by Marianne Gasaway
It’s the time of the year to do some wishing.
“If money, time, and energy were not particularly challenging, what would you like to see to create a more vibrant, dynamic area of lasting value for the future?” a representative of RDG Planning & Design asked Clear Lake and North Iowa residents Wednesday night.
The question kicked off a free-flowing dream session at the Surf Ballroom to gather public input for development of a North Iowa Joint Comprehensive Plan.
About 70 persons gathered at the Surf Ballroom to do some wishing about what they would like to see Clear Lake— and North Iowa as a whole, look like in 10 years and beyond.
“Growth within one jurisdiction influences development in the others. Clear Lake, Mason City, and the unincorporated areas of Cerro Gordo County are planning together to encourage growth and develop beneficial policies,” explained Chad Schreck, president and CEO of North Iowa Corridor Economic Development Corp. The comprehensive plan is intended to identify a community’s goals and guide development, growth, services and preservation.
Wednesday, about a half-dozen groups brainstormed about their vision for the county’s future and then shared their thoughts with others.
A common thread in each groups’ presentation was the need for more housing throughout the county.
“We really believe that people want to live in Clear Lake and send their kids to school here, but they can’t find housing,” said Clear Lake Schools Superintendent Doug Gee, sharing the thoughts of the group he participated in. “The availability of housing also helps to attract workforce for our businesses. Related to that was the belief that Clear Lake would be a good location for satellite college campuses.
County Supervisor Chris Watts noted Rockwell, the county’s third largest community, currently has no housing available. On the other end of the spectrum, his group noted there is an abundance of vacant buildings throughout the county which they would like to see put to use.
Expanding transportation options throughout the county was also mentioned. The return of a trolley train between Mason City and Clear Lake May through September was suggested.
The expansion of trails for activities like walking, biking, cross country skiing and UTVs was a common theme for most groups. It was noted that while trailheads may be located near larger communities, trails can lead to the county’s smaller communities where lesser-known attractions and restaurants are located. A trail extending to Pilot Knob, near Forest City, made the wish list for some at the meeting.
The need for housing also tied into a concern for declining population in North Iowa, shared Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce CEO Stacy Doughan representing another group.
“We need affordable housing that can help keep our young people and families here,” she said. Additional recreational opportunities, such as expansion of bike trails and further emphasis on ‘green’ living were also among the ideas. The addition of daily living ammenities, such as a convenience store and fuel station to serve residents on the south side of Clear Lake was also mentioned.
New and different kinds of tourism and better use of the North Iowa Events Center were also on the idea list.
“What do we have right here that we can continue to grow to keep people here?” was a question Beth Ann Schumacher said her group pondered. CL Tel and its high-tech capabilities was their answer— the ability to offer urban services in a welcoming, rural setting. Schumacher’s group also noted that while visitors often come here for events, they love to shop and eat while here and those service industries need to be supported and encouraged.
Another group also envisioned creating a technological hub run North Iowa and developing programs which will help start small businesses and even coach their owners through early challenges.
An upcoming project in Clear Lake — the expansion of the Clear Lake Public Library, was also singled out during the planning session by local residents. The land formerly occupied by Woodford Home and Lumber which sits just north of the library has been acquired by the city and is being eyed for future development.
“We think there should be an emphasis on the corridor connecting Clear Lake and Mason City, with a policy that keeps them from joining. Each needs to keep its own identity and we don’t want to lose sight of our rural, agricultural feel,” offered small group participant Andy Meyer.
In addition to holding public meetings last week, the committee leading the planning has established a website and survey to allow all those in the county to share their ideas. Early next year public community workshops will be scheduled, with staff from RDG Planning & Design beginning to share the vision the public has presented. In March and April the plan will continue to be refined; a public open house will follow in May or June 2023 during which priorities for implementation will be discussed.
