Recently, Harford County Executive Barry Glassman has directed the Department of Planning and Zoning to begin an update to the 2012 Master Plan and Land Use Element Plan.  The Department is undertaking a streamlined approach to preparing a Master Plan which will incorporate the various Element Plans into one cohesive document known as HarfordNEXT.

According to a Harford County press release,

“HarfordNEXT is an opportunity to shape Harford County’s future, not only for ourselves but for our next generation,” said County Executive Glassman. “I invite all citizens to share their ideas. My administration plans an inclusive and transparent process including public meetings and a new online forum to encourage community engagement.”

Unlike previous Master Plan updates, HarfordNEXT will be organized around several themes that incorporate one or more component elements of the plan, such as the Natural Resources Element Plan, Priority Preservation Area Plan, Historic Preservation Plan and Transportation Plan.

“Rather than ask citizens to fit their ideas into these separate elements, the themes are designed to reflect the comprehensive way in which people think about and use public services and public space,” said Department of Planning and Zoning Director Brad Killian.

To view the presentation addressing the county council on HarfordNEXT, click here.

A public education and input meeting about HarfordNEXT is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Chesapeake Dining Hall on the campus of Harford Community College.

To learn more about HarfordNEXT, visit Harford County’s website.