20-Year Comprehensive
Home of the Stone Barn!                  “Midpoint” Summary Sheet          _______________________________________________________________

Authorization and Funding of the Comprehensive Plan

Preparation of the comprehensive plan for the Town of Chase is authorized under Wisconsin State Statute 66.1001 (Smart Growth).  The town was one of sixteen communities to enter into an agreement with Oconto County to prepare and submit a multi-jurisdictional application to the Wisconsin Department of Administration to receive grant funding for completion of their comprehensive plans. The application was successful and $263,000 was awarded to Oconto County in April 2006. Participating communities and the county were required to match the state grant with 25 percent in local dollars. The Bay-Lake Regional Planning Commission (BLRPC) was hired to prepare each community’s comprehensive plan as well as the county’s plan.

Purpose of the Comprehensive Plan

The purpose of the comprehensive plan is to identify areas where sensible, environmentally friendly development should be directed over the next 20 years. The comprehensive plan will be a guide to ensure consistent decisions are being made in regards to environmental protection, farmland preservation, transportation expansion, housing development, location of public services, and sound economic development. The adopted plan provides the policy framework under which the town officials will base their future land use decisions.

Development of the Comprehensive Plan

From July 2006 to May 2007, background information was gathered and presented for development of the county and local comprehensive plans. The Oconto County Planning Advisory Committee (OCPAC) met on a quarterly basis to edit and provide input as to the content of those materials. With the background data completed, three Open Houses (one in each planning cluster) were held in May and June 2007 to allow the public to review the materials prepared to date, ask questions, and provide feedback.

With the background information completed, work began on the 16 individual comprehensive plans. The Plan Commission held its initial planning meeting with BLRPC staff in July 2007 to complete the Town of Chase 20-Year Comprehensive Plan. A Nominal Group Workshop was conducted in October to identify current and future issues that need to be addressed during the planning process. The top priorities include:

1.   Improve police protection other than Oconto County

2.   Develop more business to reduce traveling and help with taxes

3.   Develop a separate commercial area along State Highway 32

4.   Protect remaining farmland

5. Preserve woodlands and other natural areas such as wetlands and waterways

6.   Develop a court system with the county or neighboring communities

7.   Increase interest in the Stone Barn

In addition, a Community Survey was conducted in October 2007 to support the creation of the town’s vision statement that will guide development. The following is the town’s draft 20-Year Vision Statement as prepared by members of the Plan Commission:

“The Town of Chase proactively plans for its growth in population to maintain a clean, safe, and diverse community where residents, small businesses, and agriculture operations can successfully co-exist. Partnerships with neighboring communities and Oconto County enables Chase to cost effectively invest in services most desired by a growing population.

The town’s unspoiled natural features and Stone Barn are destinations for families and individuals of all age groups  seeking unique recreational opportunities in Northeast Wisconsin”.

The Plan Commission reviewed the background elements (Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural; Population and Housing; Economic Development; Transportation; Utilities/Community Facilities; and Land Use Controls and Inventory) that serve as a basis for creation of the plan. The town’s Future Land Use element contains a General Plan Design (GPD) which illustrates how Chase envisions its growth over the next 20 years. Through these planning steps, the Plan Commission developed numerous Goals, Objectives, Policies, and Programs (development strategies) to implement the comprehensive plan. The eleven overarching draft Development Goals are listed on the backside of this summary sheet.

INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION: To work with Oconto County, neighboring communities, and other interested groups/agencies on future planning projects.

NATURAL RESOURCES: To preserve the town’s open space and the natural resources.

AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES: To protect valuable farmland by directing development to other areas with similar land uses and supporting infrastructure.

CULTURAL RESOURCES: To preserve, enhance, and promote the town’s cultural resources.

HOUSING: To provide for a variety of quality housing opportunities for all segments of the town’s current and future population.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: To encourage small scale business development that is consistent with the General Plan Design and does not compromise the town’s rural character.

TRANSPORTATION: To advocate for a safe and efficient motor and non-motorized transportation system.

UTILITIES / COMMUNITY FACILITIES: To ensure future community facilities and public utilities adequately serve the residents of the town.

PARKS AND RECREATION: To provide and maintain a variety of recreational opportunities for town residents and visitors to use and enjoy.

Population

·         The Town of Chase has seen a 51 percent increase in population since 1990.

·         The median age has increased from 21.0 years in 1970 to 33.4 years in 2000.
 Age Groups as of 2000: 5-11 (13.6 percent); 12-17 (11.1 percent); 18-64 (59.5 percent);
 and 65+ (7.1 percent).

It is projected that Chase’s population will increase anywhere from 1,300 to 3,760 residents within 20 years.

·         2003 (WDOA) Projection indicates an increase in population of 1,300 people by 2025.

·         Growth Trend Series Analysis identifies a 3,760 person increase from 2000 to 2025.

·         Linear Trend Series Analysis shows an increase of 1,489 people from 2000 to 2025.

Housing

·         The Town of Chase’s total number of housing units increased by 247 units between 1990 and 2000.

·       According to the 2000 Census, nearly 24 percent of the town’s housing stock was built prior to 1940, whereas 33 percent has been built since 1995.

·      In 2000, nearly seven percent of Chase’s total 696 housing units were rental units.

·      40 percent of the town’s homes were owner declared in the $100,000 to $149,999 value range as of 2000.

·      The total number of occupied housing units in the town is projected to increase anywhere between 221 and 2,581 units by 2025.

Economics

·        In 2000, a majority of Chase’s residents were employed in the Management, Professional, and related (28 percent); and Production, Transportation, and Material Moving (26 percent) industries.

·        88 percent or 918 of the 1,048 employed residents of the town worked outside of Chase. 118 individuals lived and worked in the town as of 2000.

·      Nearly 75 percent of the town’s residents age 16 and older are employed or seeking employment. Just over 24 percent are no longer in the workforce in 2000.

·      The 1999 Median Household Income in the Town of Chase was $55,385; this is an 81 percent increase from the 1989 figure of $30,566.

·      According to the 2000 Census, just over 12 percent of the town’s residents obtained a Bachelor’s degree and another two percent held a Graduate or Professional degree.

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For More Information on the Town of Chase Plan

Contact: Dennis Kroll, Plan Commission Chair (920)822-5909

Websites:  www.co.oconto.wi.us   OR   www.baylakerpc.org/CurrentProjects/indes.htm ______________________________________________________________________

Town of Chase . . . . . "It's all in your back yard!"