Waddington presents its community development plan Monday

WADDINGTON – After months of work and committee meetings, the Laberge Group, Albany, will present a draft economic development strategic plan to the public Monday at 7:15 p.m. at the town library.

Town Supervisor Mark Scott said he expects the majority of the draft to be included in the final document, but one more community meeting will be held to discuss adjustments and present the plan to the public.

The plan offers a deep description of the town’s assets, including an economic profile, a community profile, an analysis of existing conditions in the town, and information gathered from public forums and surveys.

While the 100-page document contains a wealth of information, the true purpose of the plan is featured in a section which outlines the town’s goals and offers ideas toward implementing them.

The goals include development of town-owned property, increasing agricultural development and opportunities, improving recreation and tourism and attracting businesses.

The meeting will offer residents a chance to see what the future of Waddington could be. Mr. Scott said it will also be an opportunity for residents who participated in surveys and informational meetings to see the fruits of their labor.

“We’ve spent a lot of time on it,” he said. “It will be nice to have something to show for it.”

Mr. Scott said he is excited to see the plan come together and hopes the town can begin implementing aspects of it.

Some ideas included in the document have already been addressed by the Town Council. He said the development of a campground at Leishman Point is one goal the town has made some progress advancing. The board recently approved an engineering study for the project, despite being denied a grant to pay for it.

While town has done community development plans in the past, Mr. Scott said he is hopeful this one won’t be put on a shelf and forgotten.

“I want to see it put to good use,” he said.