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N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – City officials and residents were able to see the final proposed Land Use and Transportation plan during an open hearing at City Hall on June 22nd.

Principal Planner Marty Shukert for RDG Planning & Design presented the final product of the proposed plan for expansion and growth of the community. According to Shukert, after 60 years of population stability, Jamestown will experience renewed growth during the planning period with 21,823 residents expected by 2040.

Over $232 Million in projects have been included in the plan. Shukert pointed out many different possible projects that could be focused on including turning some four-lane streets into widened three-lanes, better accessibility to the JRMC, and a new railroad overpass between connecting 12th Avenue and possibly 3rd street.

Members of the community expressed concerns with getting rid of Exit 256 that leads over the westbound lane of I-94. JRMC President K.C. DeBoer stated that connectivity to the JRMC should be a primary focus in the first phases of the project.

During the closing comments of the meeting, Chairman Dave Hillerud pointed out that the plan was not ironclad and was meant to be a living document to be changed and molded to what the city considers most important.

The plan was approved unanimously and will be sent forth to the Jamestown City Council. The Council will hold an open session for more public input on July 6th.