Our View: Solve planning issues before they start

Many people talk about the need for better planning but don't get involved until someone proposes to build or put something in their neighborhood that they don't like. Human nature, it's called.

The city of Modesto is inviting residents to offer their thoughts at a more conceptual level as it updates its general plan. The document last was updated comprehensively in 1995. Currently, the city is looking at amending two key areas — land use and street networks. Three workshops are scheduled this spring to explain the process and seek public comment:

• Monday at 6 p.m. at the Petersen Event Center, 720 12th St.

• April 15 at 6 p.m. at the Davis High School Little Theater, 1200 W. Rumble Road. (Park near the tennis courts.)

• June 3 at 6 p.m. at the King-Kennedy Memorial Center, 601 Martin Luther King Drive.

For more information, contact principal planner Brad Wall at (209) 577-5273 or by email at bwall@modestogov.com.

We urge Modestans to take advantage of this opportunity.