Have your say

Two long-awaited public meetings will take place in the next few days and we encourage citizens to attend.

Comprehensive Plan: January 18

Tomorrow night, the Morgan County Planning Commission will take comments about the current draft for an updated Morgan County Comprehensive Plan, which has been in the works for the last two years. The hearing begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 18, in Warm Springs Intermediate School cafeteria.

An article in this week's paper discusses the plan's goals and some of the things that are covered, as well as showing one of the more interesting maps in the document. Remember, the plan is not a zoning ordinance and does not set rules for how properties may be used. It is basically a collection of data, ideas and historical perspective that, in the future, can be referred to by those making decisions about development and land use.

Since the 250-page document is a hodge-podge of info and recommendations, it's difficult to report its content in a news article. As we read parts, we noticed a number of small errors – misspellings, some questionable place names and the like. The public can certainly help the planners in making the necessary corrections. Don't let correctable mistakes, however, blind you to all the positive, usable information in the document.

Courthouse plans: January 23

The Morgan County Commissioners will hold a public meeting about hopes and plans for a new Morgan County Courthouse at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, in Berkeley Springs High School auditorium.

Some folks have been itching to be heard about the courthouse design for months. From what we've seen, there's been a lot of concern that a new county government complex should have a substantial, historical look and not be just a modern office building.

Well, this is the chance for people to hear what the architect and county officials feel is needed and possible. And it's the chance for citizens to express themselves.

We're looking forward to learning a lot that evening about what might happen with a new courthouse and what the public thinks about it. While we've been among those who criticized the commissioners for not seeking public input sooner and for keeping things under wraps, we hope the meeting doesn't get bogged down on those points. Everyone's goal should be to bring about the best new Morgan County Courthouse that we can.