MOSCOW - Imagine Moscow borough with a brew pub, community swimming pool, a hiking and cycling trails, more arts events and a youth center.
About 25 people gathered in the Borough Building on Thursday evening for a brainstorming session to discuss long-range planning for the community. People who spoke suggested ideas that would improve the quality of life for residents in the borough.
Area residents at the meeting also suggested creating more events and other ways to bring people from outside the area into Moscow.
John Franklin, 46, said during the meeting that the community could benefit by having more unique events and attractions such as a walking trail.
"If you want to put us on the map, you need something to pull people from outside the area," he said.
Led by Councilman Ed Gaughan, the long-range planning committee officially began with public input during Thursday's session. He said it functioned as an informal gathering for residents to suggest ideas, regardless of feasibility. While continuing to collect ideas, the committee will meet again early next year to discuss creating specific committees to examine ideas for exploring in the next decade or so.
The previous long-range plan for the borough led to downtown's infrastructure upgrades and adding more community parks, among other achievements.
Mr. Gaughan said community residents and business owners are encouraged to participate in the process.
"We want the input of the community as much as they are willing to give it to us," he said.
Contact the writer: rward@timesshamrock.com, @rwardTT on Twitter.