A public meeting has been set as part of the City of Warren’s comprehensive planning process.

That meeting — set for Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center — will be the public’s first in-person shot to contribute to the effort.

A stakeholder meeting held last month — invite only with a “very diverse group from various sectors of Warren, according to Vince DeJoy, the city’s planner — identified the top three strengths and weaknesses the city faces as being the gateway to world-class recreational and cultural experiences, safety/livability and lack of internet access.

Brandi Rosselli with Mackin Engineering explained that while final details are in the works that the session will likely include a brief presentation outlining some demographic information and then “break out” areas for people to engage on the issue.

“(We) find it easier for people to participate in small group discussions,” she said.

Rosselli also highlighted that there is a survey available to the general public. Those who can’t attend the meeting can still provide their feedback there.

A website for the project can be found at warrencitycomprehensiveplan.mystrikingly.com and the survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/warrencompplan.

“The comprehensive plan will set a vision for the city for the next 10 to 20 years,” she said.

DeJoy said he’s still working on the details but said there will be a “fun part of this meeting. (We are) going to something that will be family fun to get people to come to this meeting.

“It’ll be something I think everybody enjoys partaking in.”

BLIGHT DESIGNATION

The commission also approved a blight declaration against 58 Locust St.

DeJoy said the parcel has “been a problem property” and is currently vacant.

“Basically, this house is gutted on the inside,” he said, and the city has received “numerous calls from people in the neighborhood complaining about the property.”

The decision “looks pretty clear cut,” Commission member Randy Rossey said.