Shenandoah 2045: The Past Inspires the Future

In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael is joined by Shenandoah County Planner Tyler Hinkle to discuss Shenandoah 2045, the county's comprehensive planning process which has now moved into the implementation phase. The discussion starts with Janet mentioning the transition from planning to implementing Shenandoah 2045's adopted plan. Tyler emphasizes the importance of making the plan a reality, noting that implementation can often be more challenging than planning. They discuss the importance of keeping implementation in mind during planning to ensure that goals are achievable. Tyler highlights the structured approach of breaking down big ideas into actionable steps. They delve deeper into the six big ideas, particularly focusing on how 'The Past Inspires the Future'. Tyler explains the significance of respecting historical landscapes and heritage while planning for the future. They underline the importance of making simple, effective decisions informed by the past. The conversation pivots to discussing the practicality and challenges of current zoning laws compared to historical contexts. Tyler provides examples showing how some historic buildings couldn't be reconstructed today due to modern regulations, emphasizing the need for flexible and locally focused rules. Janet and Tyler also explore the cyclical nature of housing trends and the necessity for adaptable planning that accommodates changing needs over time. They discuss zoning bylaws and the importance of community-specific regulations, stressing that Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan should reflect local conditions and promote growth and change while maintaining historical integrity. You can view the approved version of Shenandoah County's comprehensive plan and learn more about the planning process, on their website: https://shenandoahcountyva.us/future and follow them on Facebook. You can listen to previous conversations with Tyler about Shenandoah 2045 by clicking here.