What are the project goals?
The new plan will build on the Town’s first Comprehensive Plan, adopted in 2019 and due for an update. The updated plan will be guided by smart growth principles to establish a framework for future development actions and policy making.
It will address community and economic development, housing, parks and recreation, resource conservation, historic preservation, agriculture, transportation and downtown revitalization among other potential topics.
The plan will serve as a roadmap to accelerate our progress toward a shared vision of the future.
Smart Growth Principles
Smart Growth promotes several land use planning principles that create livable, sustainable and equitable communities, including:
Allow for and encourage neighborhoods with a mix of uses, such as residential, commercial and community spaces.
Enable a diverse mix of housing types, providing opportunity and choice for people of all ages, abilities and incomes.
Prioritize infill and redevelopment of existing buildings to revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns, including areas around public transit.
Provide well-planned, equitable, and accessible public spaces for people of all ages and abilities.
Encourage compact neighborhood design and concentrated development around existing infrastructure.
Preserve open space, agricultural resources, and natural resources.
Prioritize transportation options that are safe and accessible for everyone, including pedestrians, cyclists and public transit users.
Promote climate resiliency and adaptation, preferably through nature-based solutions, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Build on unique traits to create an attractive and welcoming community with a strong sense of place.
Engage in an inclusive, collaborative public planning process that considers the needs and character of the community.
