(SLIDELL)---The second phase of Slidell's Master Development Plan needs more public input, and rather quickly, with a September deadline approaching for the release of its first draft, according to Slidell city officials.

Earlier meetings, held last year, and the second phase "final meeting", held last month, all had something in common: low public turnout, and Slidell Mayor Ben Morris is planning one final session to get the public's input.

"There apparently is the idea in some people's minds that we're just doing another study for the sake of a study," said Mayor Morris. "We're not. This is important, and we need input from people who care about -- and want to help shape -- the future of our community over the next 20 years."

According to the mayor, the final "final meeting" to discuss the second phase of the Master Plan will be on Wednesday, August 13, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. It will be held in the gymnasium of the John Slidell Park on Robert Blvd. near the I-12 overpass. Doors will be open at 6 p.m.

City officials say that the main purpose is to discuss specific issues and preliminary recommendations regarding the land-use element of the Master Plan. Mayor Morris adds that this meeting is important, as the first draft of this second phase of the Master Plan is expected to be released in September.

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