The first of three public meetings will be held tonight in preparation for the final draft of a comprehensive plan for Watauga County.
The draft of the Citizens' Plan for Watauga County addresses economic development, population trends, transportation, housing, tourism, topography and infrastructure, in addition to other growth issues. The draft plan promotes "sustainability and the efficient use of land and other natural resources" and grew out of public meetings originally held a year ago.
The Plan Oversight Group, working with the consulting firm Martin-McGill, has scheduled three community meetings to hear public input regarding issues and priorities. The meetings are at Cove Creek Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Nov. 2; Parkway Elementary School at 6:15 p.m. on Nov. 3; and the Watauga County Administration Building at 6 p.m. on Nov. 5.     
The draft plan can be viewed at www.wataugacounty.org/planning/WataugaPlan.pdf ; or at the offices of the Watauga County Planning & Inspections Department. Comments about the plan can be made at watauga.plan@ncmail.net through Nov. 22.
The meetings are the final step before the plan is presented to the county commissioners for consideration and possible adoption.