Citizens Advisory Recovery Team to meet Tuesday

(News release)

The Citizens Advisory Recovery Team will host a second community meeting Tuesday, August 16, 2011 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and repeated again from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at College Heights Christian Church (4311 E. Newman Road).

The meeting provides an opportunity for community members to review the work done to date by the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team; make recommendations on recovery priorities; and discuss recovery concepts with a panel of experts. “We invite everyone with an interest in the Joplin Area’s future to attend this meeting. The ideas we received last time have been condensed and categorized. Now we need your help to prioritize them and to understand their potential,” said Jane Cage, Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team.

The open house features display boards organized according to the four recovery sectors: Infrastructure + Environment, Housing + Neighborhoods, Schools + Community Facilities, and Economic Development. Attendees will be able to review themes that have emerged from the public comments and identify what they see as their top priority recovery issues and opportunities. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide input on a post-disaster community vision.

The panel discussion will run from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. and again from 6:30- 7:30 p.m. A resource panel comprised of representatives from federal and state programs and professional organizations will discuss topics based on the themes that emerged from public comments. Topics include: neighborhood design, energy efficiency in rebuilding and sustainable communities.

Over 350 people participated in the first meeting, held July 12, 2011, and the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team is hoping for even better attendance at the second. “The items we bring forward in our report for consideration will be the direct results of citizen input. Our goal is to have as many citizens involved as possible. We want to be accessible to citizens and transparent about what we do,” Cage said.

Members of the Citizens Advisory Recovery Team and community leaders will be on hand to discuss the process and ideas. A third meeting will be held at a later date for citizens to review and confirm a vision and goals for recovery of the Joplin Area.