One of the key issues is working into the city’s updated comprehensive land use plan a health component to deal with the 10 major health problems the county’s 2010 health assessment identified and chose as priorities: Obesity; diabetes, cancer, teen pregnancy, heart disease, sexually transmitted diseases, mental health, aging issues, substance abuse and HIV.

Dale Holland, of Holland Consulting Planners, introduced the committee to issues they will be considering to update a comprehensive land use plan that hasn’t been changed since 1989. “You’re going to be trying to paint a picture of the Roanoke Rapids’ future, strategies and policies to set Roanoke Rapids’ future, assess existing conditions, goals and strategies. Future land use is most important.”

That a health component is included in the deliberation is partly because the city is participating in a community transformation grant program that funded $7,500 for the effort to update the plan, along with a $15,500 local match. “You’re going to see more discussion of healthy eating and active living than you might normally see,” Holland said.

Another issue the committee must contend with is directing future policies for a city whose population dropped from 16,957 to 15,754 in the last 10 years.

Then there is a perceived 6 percent decline in housing units, per the last census, although Holland said he and city Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky believe there is an error in those numbers.

Holland noted to the committee, “Tourism is becoming increasingly important.”

With that, Holland said, “You need to improve the stability of the city’s central business district.”

That stability, he said, is important to prevent the loss of the city’s historical identity. “That needs considerable attention.”

Holland, responding to a question from Halifax Development Commission President Cathy Scott, said the city’s designation as a micropolitan area should be a consideration in future planning.

City Councilwoman Suetta Scarbrough said she was glad the planning and development department is undertaking this process. “I’m really happy we’re doing this because it is long overdue. I hope some of the public will come.”

Lasky said the meetings are open to the public and will be an open process throughout. “I feel like we have a good group.”

For Main Street Director Sherry Hux, hearing Holland speak of the need to stabilize the business district was important. “That’s what we have been trying to do for a long time. I’m encouraged to hear that will be a main focus.”