Bill Voelker is the town planner for Cheshire, Connecticut who has also been a guest lecturer in an upper level planning class at CCSU in the Spring semester, 2010. The following questions and answers were a follow-up to that lecture--with questions composed by Michael D'Amato.
Question: Do towns typically have design standards for their Industrial Zones, --things such as road width and building height?
Answer: Street widths are common for all zones. They usually vary according to type of road, not zoning district. Local roads have classifications according to function. These include local, collector, or arterial streets. These are sometimes related to the development density created by the zoning district, but collector and arterial roads are constructed and maintained in order to facilitate nodal distribution throughout the community and to access the state highway system.
Local roads are just that. They are designed for neighborhood travel and to access collector and arterial roads.
Building height, setback, and similar standards are usually contained within local zoning regulations. Other design criteria related to architectural detail and building appearance are usually contained with design guidelines. The town of Simsbury has a pretty good set online and you might also want to look at the ones I recently looked at from Jamestown, Rhode Island, also available online.
5/29/10
A Capitol Plan: An Important first Municipal Plan for an American City
by Justin Reich
Known now as the Noble Plan, the basic plan for Washington, D.C., the capital city of the United States was devised by Pierre-Charles L’Enfant, a French-born American engineer, architect, and urban designer. L’Enfant was a Major under the direction of George Washington during the Revolutionary War. When Washington became President he asked the Frenchman to construct a new capital for a new nation. Washington wanted a European feel like that of the 17th century French in Italian architecture, “The primary influence, as suggested, was the late French Baroque, with its tradition of broad axial relationships, symmetrical balance, and superimposed on a grand scale”(Finding Lost Space: Theories of Urban Design By Roger Trancik p. 157).
Pierre-Charles L'Enfant's 1791 plan for the city of Washington is one of the great landmarks in city planning. It was, designed from its inception to serve as the framework for the capital city of the new nation beginning in the year 1800. The proposal of broad radiating avenues connecting significant focal points, its open spaces, and its grid pattern of streets oriented north, south, east, and west is still the plan against which all modern land use proposals for the Nation's Capital are considered.
Interview with Francis Pickering of CCRPA
by John Boren
The lack of funding or statutory requirement for linking regional and local planning in Connecticut results in scant involvement by regional planners in the process of drafting town Plans of Conservation and Development. This comes out in the following interview with Francis Pickering, from the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (CCPRA).
Question: What coordination is required between the CCPRA and New Britain (or any town in the region for that matter) when the city is drafting a new Plan of Conservation and Development?
Answer: No coordination is required. The region voluntarily strives to take local POCDs into account when drawing up its regional POCD. CCRPA has not reviewed the New Britain POCD. We expect that New Britain’s planner will present the plan for discussion to our Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPC). Please note that this discussion will be informative only—we have no authority to compel alterations to any plan or ordinance.
Question: What is the level of involvement of the CCRPA with New Britain and its drafting of a new POCD?
Answer: CCRPA has not been involved in New Britain’s POCD process.
Question: How would you describe the role of the CCRPA in this process, i.e. mostly advisory, major decision-making entity, etc.?
Answer: Not applicable—we have not been involved in this process. Given state budget cuts, CCRPA does not have the resources to engage in such a complex and lengthy process as the adoption of a new POCD. There is simply no funding provided for such work.
Question:How does the regional planning agency's specific plan of development differ from that of its member towns?
Answer: Comparing our regional plan with our municipalities’ POCDs would be an extremely time-intensive task. We do not have the resources to do this. All I can suggest is that you compare the documents yourself.
Final remarks:
I am sorry I cannot be of more help, but the lack of financial support and statutory authority in Connecticut for the regions undercuts our ability to work change. We simply do not have the power of other states’ counties or regional governance such as Portland’s Metro.
The lack of funding or statutory requirement for linking regional and local planning in Connecticut results in scant involvement by regional planners in the process of drafting town Plans of Conservation and Development. This comes out in the following interview with Francis Pickering, from the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency (CCPRA).
Question: What coordination is required between the CCPRA and New Britain (or any town in the region for that matter) when the city is drafting a new Plan of Conservation and Development?
Answer: No coordination is required. The region voluntarily strives to take local POCDs into account when drawing up its regional POCD. CCRPA has not reviewed the New Britain POCD. We expect that New Britain’s planner will present the plan for discussion to our Comprehensive Plan Committee (CPC). Please note that this discussion will be informative only—we have no authority to compel alterations to any plan or ordinance.
Question: What is the level of involvement of the CCRPA with New Britain and its drafting of a new POCD?
Answer: CCRPA has not been involved in New Britain’s POCD process.
Question: How would you describe the role of the CCRPA in this process, i.e. mostly advisory, major decision-making entity, etc.?
Answer: Not applicable—we have not been involved in this process. Given state budget cuts, CCRPA does not have the resources to engage in such a complex and lengthy process as the adoption of a new POCD. There is simply no funding provided for such work.
Question:How does the regional planning agency's specific plan of development differ from that of its member towns?
Answer: Comparing our regional plan with our municipalities’ POCDs would be an extremely time-intensive task. We do not have the resources to do this. All I can suggest is that you compare the documents yourself.
Final remarks:
I am sorry I cannot be of more help, but the lack of financial support and statutory authority in Connecticut for the regions undercuts our ability to work change. We simply do not have the power of other states’ counties or regional governance such as Portland’s Metro.
5/10/10
Interview with a Planner
A DISCUSSION WITH JIM VENTRES, Land Use Administrator of East Haddam
by Shiloh Dodge
Question: Why did you decide to go into planning?
Answer: I actually didn't plan to go into town planning, my background is in wildlife and fisheries. For years I was watching staff turnover constantly nobody wanted to stay involved. My background in the environment ties into East Haddam very well, though, being such a rural area.
Question: The recreation section of the plan says that the survey of scenic views and vistas needs to be updated and could be put into a guide book- do you think that this will promote tourism in East Haddam?
Answer: Absolutely- we have sort of a "Where's Waldo" effect in town. We might do a letter boxing things where you have a list and check off the things you have seen. There are 77 scenic views and pictures and they need to go into a format on the web. The problem is of those 77 views, how many are left? We need to find out what resources we still have and what we have lost.
Questions: Is the East Haddam Walking Trails booklet aimed towards residents, visitors, or both?
Answer: It is geared more towards tourists because there is a lot to do here and they could make a good weekend out if it if they know about it. It is not online but hopefully will be by next fall. It is currently only available in the Town Clerk's office.
Question: The plan mentions the possibility of a Farm Market for local farmers- has this idea been explored and is it a possibility?
Answer: We dabbled with it and there is a small market sometimes at the library but it isn't really the farmers. What really needs to happen is a boardwalk by the Goodspeed parking lot and farmers could sell there. The agriculture is growing- there are farmers in town trying to crops and growing grapes for wine, but there is just no local place for them to sell.
by Shiloh Dodge
Question: Why did you decide to go into planning?
Answer: I actually didn't plan to go into town planning, my background is in wildlife and fisheries. For years I was watching staff turnover constantly nobody wanted to stay involved. My background in the environment ties into East Haddam very well, though, being such a rural area.
Question: The recreation section of the plan says that the survey of scenic views and vistas needs to be updated and could be put into a guide book- do you think that this will promote tourism in East Haddam?
Answer: Absolutely- we have sort of a "Where's Waldo" effect in town. We might do a letter boxing things where you have a list and check off the things you have seen. There are 77 scenic views and pictures and they need to go into a format on the web. The problem is of those 77 views, how many are left? We need to find out what resources we still have and what we have lost.
Questions: Is the East Haddam Walking Trails booklet aimed towards residents, visitors, or both?
Answer: It is geared more towards tourists because there is a lot to do here and they could make a good weekend out if it if they know about it. It is not online but hopefully will be by next fall. It is currently only available in the Town Clerk's office.
Question: The plan mentions the possibility of a Farm Market for local farmers- has this idea been explored and is it a possibility?
Answer: We dabbled with it and there is a small market sometimes at the library but it isn't really the farmers. What really needs to happen is a boardwalk by the Goodspeed parking lot and farmers could sell there. The agriculture is growing- there are farmers in town trying to crops and growing grapes for wine, but there is just no local place for them to sell.
Who Reads the Comprehensive Plan?
by Michael D'Amato
Comprehensive plans are read by many people including developers, citizens, and commission members. A citizen might read the plan to see where the town looks to go in the future. This is important if they are looking at a piece of property with a large vacant parcel nearby. It can also be important to examine a town’s policy for conserving it’s natural features and water resources.
In the case of a developer, showing that their project is in keeping with the plan (POCD) will increase the likelihood of approval.
The commission members of the town-- Planning and Zoning (P&Z) , Zoning Board of Appeals, Water Control Commission and the Town Council are just a few groups that need to be especially well acquainted with content of this document. When the Planning and Zoning Commission receives an application for development they are going to want to reference this to see if it parallels the plan and what they want to ultimately achieve. The P&Z should only make decisions based on this plan and what is best for the town. Escaping the impression that it is their own personal preference in the decision making process, the plan allows them to have ground to stand on with their decision.
Comprehensive plans are read by many people including developers, citizens, and commission members. A citizen might read the plan to see where the town looks to go in the future. This is important if they are looking at a piece of property with a large vacant parcel nearby. It can also be important to examine a town’s policy for conserving it’s natural features and water resources.
In the case of a developer, showing that their project is in keeping with the plan (POCD) will increase the likelihood of approval.
The commission members of the town-- Planning and Zoning (P&Z) , Zoning Board of Appeals, Water Control Commission and the Town Council are just a few groups that need to be especially well acquainted with content of this document. When the Planning and Zoning Commission receives an application for development they are going to want to reference this to see if it parallels the plan and what they want to ultimately achieve. The P&Z should only make decisions based on this plan and what is best for the town. Escaping the impression that it is their own personal preference in the decision making process, the plan allows them to have ground to stand on with their decision.
5/9/10
What is a Town Comprehensive Plan?
by Jacqueline Rubin Kelly
A comprehensive plan goes by many different names. In Connecticut, it is called a “Plan of Conservation and Development.” The idea behind the Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD) is a simple one; A PoCD is a tangible representation of what a community wants to be in the future. The PoCD allows members of village, town, or city to have an active role in how their community will progress into the coming years.
In the state of Connecticut the acceptance of a PoCD entitles that town to the distribution of state funding. For the plan to be adopted, the state has specific rules and regulations on what the PoCD needs to contain. Below is a short list of topics that must be included within the chapters of a Plan of Conservation and Development according to Connecticut State Statutes:
• A statement of policies, goals and standards for the physical and economic development of the municipality
• Transportation – parkways, bridges, streets, sidewalks, etc
• Housing – zoning, affordable housing options
• Land use – development (residential, recreational, commercial, industrial)
• Conservation – land, cultural/historical elements
For the full list of state regulations on adopting or amending a PoCD, visit the link below:
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/act/Pa/2005PA-00205-R00HB-06570-PA.htm
So, how does a Plan of Conservation and Development affect you and your community? Each plan is different and is supposed to represent the voices of the townspeople. The members of the community can attend their town meetings to give their opinions on zoning laws, lands they want to protect, or even building a new park with a playground for the children of the community. The committee that oversees the plan takes all requests from the community into consideration when writing and approving their PoCD.
To find out about town meetings and to become involved in the future of your community, visit your town website or call your town hall.
A comprehensive plan goes by many different names. In Connecticut, it is called a “Plan of Conservation and Development.” The idea behind the Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD) is a simple one; A PoCD is a tangible representation of what a community wants to be in the future. The PoCD allows members of village, town, or city to have an active role in how their community will progress into the coming years.
In the state of Connecticut the acceptance of a PoCD entitles that town to the distribution of state funding. For the plan to be adopted, the state has specific rules and regulations on what the PoCD needs to contain. Below is a short list of topics that must be included within the chapters of a Plan of Conservation and Development according to Connecticut State Statutes:
• A statement of policies, goals and standards for the physical and economic development of the municipality
• Transportation – parkways, bridges, streets, sidewalks, etc
• Housing – zoning, affordable housing options
• Land use – development (residential, recreational, commercial, industrial)
• Conservation – land, cultural/historical elements
For the full list of state regulations on adopting or amending a PoCD, visit the link below:
http://www.cga.ct.gov/2005/act/Pa/2005PA-00205-R00HB-06570-PA.htm
So, how does a Plan of Conservation and Development affect you and your community? Each plan is different and is supposed to represent the voices of the townspeople. The members of the community can attend their town meetings to give their opinions on zoning laws, lands they want to protect, or even building a new park with a playground for the children of the community. The committee that oversees the plan takes all requests from the community into consideration when writing and approving their PoCD.
To find out about town meetings and to become involved in the future of your community, visit your town website or call your town hall.
What is a Town Comprehensive Plan?
by David Marella
A Comprehensive Plan, or a Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD) as known in the state of Connecticut, is an attempt set by commission members to plan out goals and objectives for a town for the future growth potential of that community. A comprehensive plan is the final documentation for what the overall product will be turned out after it is implemented. The document is official in nature and should be used as a policy guide for direction the community in the right direction.
There are six key principles that should follow a Comprehensive Plan, according to William I. Goodman, a well-known author on Comprehensive Planning. The concept of the Comprehensive Plan is that it is an instrument used by leaders in the community to help establish policies and make decisions regarding their physical environment. The six key principles are:
1.The plan should be comprehensive
2.The plan should be long-range.
3.The plan should be general.
4.The plan should focus on physical development.
5.The plan should relate to physical design proposals to community goals and social and economic policies.
6.The plan should first be a policy instrument, and second a technical instrument
A Comprehensive Plan, or a Plan of Conservation and Development (PoCD) as known in the state of Connecticut, is an attempt set by commission members to plan out goals and objectives for a town for the future growth potential of that community. A comprehensive plan is the final documentation for what the overall product will be turned out after it is implemented. The document is official in nature and should be used as a policy guide for direction the community in the right direction.
There are six key principles that should follow a Comprehensive Plan, according to William I. Goodman, a well-known author on Comprehensive Planning. The concept of the Comprehensive Plan is that it is an instrument used by leaders in the community to help establish policies and make decisions regarding their physical environment. The six key principles are:
1.The plan should be comprehensive
2.The plan should be long-range.
3.The plan should be general.
4.The plan should focus on physical development.
5.The plan should relate to physical design proposals to community goals and social and economic policies.
6.The plan should first be a policy instrument, and second a technical instrument
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