Welcome to Our Site
This site has been created to be a tool to gather information for the current update of the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Williamsburg. Look here to learn more about how you can use the site and what you can expect in the coming months.
As of July 6, 2004, the official launch date for this site, most of the Entries and Comments you will find here came from me, Joe Hertzler, a member of the Planning Commission for the City of Williamsburg.
For some time now I have wanted to see the City of Williamsburg use the power of the Internet toward the process of planning our fine city. Sure, we use e-mail on a regular basis, but how can we do more? I’ve created this site, with the assistance of my brother, Phil, as a first step in helping us use the technology that is available. I wanted to have something I could show as an example to get people thinking about the possibilities.
Here is my best-case scenario of how this site will evolve. Remember, this is only a best-case dream - what actually happens may be quite different.
First, I hope that both my fellow members of the Planning Commission and the citizens of Williamsburg will visit the site. I plan to do all I can to get the word out that this site is open.
Second, I hope that people will want to contribute postings. I am making it possible for any Planning Commission member to post an entry. The topic can be whatever the Commissioner wants to get comments on. Those entries are then made available to be read by and receive comments from anyone that visits the site. I am also opening the site to all members of City Council and City staff who would like to post. I sincerely hope that others will contribute. I don’t want this site to be my voice only.
Third, and most importantly, I hope that the site contributes in a meaningful way to the Comprehensive Plan update. I hope that we are able to mine information here that we might otherwise not have access to. I hope that it facilitates collaboration between everyone who has an interest in seeing the City of Williamsburg become an even better place to live, work and visit.
Thank-you for visiting and contributing to the Comprehensive Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs this site? The site is not an official site of the City of Williamsburg. To learn more, see the About page.
Who can contribute to the postings found here? The short answer is everyone. All City of Williamsburg Planning Commission members, City Council members and City staff who wish to post an entry for comment are free to do so. These entries are then open to be read by and to receive comments from anyone who wishes to do so. We ask that all entries and comments be thoughtful, respectful and focus around issues we are currently facing in Williamsburg.
Email this discussion to a friend
Tuesday, July 6, 2004 | Posted by Joe Hertzler
(1) Comments | Filed under Announcements
I just wanted to wish Joe good luck with this project. I know he has a great deal of enthiusiasm for the project, not to mention his enthusiasm for enhancing the community of Williamsburg. This format of website is a great tool for collaboration. I hope that people take the opportunity to contribute their ideas directly to the process. Top Dead Center Design has been happy to help out!
A site like this can be overwhelming at first glance, but after a few visits, I think even our less-than-savvy web users will understand how it is organized.
If anyone does have problems, or would just like to ask a question about the site, don’t hesitate to use the contact form. Click the “Contact Site Administrators” link listed at the bottom of every page. This will send an email to Joe and myself. One of us is sure to have an answer for you.
Happy blogging Williamsburg!
Posted by | Thursday, July 8, 12:38 pm