Focus is on downtown development

By Wiley Wood

A town plan, says the statute, is “a statement of policies, goals and standards for the physical and economic development of the municipality.” Norfolk’s is currently being revised by Glenn Chalder, of the Avon-based consulting firm Planimetrics, in conjunction with the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), and with input from Norfolk residents and organizations. It is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2019 and will serve as an advisory document for the next 10 years.

A particular focus of the 2019 plan will be the enhancement of Norfolk’s downtown. A group of Norfolk residents and officials have been meeting with planner Peter Flinker in a collaborative planning process or “charrette” to identify possible improvements. The early results of this process will be on view at the Norfolk Hub during WIN weekend, and comments and suggestions from members of the community are being actively solicited.

During an earlier phase of the town plan revision, about 20 representatives of Norfolk organizations and commissions met with Chalder and the P&Z in April to describe their activities, air their concerns and make suggestions. In May and June, a community survey was conducted (see related article).

The idea of linking planning with zoning was developed in the 1920s, according to Chalder, so that the powerful tool of zoning would be wielded within the guidelines of a logical framework. The requirement that municipalities prepare or amend their plan of conservation and development (POCD) every 10 years entered the general statutes in 2010.

The legacy of the 2009 plan, says Chalder, was a rigorous updating of the town regulations. “I’m proud of having helped the community to get a more coherent set of zoning regulations,” says Chalder, “and I hope the legacy of the new plan will be an improved downtown.”

Among the changes made in the last 10 years, according to P&Z chairman Michele Sloane, were the easing of regulations on home enterprises and a reduction in the minimum lot size in parts of the downtown area.

“The best reason for a new town plan,” says Chalder, “is if the town wants to do it.” The process has many points where the public can provide input. After the display at the Hub comes down, Flinker will prepare a report on downtown enhancement for distribution in October. This will be incorporated into the POCD by Chalder, who will hold an informational meeting in spring 2019. The proposed plan will then be posted on the town website in mid-2019, after which the P&Z will hold a public hearing, in the fall, before deciding on the plan’s adoption.

By statute, any landowner or tenant in town can propose a change to the town plan, which, if properly submitted, the P&Z is bound to consider.