After digesting the results of 355 online surveys, the Laurel Plan Advisory Team agreed on a set of six value statements that will guide the town’s 10-year growth plan. They met on July 21 at the Laurel Public Library.

The guiding principles are:

• We will be a close-knit community that creates walkable streets, safe neighborhoods and attractive public places so that all our residents feel secure and confident about their town.
• We will improve the appearance of Laurel’s homes, commercial buildings and properties to honor our history, build community pride and attract new residents and businesses.
• We will attract a strategic mix of new small businesses, entrepreneurs, small manufacturers and shopping that will provide quality employment for our citizens and meet community needs.
• We recognize Broad Creek as our greatest natural asset and a focal point for recreation, relaxation, nature tourism and sustainable waterfront development.
• We will encourage home ownership and housing choices, via both restoration and new development compatible with Laurel’s community character, to attract new residents and raise the standard of living for all our citizens.
• We value our downtown as the heart of Laurel’s identity, history and commerce and are committed to redeveloping it as our hub for economic growth, tourism and small-town living.

Mayor John Shwed, Council President Chris Calio and council members Don Phillips and Jonathan Kellam attended the meeting. These statements will be used to develop goals and specific recommendations for Laurel’s 10-year plan.

You can view the complete survey responses here.

Thanks to everyone who took the time for Laurel – both taking the survey and attending Thursday’s meeting.