By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.cm
MARTIN COUNTY -- The Martin County Commission is looking for fresh faces on their neighborhood advisory committees, along with new ideas on what how each committee should be put together.
Currently, between seven and nine residents sit on a committee that represents one of the seven redevelopment areas in the county.
"The commissioners want community input into how these committees," said Kevin Freeman, the community development director for Martin County. "Even the number of people that sit on the committee is up for discussion."
These committees are important because each one brings that area's individual needs to the attention of the county.
"We are trying to determine how to maintain each area's individuality," Mr. Freeman said. "That's important, because each one has priorities for projects that are different from the others."
To help educate the residents on what the county is looking for, a number of workshops have been set up around Martin County by the community redevelopment department.
"This is a great opportunity to get out and have a voice," Mr. Freeman said. "It's not mandatory they have to get up and speak, they are just invited to come and learn more about it."
On March 18, a workshop will be held at 6 p.m. at the Palm City Community Center, 2701 S.W. Cornell Ave., in Palm City.
On March 21, a workshop will be held at 6 p.m. at the Hobe Sound Civic Center, 8980 Olympus St., in Hobe Sound.
Another workshop is planned for 6 p.m. March 27 in Jensen Beach at the Jensen Beach Community Center, 1912 N.E. Jensen Beach Blvd.
The last workshop will be held at 6 p.m. March 28 at the Rio Civic Center, 1255 Dixie Highway in Jensen Beach.
"What's important is to realize that this isn't about not having the committees," Mr. Freeman said. "This is just a new revitalization of these committees, to give the residents the ability to get out and get involved.