The Lanesboro Concept Plan, an initiative focused on the report generated last spring by nationally-recognized site designer and “conservation planner” Randall Arendt, is moving ahead on a number of fronts.
The Lanesboro City Council has named a seven-person Task Force to guide the Plan over the next three months. Members include Walter Bradley, Mark Gorman, Ken Graner, Julie Kiehne, Bethany Krom, Tom Smith and Steve Snyder. Monthly reports from the Task Force will be given, with a final recommendation report due to the December EDA and City Council meetings.
A list of 17 Community Priorities that emerged from the Concept Plan and numerous community meetings held in preparation for it has been distributed as a survey for Lanesboro residents. Volunteers are being sought to work in each of those areas.
One of those priorities—the re-location of the Lanesboro Brush Dump—is already receiving attention. The Lanesboro City Council has signed lease papers for a new dump location. It will take approximately six months for the approval of all needed permits and paperwork for that new site (outside of Lanesboro off of County Road 21) to be fully functional. The current dump location in Lanesboro next to the ball field will remain operational until that time.
Discussions have been held with the Rochester City Lines bus company regarding the feasibility of adding a new Lanesboro commuter stop. Needed public transportation was a major topic of discussion in the Concept Plan meetings. A survey has been taken to determine how many new riders might use a Lanesboro stop. If enough new riders aren’t found to establish a new stop, other options—including small van connecting routes—may be explored.
The Lanesboro Concept Plan and a list of the 17 Community Priorities is available online at: www.lanesboro-mn.gov/site/lanesboro-eda-concept-plan.php. All who are willing to help are encouraged to complete the survey and sign up for projects. Hard copies of the survey can be found at several drop box displays throughout town and at the Lanesboro City Office and the Lanesboro Library.
For more information about the status and progress of the Lanesboro Concept Plan, contact the Task Force at lanesboroconcept@gmail.com.