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Shaping Lewis County’s Next Chapter: Public Invited
to Drop-In Open House November 12th for County Smart Growth Comprehensive
Plan
Published: October 29, 2026
at 04:445 p.m.
By: Press Release
from Lewis County Office of Planning and Community Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2026
SHAPING LEWIS COUNTY’S NEXT CHAPTER: PUBLIC INVITED
TO DROP-IN OPEN HOUSE FOR THE COUNTY SMART GROWTH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
LOWVILLE, NY – What does the
future look like for the rolling hills, bustling family farms, and historic
village centers of Lewis County? It is a question local
leaders are asking residents to help answer.
Lewis County is
inviting all community members, local business owners, and stakeholders to
drop in for a Public Open House on Thursday, November 12, 2026, between
1:30 PM and 7:00 PM at Moving Mountains Cafe, located at 9719 NY-812 in
Croghan.
This casual
gathering marks a major milestone in the ongoing update of the Lewis County
Smart Growth Comprehensive Plan, a collective roadmap designed to capture
what residents love most about the region while thoughtfully navigating the
changes ahead.
Finding Balance:
The Comprehensive Planning Process
Every community
faces a delicate balancing act: how to embrace new opportunities and secure
a sustainable economic future while protecting the cherished rural
character, natural beauty, and tight-knit community pride that define
northern New York.
As Lewis County
works to find that balance, community involvement remains a central part of
the planning process.
“The
Comprehensive Plan is an opportunity to be intentional about the future of
Lewis County while preserving the qualities that make our communities
special. The decisions we make today will shape our County for years to
come, and it is important that those decisions reflect the needs,
priorities, and vision of the people who live and work here,” said Casandra
Buell, Director of Planning and Community Development.
Grounded in
current realities and direct community feedback, the plan update takes a
comprehensive look at the foundation of everyday life in the County. It
examines key core areas, including Housing, Economic Development,
Agriculture & Forestry, Natural Resources, Renewable Energy &
Storage, Recreation & Tourism, Health Care, Infrastructure,
Transportation, and County Governance.
A Robust
Foundation: Work Completed to Date
Since launching
the update, the County, working hand-in-hand with
the Steering Committee and planning consultants from LaBella
Associates, has built a rigorous technical foundation.
That groundwork
includes:
- A Comprehensive Community Profile: A deep-dive evaluation of local demographic
shifts, housing market constraints, land use patterns, and economic
health.
- Specialized Technical Assessments: Key foundational studies, including the
Lewis County Energy Generation Audit, the Lewis County General
Hospital Facilities Assessment Report, and regional market potential
evaluations.
- Targeted Public & Stakeholder Engagement: A series of focus group discussions centered
around housing, agriculture, recreation, health, and economic
development, paired with the first public workshop and countywide
survey to hear firsthand about local challenges like housing
affordability, workforce needs, and infrastructure resilience.
With this
groundwork in place, the County is now focused on using the information
gathered to identify practical strategies that address the community's
needs and priorities.
“The work
completed so far has given us a clearer picture of the challenges and
opportunities facing Lewis County. Now, we have an opportunity to turn
those findings and community feedback into practical strategies that will
support our communities, strengthen our local economy, and position the
County for long-term success,” said Tim Hunt, County Manager.
What to Expect at
the Open House
The November 12
Open House is designed entirely around flexibility and conversation.
Residents are encouraged to come and go at their leisure, whether stopping
by during a lunch break or dropping in after work, to grab a bite, review
emerging Plan Themes, and talk directly with the project team.
Core session
highlights include:
- Project Updates: A look at the journey so far, community
engagement milestones, and completed technical findings.
- Plan Themes: A first look at newly crafted strategies
designed to address the specific challenges and opportunities
identified during the planning process.
- Community Conversation: An open dialogue on survey results, emerging
local issues, County strengths, and most importantly, a chance to tell
the team if anything was missed.
Light bites,
sandwiches, desserts, and coffee will be provided. To help organizers plan
for refreshments, residents are encouraged to RSVP or sign up for future
project updates by visiting the Comprehensive Plan webpage.
This planning
initiative and public event were prepared with financial support provided
by the New York State Department of State through the Environmental
Protection Fund.
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