By INESE STRAZDINS EPSTEIN
Comprehensive Planning Commission Chairwoman, Town of Ridgeville
and by RON LUETHE
Town of Ridgeville Supervisor
We are writing in response to the letter to the editor published July 25 and entitled “Citizens should get involved in Ridgeville government” concerning Ridgeville’s comprehensive planning commission.
We see firsthand the value of having ordinances to help guide us in open, transparent, orderly development within our township. An ordinance is not designed to keep development out, but rather to protect the residents’ best interests.
In 2007, the residents of Ridgeville Township were invited to participate in writing a comprehensive plan. The comprehensive planning committee sent a survey to all residents and used those results to formulate the plan. There were numerous meetings that were attended by not just committee members, but also by many Ridgeville residents as well. The entire process was achieved with public input and proper protocol, and that is still the case. Upon approval of the comprehensive plan, the committee became a commission, and its role changed from writing the plan to advising the town board on whether or not development in Ridgeville coincides with the plan. Again, the residents of Ridgeville were invited to participate. The commission also is responsible for ensuring that ordinances and resolutions are consistent with the plan.
