Next step is implementation

By Veronica Burns

orfolk’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCAD) was adopted at a recent public hearing in the town hall. About 20 people attended, which was in stark contrast to the hundreds who filled the Botelle Hall of Flags at the beginning of process two years ago. Despite the low turnout, it was agreed that it was an important moment. “This has taken a lot of dedicated effort,” says Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) chairman, West Lowe, “and now we have a plan that is insightful, proactive and endorsed by the community at large.” At the hearing, the consultant for the POCAD, Glenn Chalder of Planimetrics, gave a brief power-point presentation summarizing the plan’s main goals. He emphasized that adoption of the plan was a critical step for the future. “This will help Norfolk guide growth and change,” Chalder said, “it is not a set of handcuffs, it is meant to be visionary and flexible.” Chalder recalled the planning process, which began in 2007 with the first town-wide workshop and he again listed the issues which residents, at that time, said were of most concern to them. These included protection of important natural resources and enhancing the vitality of the town center. The success of Infinity Hall, said Chalder, has put Norfolk on people’s radar and the town should capitalize on that and continue to encourage economic development. To help revitalize the center of town, the POCAD includes plans to modify local zoning. There would be village residential zoning as well as neighborhood residential zoning. The former would be half-acre lots, the latter, one acre. “We should also look at the existing commercial zone,” suggested Chalder, “and decide if we want to keep that.” Following the discussion of the recommended changes, the P&Z formally adopted the plan as amended with the date of October 17, 2009, when it will become ratified. Lowe acknowledged the work done by various commission members and other town organizations, such as the Coalition for Sound Growth and the Economic Development Commission. The next step is to study the implementation schedule. Lowe says that a subcommittee will be established to get that underway. “Then,” he says, “the process of picking away at the priorities of that schedule will begin.”