for most, the story ends here

Now that the City of Corinth has denied XTO's gas well permit applications, most of the several hundred people who were attending meetings and speaking out will go back to their normal lives and probably pay little or no attention to what is happening.

Just couldn't happen at a worse time. As of now the Corinth Comprehensive plan is scheduled for public hearing and action by the Council on May 6, 2010. As important as it was for the public to come out and speak up at the XTO permit hearings, it is even more important to pay attention, get educated and speak up at the Comp Plan hearing.

The comprehensive plan if enacted will direct overhauls of many of our most important ordinances, including (but not limited to) zoning and subdivision, and will map the direction for our capital improvement projects for years to come. Some will remember the controversy around the Church Street reconstruction project - it was the comp plan from 2004-5 that set that in motion, and the contents of the infrastructure specifications in the comp plan that defined how the road would be built (how wide it would be).

The comp plan could be a significant instrument in defining how land gets used - and that can have a big impact on the Gas well situation. Or not, if no one speaks up about it.

So, where do you want the city to go? Stay involved, get involved with the comprehensive plan for the city of Corinth - read the plan, let us know what you think is important and come to the meetings/public hearings to have your voice heard.