:The Laurel Outlook:News

The panel of six community development experts spent two days last week listening to Laurel residents about the strengths, weaknesses, and possible future of Laurel. The group will issue a written report Aug. 10 to the Laurel Chamber of Commerce and the City of Laurel.

A reoccurring theme that the development panel heard was that Laurel is, “poised for growth.” At a town meeting last Thursday night at DJ's Palace, James Klessens, an economic development consultant from Joliet, said that the panel heard from 52 people concerning Laurel's challenges and desired projects for the future.

Business retention and expansion specialist Al Jones called Laurel “a well-kept secret.” He suggested that needed to change. Jones noted that 1.5 million people travel past Laurel on I-90 each year and Laurel should be taking advantage of that in order to move beyond being just, “poised for growth.”

Lynn Muncey from Beartooth RC and D noted that many of the responders talked about the need for improvements to Laurel's infrastructure - water, waste water treatment, storm water disposal, streets, and sidewalks. She also noted the need for consideration of annexation of contiguous properties and zoning considerations.

Karyl Tobel talked about the need for amenities to improve the quality of life in a community. He suggested that the community may want to consider an affordable community center project. He noted the responses that talked about the need for swimming pool improvements, a skateboard park, a gathering center for meetings.

Tracy McIntyre pointed out that respondents expressed a high level of community pride - a recognition of the friendly atmosphere in Laurel. She suggested that could be focused to specific projects and provide opportunities for community leadership development.

The panelists agreed that Laurel businesses should use the location of Wal-Mart's Supercenter to their advantage. “It's all about perception,” one of the panelists said. “It can kill the downtown area or be a great asset on which to build. It's up to you.”

The report will be made available online and after the report is issued, the panel will return to meet with community leaders to discuss their findings in September. It will also conduct a six month follow up and a one year follow up.

The community assessment the panel conducted was requested by the Downtown Laurel Task Force, a joint effort of the Laurel Chamber of Commerce and the City of Laurel. Its mission is to develop a plan for the future of Laurel's business district.

The panel collected responses from community members and use that data to determine the direction community members want for Laurel's downtown area.

They held 10 listening sessions at Laurel City Hall to obtain responses to these questions:

€ What are the major problems and challenges in your community?

€ What are the major strengths and assets in your community?

€ What projects would you like to see accomplished in your community in the next 2, 5, 10 and 20 years?

Community assessment team members include Al Jones (Montana Department of Commerce, Regional Development Officer), Lynn Muncey (Beartooth RC&D/CRDC), Karyl Tobel (MDOC/Commercial Loan Fund), James Klessens (Community Matters), Tracy McIntyre (Eureka Rural Development Partners), and Gloria O'Rourke (Montana Economic Developers Association).