By Kiara Velez, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
The City of Apopka is gearing up for a significant rewrite of how it will grow over the next two decades. The Comprehensive Plan 2040 is a long-term blueprint for the City's goals. It outlines the vision for land use, infrastructure, housing, transportation, and natural resources.
As Apopka grows in residents and businesses, officials want to ensure the city grows in a way that benefits everyone—providing high-quality schools, plans for safe roads, and preserving historical and natural spaces.
With the community feedback window ending on November 15th, the importance of local voices comes into question again.
A key point made by Policy 1.10.1 of the drafted Comprehensive Plan calls for collaboration with the Orange County School District to ensure public schools, parks, libraries, and community centers are integrated into new developments.
Another section in the document focuses on future land use elements, highlighting the importance of reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and energy consumption, helping lower greenhouse gas emissions.
"The City is looking for items and/or priorities that you, the citizen, would like to see in the new Comprehensive Plan," the City website states. "We would appreciate your ideas, opinions, and thoughts. Thank you for your time and contribution".
Apopka residents can get involved by providing their written input through the Comprehensive Plan Feedback Form in the box at bottom of the form, available online at this link. The City will accept feedback until Friday, November 15th, and urges residents to contribute their thoughts and ideas. Once the feedback period closes, City officials will review the input collected and adjust the Comprehensive Plan as needed. City staff will present the revised plan to the City Council in the coming months.
This plan is not just a guideline for City growth but a blueprint that will evolve as Apopka's needs and circumstances change. By getting involved now, residents have a unique opportunity to help shape these plans and ideas and ensure that Apopka remains a great place to live.
Submit feedback on the City of Apopka's Comprehensive Plan by clicking here.
