Final Presentation

101 people squeezed into Town Hall to watch the closing presentation for the charrette to see how the team fused the ideas presented at the visioning session into an achievable plan for the community. Lee Einsweiler presented a summary of the weeks events, which included illustrative drawings of the proposed alignment of Highway 84, downtown and Trout. “Before” and “after” computer visualizations of proposed changes to downtown were shown. Following Lee's presentation, Ed Starkie talked about potential economic opportunities for Jena. After the presentation, participants were encouraged to review and offer further suggestions or input on the draft concepts, which were displayed throughout the room.

Visioning Session

On Saturday morning, approximately 60 people gathered at the Jena Town Hall to roll up their sleeves and play planners for the day. Following a brief introductory presentation, participants gathered around tables, divided into 6 groups each with a facilitator, to discuss what they would like to see happen to Jena over the next 20 years. The groups worked on large maps and drew diagrams and sketches to convey the character of the area today as well as describe what they would like to see in the future. Of the many ideas expressed, the most widely shared included:

Getting Around

• Keep Highway 84 going through downtown
• Connect creeks with a system of trails
• Need bike paths and better sidewalks
• Pay attention to Sycamore

The Heart of Town

• Protect and enhance downtown
• Develop a theme for downtown
• Attract more business downtown

Enjoying Yourself

• Need a new recreation/community center
• Need entertainment venues for teenagers and young adults
• More opportunities for water recreation

Places to Live

• Provide additional housing options
• Consider opportunities for assisted living

Places to Work

• No day care facilities in town
• No quality sit-down restaurants
• Retain the younger generation
• Capitalize on the hunting fishing industry

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Come Participate in Jena's Vision

Starting Friday July 24 and ending Wednesday July 29, planners from across the country will be in Jena to help plan the Town's future. This is your chance to get involved and have your voice heard. Events are scheduled throughout the week and all are open to the general public:

• Friday July 24, Kick-off Presentation, 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Choctaw Tribal Center
• Saturday July 25, Visioning Session, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, Jena Town Hall
• Sunday July 26 thru Tuesday July 28, Open Design Studio, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, daily, Jena Town Hall
• Monday July 27, Drop-in Open House, 6:00 - 8:00 pm, Jena Town Hall
• Wednesday July 29, Final Presentation, 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Jena Town Hall

To download a schedule for the weeks events click here.

Open House, a Success!

The first public open house was a huge success. At least 30 people attended the presentation given by Lee Einsweiler, Vickie Jacobsen and Keith Convington. The presentation introduced members of the general public to the project, explained the charrette process, and included some “food for thought” on best practices in traditional town planning, transportation, sustainability, urban design, and Smart Growth. While in Jena for the open house, members of the consultant team met with a variety of focus groups representing the Choctaw Indians, the real estate profession, the medical industry and local oil production.

Open House: July 9th, Jena Town Hall, 6 pm

Members of the consultant team charged with developing Jena's Vision will be in town on Thursday July 9 to facilitate a public open house. The community event will be open to the general public and will run from 6:00 - 7:00 pm at Jena Town Hall. The open house will signify the commencement of the project as it will be the public's first opportunity to meet the consultant team and discuss the future of the town.

Please come and participate, your viewpoint is very important to us. This is your plan, come help us create it. To download a flyer listing upcoming public events click here