Ione – The Ione Planning Commission this month signed off on its work on the city General Plan update, recommending approval of the documents, which will be considered by the Ione City Council Wednesday. Planning staff said the recommendation comes “after a year of planning, public meetings, workshops and input from residents and businesses.” The Ione City Council will consider adopting the updated General Plan and corresponding Environmental Impact Report. The meeting is open to the public, and will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, August 26th at Ione City Hall. Ione’s Planning Commission met earlier this month to review the updated General Plan and EIR after public comments were received over a 45-day review period. City Planner Christopher Jordan in a release last week that “after minor changes to the documents, the commission made a recommendation for the City Council to adopt the updated General Plan and certify the EIR.” Jordan said the General Plan is an official document that will serve as a guide for future development of housing, parks and recreation, transportation, community character, and health and safety in Ione. The EIR analyzes the potential environmental impacts of the General Plan. Once the document is certified, it will become the primary environmental document to evaluate planning and permitting actions associated with projects in the city. Jordan said the “Ione General Plan Update is a blueprint for guiding and developing” Ione’s future, and it “addresses land use, circulation, housing, natural resources, open space, community character, economic development and safety.” He said “community participation and contribution have been essential” as the city has “attempted to preserve (its) history and create a viable and flourishing community that current and future generations will be glad to call home.” See the documents involved with the Ione General Plan Update online at www.ionegeneralplan.com. Also, documents can be seen on file at City Hall, during business hours. Story by Jim Reece This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it