Copies of a draft of a long-range comprehensive plan for Southern Pines are expected to be available to residents soon.

Bill Grimes, principal of Studio Cascade, told a gathering of about 100 people to expect to be able to view the 219-page document online by Friday during a preview event Tuesday night at the Sunrise Theater.

Studio Cascade is the firm hired by the town to help guide it through the long-range planning process.

The long-range plan is intended to be a guide to help town staff set goals, policies while providing appointed officials with guidance on decision-making and in establishing regulations.

Grimes hit on the key points of the draft, reminding audience members that input will still be accepted through November.

The presentation touched on the importance of West Southern Pines, the downtown area and horse country, and maintaining their uniqueness. Also mentioned were the town's four areas of expected growth -- Morganton Road, downtown, West Southern Pines, and the Pine Needles area, and prioritized recommendations that should be addressed following the adoption of the plan.

To view the plan, or offer input, go online to www.southernpines.studiocascade.com.

Some residents expressed disappointment and frustration over holding a roll out event without having a completed draft of the plan.

The long-range plan advisory council will meet in November and December in hopes of finalizing a plan draft to present to the town's planning board in January.

For more on this story, see Friday's print edition of The Pilot.