The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners and County Council are to be congratulated for moving ahead with a process to determine the future of the greater Portage Manor property.
The 120-acre property has experienced a variety of uses and abuses over the eras, but one fact is clear, especially to those of us who have grown up here or spent many years in the community: This is a special property, and planning its future ― not waiting for what comes “through the door” ― is required.
As all commissioners and council members know, there is a well-established method for planning complex projects with several interested constituencies: This is called a “planning charrette.”
Organizations both public and private often use planning charettes that involve both relevant interest groups as well as the public in general. This broad participation is what separates a planning charrette from just inviting separate entities to put proposals on the table just from their own points of view and for just the activity that they have to offer.
If well run ― and there are a number of experienced firms in this field― a planning charette will generate comments and concepts that likely would not have arisen in just putting out a “request for proposals.” And as important: it will bring the community at large to the table.
In fact, in my experience having participated in many charettes over the years, it is not only “ideas” that can be created but also the public support that will do doubt be needed for a successful future for the overall Portage Manor property.
I urge county officials to not simply wait for what is laid at their doorstep, but instead to take the lead, to conduct an open planning process that invites private and public involvement. There are several firms within our general area whose expertise includes this well-established method of arriving at plans for complex sites.
After all, a place with such rich and complex a physical presence and complex history ― and the community as well ― deserves nothing less.
Doug Hunt is a former state senator.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Future of Portage Manor property dependent on good planning | Opinion
Reporting by Doug Hunt, Guest columnist / South Bend Tribune
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By Doug Hunt, Guest columnist | USA TODAY Network
