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The City of Ashtabula has launched a new public forum to help update its citywide comprehensive plan, giving residents a chance to weigh in on how the community should grow and change over the next decade.
The first meeting, held at the Ashtabula Public Library, focused on collecting input on land use, housing, transportation and economic development priorities. City officials and planning staff explained that the comprehensive plan will serve as a long-range roadmap for Ashtabula’s physical development and major infrastructure investments. See the plan here: 2026 Comprehensive Plan | City of Ashtabula
Residents invited to shape Ashtabula’s long-term growth
At the forum, residents were asked what they value most in their neighborhoods and where they see opportunities for improvement. Discussion topics included preserving neighborhood character, addressing vacant or underused properties, and encouraging new housing that meets the needs of families, seniors and young professionals.
City leaders also sought feedback on transportation and street design—such as improving connectivity between neighborhoods, making walking and biking safer, and supporting access to key job centers and community services.
Comprehensive plan to guide zoning, housing and transportation
Once completed, the updated Ashtabula comprehensive plan is expected to guide decisions on zoning changes, redevelopment efforts and future infrastructure projects. Officials said the document will help the city prioritize investments in streets, utilities, parks and public facilities, while providing clear direction for private development and economic growth.
By setting community-backed goals for land use, housing and transportation, the plan is intended to give residents, businesses and developers a clearer sense of how Ashtabula aims to grow.
How the public can stay involved in the planning process
City staff emphasized that the library forum is just the first step in a broader public engagement process. Additional meetings, surveys and online tools are expected to be offered to give more residents a chance to share their views on the comprehensive plan update.
Background materials, meeting summaries and draft plan documents are expected to be posted on the city’s website as the process moves forward, allowing residents to track how their input is reflected in the final plan.
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