Those who give their input during the coming general plan update could have major impact on how the city looks in 2030, city officials say. And the race to gather that input has already begun.

The city is handing out "tool kits" to all residents interested in organizing meetings in their community to help the city create a broad vision for the future. Eventually, the process will result in a detailed blueprint for how the city creates homes, jobs, parks and even public art. Those familiar with city politics have begun to organize meetings with various groups.

One of the first meetings happened last Saturday, when a group of property owners along Old Middlefield Way's contentious commercial service zone attended a meeting organized by council member Matt Pear. According to environmental planning commission chair John Inks, who attended, many property owners have an issue with a restriction in the zone that prevents much of the area from being used as office space. Consequently, many of the buildings have "For lease" signs on them.

The city has created a Web site for those who wish to stay informed: www.mountainview2030.com. On the site is a 70-question survey which, in part, aims to gauge residents' preferences for building styles. The results will be compiled before a public hearing on the general plan to be held on the morning of Saturday, June 7, in the Performing Arts Center adjacent to City Hall.

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