Representatives from a development firm are consulting Brown County residents on the community’s changing housing needs.
Amy Haase is a representative with RDG Planning and Design. She says the consulting firm was brought in to help conduct a market analysis study on housing trends in Brown County and ten surrounding communities.
"We will be spending a day in each of the counties, talking with individuals who know the market who have an interest in housing who understand all of the things that go into community development and the impact that has on both our housing market today and our housing market into the future for the next generation," Haase says.
Several residents expressed their concerns that housing overdevelopment that would diminish the county’s historic and artisan nature.
Others noted that affordable housing in the county is scarce, making retention for young people and working professionals difficult.
Joanne Himebaugh is a county resident of 15 years. She says she hopes to see a balance of preserved culture and innovative additions that will enhance the quality of life for residents.
"We have an opportunity to lead and show other small communities that won’t be those big urban areas as well how to sustain, how to build sustainably and attract families and support your schools," Himebaugh says.
The RDG will meet with the remaining six counties in January. The firm will offer its analysis early next year.
