During the City of Ione’s latest General Plan 101 meeting, attendees expressed their concerns over traffic, schools, recreation programs and empty storefronts downtown. The Ione General Plan Update is a blueprint of key elements designed to enhance and preserve the future of Ione. Benefits resulting from a General Plan Update are many. Ione has served as a corridor for big trucks transporting items such as brick, clay, timbers and farming supplies. The streets which they travel are both narrow and hazardous for the size and loads carried by these vehicles. Through a general plan process, a solution to this problem with both near and long term alternatives will be identified. The General Plan is intended to analyze measures to protect the historical elements of the city while implementing goals to create a thriving future. This effort is expected to include economic development and historic preservation to create programs and policies to protect and enhance downtown. In addition, the Ione General Plan Update will address revitalization, housing, circulation and land use. Public meetings will continue to be held for people to learn about the General Plan Update and to communicate their ideas and views on how to shape Ione in the years to come. For more information, you may contact City Planner Christopher Jordan at 274-2412, extension 104, or City Manager Kim Kerr at extension 111.