A draft copy of Carthage’s proposed comprehensive plan is now available online. Prepared by Planning Works, of Leawood, Kan., the document has taken the better part of a year to complete.

On first reading, the plan appears to be — dare I say it? — more “comprehensive” than the usual cookie-cutter plans provided by some companies that use the same format for all cities, throw in local statistics and expect high-dollar compensation.

Carolyn Wyatt, a member of the Planning and Zoning Board for more than 20 years and a member of the steering committee for the plan, agrees.

“They worked with us. They listened to us,” she says. “This company has been so nice to work with. Before, all we ended up with was a map on how we should let the city grow.”

The plan projects strong population and housing growth through 2030, along with continued demand for public services. The population, currently at around 14,000, is expected to exceed 22,500 by 2030.

The most immediate need identified for Carthage is middle-income housing.

Carthage has not had an aggressive annexation policy, allowing annexations to happen voluntarily for the most part. This has left “islands” of unincorporated land, the plan states. It recommends that the city adopt a more proactive annexation policy. It also suggests that the city work with the county to establish an Urban Service Area, extending three miles from the existing city limits, to ensure that any development therein be an asset rather than a detriment to the city, should the area be annexed.

Land use for economic development is projected to increase from about 20 acres to 147 acres. Having appropriate commercial and industrial sites available will not ensure economic growth, but not having them could certainly limit it.

The document recognizes that Carthage is strongly identified with rich historical and cultural assets — from the Civil War to Route 66 — and recommends preservation and capitalization of these assets to support the city’s unique character and identity. A key recommendation is for the city to participate in the Certified Local Government program run by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ State Historic Preservation Office. Benefits include training, technical assistance and a higher priority on grant applications.

The plan also calls for department heads to build master plans for streets and parks. It encourages the development of an expanded trail network to connect various areas and to take advantage of natural features.

At our present rate of growth, the wastewater treatment plant has sufficient capacity for the next 15 years. But, 20 years out, a second treatment plant probably will be needed on the south side of town, as well as a new lift station for the hospital.

This plan includes an implementation strategy that prioritizes each goal, assigns the responsibility for accomplishing it either to the city administration or to various city departments, and categorizes each by need.

This 83-page document will be honed by the steering committee before it is presented in a public hearing at a Planning and Zoning Board meeting, probably in November. It then will go to the City Council. Take a look and give your input. It’s your city.

Carthage’s comprehensive plan may be viewed at www.ourplanningworks.com/docs/carthage/Plan.