The Town of Gordonsville is reviewing and updating its comprehensive plan, a document that describes the desired future of the Town and how to achieve it. The last update occurred in 2005; Virginia Code calls for localities to review their local comprehensive plan every five years.

The Town’s plan review process is anticipated to take approximately 24 months, with Council’s final adoption of the revised plan scheduled for June 2013 (revised 3-26-2012). The update of the document is taking place in-house with the effort being spearheaded by Town Planner Deborah S. Kendall, AICP, and the Gordonsville Town Planning Commission.

Obtaining input from the community is vital to the success of the update of the Town's comprehensive plan. The Town is providing several opportunities for Town residents to express their thoughts about the Town's future.

Community Survey
A survey to get public input on the plan revision was sent out to Town water customers during the first week of October. Just eleven questions, the survey took only minutes to complete and asked questions about issues important to Town citizens and what they see as future challenges or opportunities for the Town.

Seventy-seven surveys were completed and returned to the Town. Thank you everyone for your input! Survey results are now available and will be incorporated into the comprehensive plan as an appendix.

Community Meetings
The Town held public meetings for community input on the development of the comprehensive plan in October and November. Those attending the meetings heard a presentation about the Town's plan update process and then provided information to Town representatives about their vision for the future of the Town.

Meetings were held as follows:

Thursday, October 20, 2011 at Union Baptist Church
Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Gordonsville Fire Hall
Thursday, November 3, 2011 in Council Chambers at Town Hall.

The meeting on November 3rd targeted the business community.

Children are also welcome to provide input on the future of the Town and may do so through a special coloring exercise.

Input from the community meetings:
Union Baptist Church - October 20, 2011
Gordonsville Fire Hall - October 27, 2011
Gordonsville Town Hall - November 3, 2011

A compilation of community meeting comments is also available for review.

Vision Statement
A guiding feature of the comprehensive plan is the vision statement. The Town Planning Commission and Town Planner have generated a draft vision statement for consideration by Town citizens as the plan is reviewed and updated. Questions, comments or suggested changes regarding the draft vision statement should be directed to the Town Planner.

Demographic Profile
In order to make decisions about the future of the Town, it is important to have an idea of the current makeup of the Town with respect to population, housing, education, employment, etc. Staff has obtained this information for the Town from the American Community Survey conducted by the US Bureau of the Census. The information provided is from the time period 2005-2009. The Town's comprehensive plan will include this information as well as information from the 2000 and 2010 Census to round out a complete picture of demographic trends that will give an indication as to future needs of the Town.

Goals, Objectives and Strategies
The 2000-2005 Comprehensive Plan has numerous goals, objectives and strategies that are used to guide decisions about the future of the Town. As part of the plan update, staff has prepared a status summary of these goals and objectives to give Town residents an idea of what has been accomplished since the last plan update. This information will help guide the development of new or additional goals and objectives that will be incorporated into the revised plan.

Maps
Maps in a comprehensive plan help to illustrate certain features about the Town and its population. These maps enable citizens to more easily visualize the future of the community with respect to how property may be used or where new facilities (sidewalks, parks, community centers, etc.) may be located. Maps prepared for the plan revision thus far show existing land use, public spaces and sidewalks, and property zoning with parcels that are developed.

The following plan sections have been drafted and reviewed by the Planning Commission. All information is in draft form and will not be in final form until the plan has been adopted by Town Council. Comments on these sections are welcome and should be emailed to the Town Planner at .

Introduction
Section I.  Executive Summary
Section II. Community Vision and Goals
Section III. About Gordonsville
Section IV. Planning in Gordonsville
Section V. Comprehensive Plan Focus Areas
                A. Beautification and Community Design
                B. Boundary Adjustment
                C. Economic Development
                D. Environment
                E. History and Culture
                F. Housing
                G. Land Use and Development
                H. Parks, Recreation and Open Space
                I.  Public Services and Infrastructure
                J. Transportation

Plan Implementation Chart

Appendices
    Community Meeting Input Compilation
    Community Survey Report
    Gordonsville Bypass (Truck Route) Plan
    2035 Regional Rural Transportation Plan
    Historic District Property Inventory
    Town of Gordonsville Soil Report 2012