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1. What is Future Hancock?

Future Hancock is a process to develop the new Hancock County Comprehensive Plan. It is a 12 to 15-month process that kicked-off in late August 2021 and will be completed by September 2022. Future Hancock is an opportunity to engage and hear from the community about their vision and values for the future of Hancock County. Ultimately, the Future Hancock will help craft a unified vision for the future of Hancock County and serve as a roadmap for future decision-making around growth and development.  

2. What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A Comprehensive Plan is a guide for the short-range and long-range growth, development, and preservation of the county and is used as a policy guide to help make decisions. The Comprehensive Plan will include the following plan elements: land use, transportation, housing, conservation and open space, health/safety, public facilities/services, economic development, and community profiles for various unincorporated communities including Shirley and Spring Lake. 

3. What can a Comprehensive Plan do?

• Lead to consistent decision making on land development issues. Local officials, residents, and developers can refer to the Plan in making day-to-day decisions. 
• Manage growth so that it does not occur in a haphazard pattern. 
• Help the County spend money wisely and grow effectively so that service costs do not result in a heavy tax burden on property owners. 
• Help preserve the rural aspects, character, and natural resources of Hancock County. 
• Provide a sound basis to update land use regulations, such as the zoning ordinance.  

4. Which areas in the County will the Future Hancock Comprehensive Plan Cover?

The Hancock County Area Plan Commission has zoning authority and planning jurisdiction for all of Hancock County except for the City of Greenfield and the Towns of Cumberland, Fortville, McCordsville, New Palestine, and Wilkinson. The County’s jurisdiction also includes the Towns of Shirley and Spring Lake. 

5. I live in an incorporated City or Town in Hancock County how will this plan impact me?

While this plan will only address the future land use, growth, and development of the Towns of Shirley, Spring Lake, and the unincorporated areas of the County, decisions made by the County will ultimately impact all county residents. Your participation in the process is just as critical to help chart Hancock County’s future.

6. Who is coordinating the Future Hancock Comprehensive planning process?

Future Hancock is being coordinated by: 

• Hancock County Area Plan Commission 
• Hancock County Highway Department 
• Hancock Economic Development Council 
• 11-member Future Hancock Steering Committee 
• Vandewalle & Associates Project Team