summary, the survey found that Sheridan residents desire a small-town atmosphere not based on tourism or accelerated growth – a rural quality of life is important to them.

With survey and public meeting data in hand, the updated growth policy was drafted. The community is encouraged to peruse the document and provide input to the Madison County Planning Board. The planning board will consider the public comments received and make a recommendation to the Town of Sheridan who will take final action.

A public hearing regarding the document is scheduled for March 29 at 6 p.m. as part of the Madison County Planning Board’s regular meeting. Comments should be received by 5 p.m. on the night of the meeting. Comments can also mailed prior to that, addressed to the Madison County Planning Department at P.O. Box 278, Virginia City, Montana, 59755; submitted via phone at 406- 843-5250; or via an e-mail to planning@madisoncountymt.gov. Verbal or written comments may also be given at the public hearing.

The public hearing will be livestreamed. A link can be found at https://madisoncountymt.gov/307/Planning.

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The Madisonian

65 N. MT Hwy 287
Ennis, MT 59729
406-682-7755
www.madisoniannews.com

Cori Koenig, editor: editor@madisoniannews.com
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