Townhall meeting focuses on county's future

What would an ideal Antelope County look like in 20 years?

The answer to that question, along with challenges and opportunities for area residents, were discussed during a Sept. 20 townhall meeting, at the Antelope County Courthouse in Neligh.

Mason Herrman, a planner with Marvin Planning Consultants, of David City, led the get-together, which included approximately a dozen area residents.

MPC is working with the county’s planning and zoning team to update the local comprehensive plan. The townhall meeting, along with an online survey, will assist in guiding the process when it comes time to pen a plan.

What is a comprehensive plan?

“A big document that provides a couple things for the county. It gives the regulatory backing for zoning regulations,” Herrman said. “It’s something the county can point toward for the future, what people see, what people like. It’s like a business plan for the county.”

Residents in attendance listed a variety of challenges facing the county, ranging from an increase in the tax base to saving family-owned farms, attracting and maintaining new businesses, housing, foreign ownership of land, use of eminent domain by private corporations, local newspapers, communication dead zones, schools and communication with local government entities.

Herrman said a big part of the plan is identifying what drives the county and protecting it.

Antelope County is driven by agriculture. The economy, the way of life. We don’t want the comprehensive plan to affect agriculture by any means,” he said.

Lisa Payne, of Neligh, said negativity is a problem.

“Everywhere you go there’s negativity. It doesn’t matter where you’re at, there’s no cohesiveness or peace or harmony anywhere, even in our small towns,” she said.

Herrman said one goal for the plan is to provide some harmony.

“We hope the plan brings people to the same Page ... what does the county want to do?” Herrman said.

Following discussion on land-use regulations, Herrman said the comprehensive plan can provide guidelines, like listing setbacks and regulations.

Attendees named multiple opportunities the county has to offer now and in the future.

“We have good people,” Payne said.

Planning and zoning administrator Megan Wingate identified family farms as a positive aspect.

“A lot of people are proud of their farms and want to pass them down to their kids,” she said.

Recreational opportunities, schools, the county’s 4-H program and fair, historical centers, churches, fire and emergency medical services, hospital, senior and community centers and access via major highways and train access were mentioned.

“That’s why we ask this question. There’s so many good things going on,” Herrman said.

An ideal Antelope County, in 20 years, as viewed by those in attendance, would include growing businesses, additional medical and functional medical doctors, strong local schools without state control, improved internet, resource protection and increase entertainment, recreation and social opportunities.

According to Herrman, discussion points from the meeting will be used to set goals and policies for the future of the county.

A link to the survey, currently available for completion, is available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AntelopeCompPlan. Hard copies of the survey are available at the courthouse and may returned to the Wingate’s office.

A complete record from the town hall session, along with survey results, will be included in the final comprehensive plan.

Once completed, the plan will advance to the planning and zoning for approval and will be in effect for approximately the next 20 years.

“These documents can last 20 years if you work with it and use it,” Herrman said.