Future IQ Presents Community Vision for Jasper Comprehensive Plan

The Jasper Plan Commission’s December meeting centered on the city’s comprehensive plan and a zoning petition. 

The City of Jasper began the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan several months ago. The plan aims to guide Jasper’s development over the next 10-15 years, with a future vision extending to 2040 to set long-term goals. A consultant from Future IQ presented the Community Vision stage of the project, involving multiple levels of engagement, to the Plan Commission. 

The company’s key findings showed the city scored high on livability, but found possible challenges with an aging population. A large cohort of residents is moving into retirement, raising questions about workforce sustainability, housing needs, and school enrollment. Demographic challenges and policy decisions could also influence Jasper’s future population growth trajectory. 

Future IQ said that they were asked to develop meaningful community engagement opportunities. They have created a publicly accessible website that hosts all reports and surveys for the project, to maintain transparency and encourage participation. Opportunities for engagement included surveys, interviews, social media posts, and newsletters. 

Almost 1300 survey responses were collected, with most respondents indicating they value having a shared community vision and see the comprehensive plan as important. The overall satisfaction with living and working in Jasper is high, but opinions about the community’s current direction and ability to adapt to new challenges were divided. Younger respondents expressed particular concern in this area. Many responses also indicated a feeling of division, highlighting a need for community-building. 

A think tank workshop with diverse community participants also provided feedback. A framework was created to discuss future scenarios for change in Jasper. Maintaining the status quo was seen by participants as the least desirable outcome. Future IQ will continue gathering feedback, with a final plan expected to be developed and finalized by mid-2026. 

The other agenda item was a zoning petition from One Fish LLC for a property of approximately 3.88 acres on Third Avenue. The owner hopes to construct a new 100x40-foot building to be used as a boat/RV storage and contractor’s warehouse facility. The proposal asked to rezone part of the property from R2, Medium Density Residential, to B3, General Business, to allow commercial uses. Addressing concerns from adjacent landowners, the northern portion of the property would remain R2 as a residential buffer. The tract includes an existing building currently leased to a tenant, with plans to sell the building to that tenant. 

The property is currently landlocked, requiring easements for access. Proposed easements would provide access through Lot 1 to the new building on Lot 2. In addition, a variance would eventually be required since the northern tract lacks the 80 feet of road frontage required by R2 zoning. Legal access to utilities and property would need to be demonstrated for residential development on the northern tract. 

The Commission voted to recommend approval of the rezoning request to the Council, contingent on final platting and variance processes. It was also emphasized that approvals and variances would be required before development could proceed. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit jasperindiana.gov or JasperGov-Indiana on Facebook.


 - By Drew Hasselbring