The City of Oak Ridge has posted the top 10 most frequently asked questions about the City Blueprint, which will be the subject of an open house kick-off meeting on Thursday.
Question One
Q: When and where is the City Blueprint Kick-Off Meeting being held?
A: Thursday, January 26, at High Places Church in Grove Center (123 Randolph Road) from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Question Two
Q: I can only come for part of the time. Is that okay?
A: Yes. It is an open house style event. People are welcome to attend when they can during the time allotted. We are hoping to catch students on their way home and residents either on their way to or from work. They do not have to stay until the end of the meeting.
Question Three
Q: What is a “City Blueprint?”
A: It’s a term coined by the Community Development Department that refers to our long-range master planning document. It will contain ideas and projects that will be used to create a vision for development of our collective future.
Question Four
Q: Why are we creating a “City Blueprint?”
A: We want to help guide the city in future decision making so we can be better aware of citizen wants and needs and work to meet those needs to the best of our ability. We’re also aware that some of the best ideas are sourced directly from our community.
Question Five
Q: Will I have to speak in front of a crowd?
A: No. You can speak with staff members, City Council members, and board/commission members as you wish in order to learn more about what they do and any current and future projects you may be interested in. Your suggestions can be recorded on paper and submitted without formal presentation.
Question Six
Q: Can I bring my children?
A: Yes. This is a family friendly event for the whole community. In addition, we plan to have refreshments available for participants.
Question Seven
Q: I can’t attend the meeting. Can I still make suggestions?
A: Yes. You may contact the Community Development Department by phone during business hours at (865) 425-3531 or by departmental email (listed on our website). You can also submit suggestions via social media by sending a private message to the @CityofOakRidge Facebook page or by posting in the discussion section of our City Blueprint event page.
Question Eight
Q: Will I have another opportunity to attend a meeting about the City Blueprint?
A: Yes. This is just the first of many meetings that will be organized by the Community Development Department in order to create the City Blueprint. We anticipate a number of neighborhood meetings in addition to meetings on specific topics such as our park system or pedestrian needs.
Question Nine
Q: Who will be present at the meeting?
A: Citizens, City of Oak Ridge employees, City Council members, and members of our various boards and commissions as they are available. Those who don’t live in Oak Ridge, but own or operate a business within city limits are also welcome to attend.
Question Ten
Q: Is there already a document I can view?
A: No. This initial meeting will be used to generate ideas and policies which will be used to create the City Blueprint document. We did not want to draft a plan with pre-conceived notions and ask the citizens to accept it. We want to hear from our citizens first. However, there are past planning documents used by the City which you can review online for your reference. We’ve put them in one place for you, just visit this link: http://www.oakridgetn.gov/online/2017blueprint
See earlier story on the City Blueprint here.
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