By Alex Lane - Audience reaction was mixed at a public workshop Saturday concerning the latest changes in the General Plan development process. Planning Director Susan Grijalva, along with members of a consulting firm, presented the latest set of proposed changes in a map entitled Alternative D. Grijalva said the map is based on public input gathered through the long series of workshops that have taken place since the General Plan update began in 2003. Interspersed between map updates were multiple-choice survey questions for the audience. Each audience member who chose to do so could pick up an electronic remote which was then used to answer the questions anonymously. According to consultant firm member Jeff Henderson, the questions were designed to gather “general, gut reaction” responses. But a number of audience members were very vocal in stating they believed the questions to be too vague. Questions varied from basic information about land ownership to definitions of lot size to suggestions for future city planning and investment. 96 percent of the 53 people surveyed owned the land they live on. 60 percent favored expanded agro-tourism uses in agricultural areas. 77 percent supported voluntary conservation easements to protect wildlife habitats. Some of those in attendance were residents of the sparsely inhabited up country region east of Dew Drop Road, which has become controversial because a proposal in the new plan would require year round permits for living in that area. Grijalva reasoned that it is the counties obligation to provide schooling, some sewer disposal, and emergency services to people in hard to reach back country. “(For this reason) it is the (County’s) policy not to encourage year-round use at these locations,” said Grijalva. “There are only 78 private parcels above Dew Drop,” said one audience member. “Leave us alone.” “The county provides few services now, and we don’t want any,” said another. “The question to consider is, ‘Should the County continue to extend these services?’” said Grijalva. Discussion will be continued during three upcoming public meetings scheduled for October 14th, 15th, and 16th from 1 to 5 pm at the County Administration Building in Jackson.