By LEONARD GRAY

HAHNVILLE – The next five years for St. Charles Parish economic development has been “scoped” into the future and, according to a UNO advisor, “It is realistic, and it is achievable.”

The year-long project was labeled the St. Charles Overall Planning Effort (SCOPE) and it was prepared through several panels of civic leaders, advised by the Center for Economic Development of the University of New Orleans and South Central Planning and Development Commission.

Dr. Ivan Miestchovich Jr. of UNO commented, “It’s not a perfect plan, but it is a plan that works,” and added, “The next step is implementation.”

The coordinated effort examined six categories, including regulatory rehabilitation, business attraction and retention, infrastructure, human services, health care and interagency relations.

Each area underwent a SWOT analysis, or Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats review, with the stated mission as “to be St. Charles Parish’s driving force in preparing and implementing a strategic plan that guides the community’s leaders in their economic development efforts. In accomplishing this mission, we will be guided by our need as a community to preserve our rich and unique culture and heritage, protect our unique and valuable community assets and environmental treasures, and promote high intellectual standards, educational achievement and strong family values among all citizens of St. Charles Parish.”

Several strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were detailed and reviewed in the 138-page report, copies of which are currently available at the parish council office.

Among the parish’s strengths are the educational system, financial stability and strategic location for commerce. Among its perceived weaknesses are cumbersome regulations, a lack of effective planning for transportation needs, an undeveloped health care system, a limited retail base, a failure to develop the next generation of community leaders, a lack of shared vision among community resources and a lack of incentives for new local business.

Among its opportunities include developable land and water resources, a chance to benefit from regional planning and to expand health care facilities and draw more retirement community development. Among its perceived threats are natural disasters, state tax policy, the state’s underfunding of education, environmental pressures, a negative business climate across the state and the limited availability of qualified people for public services.

Participants in the report included: Dee Abadie, Gwen Adams, Terry Authement, Neal Ayme, Martin Belanger, Richard Border, Ricky Bosco, Robert Brou, Ira Cazenave, Greg Champagne, Sally Church, Glenda Clement, John Cornwell, Scott Columbe, Missy Danford, Edward Dees, Stanley Roy Dufrene II, Shirlyn Fahrig, Clayton “Snookie” Faucheux, Corey Faucheux, Jack Fisher, Lucy Folse, Lily Galland, Betty L. Haydel, Mandy Henry, Barbara Jacob, Rodney Lafon, Albert Laque, Henry LeBoyd, Brodwyn “Val” Lewis, Greg Lier, Colette Lottinger, Lance Marino, Fred Martinez, Larry Matson, Luther McCracken, Randy Noel, Brent Petit, Linda Prudhomme, Bobby Raymond, Doug Rhodes, Randy Rice, Danny Roussel, Cressend Schonberg, Billie Simoneaux, Steve Sirmon, Henry Sorbet, Rhonda Spera, Rochelle Touchard, Lorrie Toups, Debra Dufresne Vial, Tim Vial, Ophelia Walker, George Williamson, Henry Wolfe and the Rev. Robert Zehr.