"The life given to us by nature is short, but the memory of a well-spent life is eternal"
–Cicero

MISSION STATEMENT

"To highlight our many strengths including our beautiful landscape and history, while maintaining our small town atmosphere"

PLAN:

Plan Preparation:

1) Winchester is a small rural community in Franklin County Tennessee with approximately 7329 residents representing approximately 20% of Franklin County's total population.
2) Winchester is the county seat of Franklin County with three other smaller cities touching its boundaries that at times are impacted by the decisions made by and for the development of Winchester. They are Decherd (pop. 2246), Cowan (pop. 1752), and Estill Springs (pop. 1466).
3) The 2000 census reveals Franklin County has:
a) As having a population of 39,270
b) As having a 12.4% growth rate over the past 10 years
c) With the largest number of residents being between the ages of 25 to 44 years
d) With 92% of the residents as being of the white race
e) With 51% of the population being female
f) With a median income of $32,015
g) With the largest percentage of the local labor force being in the manufacturing indus-
try
4) Winchester is centrally located with many natural resources and recreational
opportunities
a) Home to Tims Ford Lake and close to Woods Reservoir and numerous rivers and
streams and the Cumberland Mountain Range
b) Near a beautiful and rustic State Park with Bear Trace Golf Course
c) Near Falls Mills
d) Access to many other sports including fishing, hunting, camping, varied water sports, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities.
e) Located in a triangle with 3 major metropolitan areas nearby
f) Excellent and expanding health services
g) Access to higher education through Motlow State Community College, UTSI, MTSU, the University of the South and UAH.
5) The present Winchester zoning laws were adopted in June 1980, and there have been no remarkable changes, amendments or additions since its adoption.

Plan Development

1) In general we would like to make Winchester a better place to live focusing on health and safety, education, recreation, economic development and social, civic, and religious opportunities
2) We would like to promote pride in our community's natural resources and rich history
3) We would like Winchester to become a premier example of a community where neighborhoods, commercial concerns and neighboring communities work together for the good of the area
4) We would like to review guidelines and recommend zoning ordinances for the maintenance and continued improvement of the quality of life in Winchester
5) We want to become a community that is sensitive and responsive to citizen needs while maintaining or improving our quality of life
6) We want to be a community sensitive to our natural resources and our environment
7) We want the community to maintain and expand recreational opportunities for tourists and citizens
8) We want to be a vacation destination point for visitors who want to enjoy a small town atmosphere with natural beauty and historical significance

Implementation of the plan

1) Help citizens understand the economic, social, political, environmental, and psychological impact associated with decisions made
2) Assist community leaders in designing, implementing, and monitoring a plan to solve agreed upon problems by emphasizing citizen participation
3) Work to inspire vision and interest in the community development process
4) Identify our retirees and capitalize on their strengths and experience, recognizing their value as citizens to enhance our community
5) Promote communication between leaders and affected citizens to encourage mutual understanding and commitment to planned changes
6) To aid in the implementation of the Dry Creek Project