Citizen input sought during July 12 Citizens Advisory Recovery Team Open House

(From the City of Joplin)

The Citizens Advisory Recovery Team will host its first Open House Tuesday, July 12, 2011 from 1-3 p.m. and repeated at 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Middle School Gym (310 West 8th St.).

Each Open House session will begin with a brief presentation about the long-term recovery planning framework and process. Following the presentation, residents of Joplin and Duquesne will have the opportunity to share their ideas and vision for recovery.

Members of the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the recovery planning framework.

Residents are urged to attend this event.

“This is a great opportunity for everyone to be part of the Joplin Area recovery planning effort and share their ideas. It’s important that the entire community participates,” said Clifford Wert, Co-Chair of the Infrastructure + Environment Sector.

Citizens will be able discuss the future of the area, explore potential opportunities the tornado has brought to the community, identify those assets that make the area a great place to live and the challenges the community will face in rebuilding so many homes and neighborhoods.

The Open House will allow participants to have one-on-one conversations with others impacted by the tornado, development and planning professionals, members of the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team, and community leaders.

“It is imperative we hear from the citizens of the Joplin region in order to better serve their collective needs”, said Mark Rohr, Joplin City Manager. “Since the disaster on May 22nd, we have been overwhelmed by the volunteerism and involvement in response to the tornado. We would like to see this carry over into the planning segment of the recovery process.”

The Citizens Advisory Recovery Team is made up of four (4) groups, each focused on recovery issues in one of the following areas: Infrastructure + Environment, Housing + Neighborhood Planning, Schools + Community Facilities, and Economic Development.

“Recovery takes years and involves so many people. This is an important step for people to get involved and be a part of what our community will be in the future,” said Jane Cage, Co-Chair of the School + Community Facilities Sector. “We’re excited to hear everyone’s perspectives!”