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Survey shows Laurel’s strengths

LAUREL — Area residents got a chance last week to get more information about the community where they live.

Keith Carl, planner for Hanna: Keelan Associates, P.C. hosted a public open house Sept. 15 to go over community survey results.

Carl explained the work he has done for Laurel’s comprehensive planning program.

“We are in a good spot to keep moving forward,’’ said Chris Rasmussen, Laurel’s economic development director.

Carl gave details about Hanna Keelan Associates, P.C., the purpose of the comprehensive planning program, survey results and discussed Laurel’s Future Land Use Maps.

“Laurel is one of those towns trying to make yourselves better all the time,’’ Carl said. “Laurel has leadership that wants betterment and goes after dollars to get it done.’’

Rasmussen said the community has people calling about lots to move to Laurel and build homes.

Some of the recreational opportunities that should be considered for Laurel that people mentioned on the survey included top responses of walking/hiking trails, fitness/ wellness center, improved city parks and improved baseball and softball fields.

He said the community had an outstanding response of 187 individuals which was a 100 percent response rate. The survey is to determine the housing needs for the next 10 years.

There is a lack of homes for sale in the $100,000-$175,000 range. This is the target range of housing that people would be looking for.

Single family residential housing dominates the area. The 110-acre tract of land being annexed to the city has an area designated for multi family housing.

The two most pressing needs agreed upon at the meeting was the need of parks and recreation and single family housing.

“One of the positive things the area has going for it is the opportunity of Cedar County transportation available as a public transit service,” Rasmussen said. “Medical and health services housed here include everything but an optometrist.”

She said another addition that might be helpful would be for Laurel to have three ball fields to be able to host ball tournaments.

After school programs were also mentioned. Rasmussen said the local school is working on a program.

Senior housing units with a garage and snow removal would also be something the area could use, according to those attending the meeting.

Approximately a dozen to 17 housing units could be removed for demolition. Asbestos removal is a big cost of demolition for some properties and can cost as much as $5,000.

“The community housing study is an analysis of the community of Laurel so that the community can be told about itself,’’ Carl said. “The studies are the key to local, state and larger grant opportunities. The documents tell a story to funding sources and allow the community to be more competitive. The housing study focuses on housing needs to see what opportunities are available.’’

Employment opportunities and entertainment were listed by individuals as having the greatest need.

Childcare and Internet services were also listed as the greatest needs.

Farming and education were listed as the most important business and industry sectors.

Improved traffic control including congestion reduction and railroad crossing improvements were the greatest transportation items that need to be addressed.

The program is funded by the Neb. Investment Finance Authority-Housing Study Grant Program, with matching funds from the City. An important activity of the planning program is to ask individuals about the needs and wants of the community.

The survey was completed by March 27.

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