The 2045 comprehensive plan for Henderson County has been adopted by the board of commissioners.

Residents are still concerned about the potential of some items, including turning the county’s rural areas into development. Since initial discussions about the plan in 2021, people have expressed pushback.

Those same concerns were voiced at Wednesday’s commission meeting during the public comment period.

“Local citizens want to protect our lands and forests. They have little interest in workforce development," one person said.

“It is unfortunate that this current version doesn’t reflect your constituents' top priority of protecting our forest, farmland and natural beauty," another said.

The plan touches on ideas in areas like housing, infrastructure, land usage and transportation among others.

Other residents want to see more proof in the proposal about turning ideas into reality.

“They don’t tell you much. They’re going to study, consider and all these words that don’t say much of anything,” former Henderson County Commissioner Chuck McGrady said. “It’s all fun and good, for example with land protection, to say you’ll do various things. If you’re going to put in place an effort to acquire easements, that takes money. There’s no commitment. There’s no commitment to fund the things they say they’re going to study.”

However, commissioners thought they could pass the plan partially because right now there are not many items in place regarding land use.

“It doesn't have zoning ordinances in it,” Henderson County Commission Chair Rebecca McCall said. “It doesn’t have a land use plan. It’s just a plan as far as how we want to grow. I think [the Henderson County Planning Department] is prepared to move forward. I think they’re anxious to move forward with the next steps.”

Some things that are in place because of the comprehensive plan are broadband and farm preservation task forces. A counterpoint commissioner said the plan, though approved, can be changed throughout the next 20 years.

“There’s going to be things that come up that will affect the plan,” McCall said. “It can be revised. It’s encouraged to be revised every five years and reviewed every five years. It’s not the perfect plan. It probably will never be the perfect plan. As I look back at the 2020 plan, it’s not perfect either.”

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHenderson County's 2045 comp plan receives pushback over concerns of rural development (wlos.com)