As I pondered what to write about in this week’s column, a number of things came to mind.
While many people are asking me about the wedding, how the plans are going and the big move to the Washington, D.C. area, I know there are others out there who are probably tired of reading about it, so this week I decided to give you a bit of a reprieve.
One thing I heard about during the past week that piqued my interest is the city’s efforts to develop a 30-year comprehensive plan — a road map if you will — to move Greenwood forward.
Thomas Gregory, the city’s chief administrative officer, recently spoke to the Greenwood Kiwanis Club about the project, and went over some of the main areas it will touch on, such as land use, health issues, environmental issues and capital planning.
I think the idea for a comprehensive plan is outstanding, and I hope it is one that everyone will consider thoughtfully and develop as a working tool for the city.
I know a comprehensive plan can work if those who are charged with bringing it about do their part. I also know such a plan can be placed on a shelf to gather dust and never looked at again once presented.
When I was a member of a leadership class back in Alabama, I was involved with helping develop such a strategic plan for the county I lived in at the time.
A group of business and civic leaders and other interested citizens were divided into committees to research and come up with ideas for improving the county’s infrastructure, eduction and health — much like those Greenwood will address in its plan.
Each committee gathered information on a specific area of interest and brought the findings back to the larger group. Input also was sought through a series of public meetings, and a plan was set in place.
The plan had goals, target dates for when those goals should be met, and a certain group or entity was assigned with making sure it happened.
When the strategic plan was complete, it was presented to county commissioners, the school board, health officials, municipalities and all other groups that were charged with tasks in carrying out the plan.
Needless to say, I recall only the board of education really following the plan. And it was evident in the quality of education the students were getting, the opportunities they were offered and the equipment that was provided to them.
But I honestly can’t say too much for the other groups who were assigned tasks. Most of the groups took those three-ring binders and placed them on a shelf to gather dust or to prop up a table that had a bad leg.
I hope for much greater things from the Greenwood plan.
As a former member of a group who helped develop such a plan, I was a bit frustrated that all the resources and energy went to waste by a majority of the people, cities and county it was intended to help.
I encourage those who are working on the Greenwood plan to take this opportunity to develop something that can and will be used.
I’ve always believed that without a vision, the people will perish. How can a city move forward if it doens’t know where it’s going or how it plans to get there?
Developing a 30-year plan can be one of the best things this city has ever done, but if not used properly and taken seriously, as was the case back in Alabama, it can be a big waste of time.
I hope Greenwood develops a plan that our city can be proud of and one that will be used by future administrations for years to come.
I may soon be leaving this fine city, but I would love to see Greenwood grow and prosper. And with the proper plan and everyone working together, it can happen.
I encourage everyone to attend these upcoming meetings and share your ideas for the future of Greenwood.
There is nothing this town can’t accomplish if everyone is working together toward a common goal.
