As Slippery Rock discusses preliminary issues and goals that could be encompassed within its 10-year comprehensive plan, a new date has been set for a planning work group.

Members of the public are invited to attend the work group at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at the borough building.

The work group is made up of residents, business owners, community leaders, elected leaders, members of the borough’s planning commission and members of Slippery Rock Development, said borough manager Christian Laskey.

They will discuss comments and survey results from the last town hall meeting on Nov. 29.

At November’s meeting, Laskey said the borough decided to add a chapter for downtown revitalization and redevelopment focusing on issues such as downtown infrastructure, street lighting and zoning overviews.

Top assets named by residents at town hall meetings included Slippery Rock University, public safety, location and the borough’s small town feel.

“We have a wonderful volunteer fire department and EMS service as well as our borough police services,” Laskey said. “That was highlighted in the comments.”

Recreation was also named as an asset.

“There are a lot of recreation opportunities, lots of conservation areas, state gamelands and state parks,” Laskey said.

The group also discussed top issues in Slippery Rock. Laskey said residents noted sidewalks, traffic control, lack of public transportation and a need for new businesses as areas of potential growth.

Laskey said some sidewalks in town are in need of maintenance and repair. Regarding walkability, he said there is “still room for improvement.”

“Another top issue was stormwater management,” he said. “In recent years, we’ve seen increased rain events and increased flooding. With that comes the need for increased capacity for storm systems.”

The comprehensive plan is essential to applying for grants, Laskey said. As it moves forward, public input will continue to be needed.

“One of the consultants said at the first meeting, if you were to move away today, and you came back to Slippery Rock in 10 years, what would you like to see?” Laskey said. “What would you like to envision?”

He said the comprehensive plan will be a “living document,” meaning that it is amendable.

“It will change,” Laskey said. “As we accomplish goals, we can create new ones.”

The time frame for the plan’s estimated completion is late March, he said.