Transcript Clarendon Town Plan 2015

CLARENDON
TOWN PLAN
2015
Barbara Noyes Pulling
Rutland Regional Planning Commission
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Agriculture
• What types of agricultural uses do you want to
encourage and where do you want them?
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Agriculture
2014 Town Survey
• 93.2% of respondents wanted more agricultural land
use
Up from 88.6% in 2004
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Agriculture
• “The Town should recognize agriculture as a traditional
part of the local economy.”
• “Encourage the continued use of agricultural lands for
food production and other agricultural purposes.”
• “Tax stabilization for agricultural land.”
(suggested implementation measure)
(current Town Plan)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Agriculture
• Encourage the availability of locally produced food.
• Expand support of CSAs, farm stands, farmers markets,
farm to school programs, community gardens.
• Discuss agricultural impact on the environment.
Accepted Agricultural Practices (mandatory water quality
restrictions) and Best Management Practices Program (voluntary
measures for state financial assistance).
(state Enhanced Consultation)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Agriculture
Sample language:
“Support farming operations and diversification and farm energy
projects with the same degree of importance as the Town supports its
local industries and other businesses.” (Middlebury)
“Emphasize investment in ventures and activities that support a
sustainable local economy, with particular consideration given to local
foods and renewable energy.” (Bennington)
“Encourage full- or part-time agricultural activities that would
supplement regular income such as growing food, flowers or animals,
horse farming, and maple sugaring…Agritourism should be
encouraged to promote the viability of agriculture… provided it does
not negatively impact the health, welfare or safety of nearby
residents.” (Pomfret)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Agriculture
• What types of agricultural uses do you want to
encourage and where do you want them?
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development
• What types of new industry do you want and where
do you want them?
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development
2014 Town Survey
• Slightly less support for commercial and light industrial
(compared to 2004 survey).
70% want less commercial and 75% want less light industrial
(compared to 88/87% in 2004).
• Marked decrease in support for heavy industrial
(compared to 2004 survey).
82% now want less (compared to 51% in 2004).
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development
“The Town should work to attract new industries and
businesses, which will meet environmental standards
and will not impact heavily on housing needs and the
local school system.”
“Nurture economic activity that provides satisfying
and rewarding job opportunities while maintaining
high environmental standards.”
(current Town Plan)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development
• Clear priority for balancing an improving economy
and maintaining environmental standards.
• More discussion of unemployment or lack thereof.
(state Enhanced Consultation)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development and Village Center
Designation
Include in the Town Plan:
Evidence that the Plan includes the intention to apply
for village center designation and the Town Plan
explains how the designation would further the Plan’s
and state goals.
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development and Village Center
Designation
Sample language:
“(Clarendon), like other Vermont communities, will need
to be active in managing economic growth to ensure the
future of its tax base and quality of life. Economic growth
should be targeted for certain areas of the town and
discouraged in others to promote a vibrant village center,
maximize existing infrastructure, utilize multi-modal
transportation means and preserve the rural, working and
forest lands that surround the town.” (Proctor)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development and Village Center
Designation
Sample language:
• “Maintain State of Vermont Village Center Designation to
relieve development pressure on areas outside of the historic
village area.” (Proctor)
• “The State of Vermont Village Center Designation presents
development opportunities, such as giving the town priority
consideration for state funding awards and making available
tax credits to property owners in the designated area.”
(Proctor)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Economic Development
What types of new industry to you want and where
do you want them?
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Natural Resources
How would you describe the state of the town’s
natural resources (water quality, air quality, wildlife
habitat, mineral resources)?
Is more protection needed?
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Natural Resources
“Negative impacts on natural resources – including
air, water, land and wildlife in various forms – will be
minimized, and, wherever possible, mitigated. Much
of the community will remain distinctly rural. High
ridgelines, such as Suzie Peak and Herrick Mountain in
neighboring Ira, and steep slopes will be protected
and left undeveloped.”
(current Town Plan)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Natural Resources
• No air quality protection included.
• No floodplain protection included.
• Minimal future land use planning to maintain or
improve quality of natural resources.
(state Enhanced Consultation)
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Natural Resources
How would you describe the state of the town’s
natural resources (water quality, air quality, wildlife
habitat, mineral resources)?
Is more protection needed?
CLARENDON TOWN PLAN 2015
Next Informational Meeting
May 18
Transportation (including airport),
energy, housing, child care, education, recreation,
community facilities and public utilities.
at RSVRA