THROOP - If Valerie Robinson's wish for Throop came true, the town would have a senior citizen center or housing complex to keep people like her active in their own community.

Robinson, who has lived in Throop most of her life, now frequently goes to Port Byron to use its senior center.

"Not too many seniors can travel to the next town over, but I do know quite a few who do," she said.

About 30 residents expressed similar ideas for Throop's future - as well as some seemingly far-fetched ones - at the town's first visioning session Thursday evening.

Visioning sessions are the first step to drafting a new comprehensive plan and zoning law for the town.

The documents were written in 1989, with minor revisions made in 1996, said Paul Vitale, Throop's planning board chair.

When weaknesses in the zoning law became apparent, planning board members realized it was time for a change.

"Citizens have asked us about certain parts of the law," Vitale said. "We realized it needed to be updated."

He didn't expect that many residents to attend the visioning session, even though it's vital in the preliminary planning phases.

There will be several other meetings in the future to get more public input before the plan is written.

"It's nice if they come to the meetings, that way everyone feels responsible for the input and are more willing to accept the plan when we propose it," Vitale said.

Residents went through a series of brainstorming exercises to identify their physical, cultural and economic values about the town.

They were then given a chance to think of ways they would improve Throop. Some residents wanted to see more commercial development with a well-defined Main Street area; others would be happy with a bike path by the Owasco River.

"No matter how far-fetched the idea may be, propose it," urged Amy D'Angelo, a planner with the Cayuga County Planning Office who facilitated the session.

Sometimes it's those outlandish ideas which lead to better realistic ones, she said. Taking away people's inhibitions and limitations makes them more likely to see what the municipality really needs.

And if an idea makes it into the comprehensive plan, there's a better chance of getting it funded if the town looks for grant money.

"What we find most often is the 'sky's the limit' ideas are most feasible," she said. "When you take those filters off, then you may find things that are more realistic."

Staff writer Liz Hacken can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 267 or elizabeth.hacken@lee.net