Date: Fri 10-May-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Town-Plan-growth

Full Text:

The Town Plan: A Guide To Newtown's Future

B Y A NDREW G OROSKO

Some towns have one agency which deals with planning and another which handles

zoning. But in Newtown, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) wears both

regulatory hats.

In its zoning role, the commission divides the town into zones, which are

determined by specific restrictions on types of construction and use, such as

residential, commercial and industrial areas.

In its planning function, the commission regulates the creation of

subdivisions of land and prepares a decennial town plan of development.

The plan of development adopted in 1993 is a long-range guide to the physical

development and preservation of the town. It is used as a conceptual framework

in achieving community goals. The document is considered a vision for the

town's future as well as an advisory land use policy guide for physical

development.

The plan addresses many elements of land use planning: population, natural

resources, the environment, land use, development, circulation, economic base,

housing, public utilities, open space, and recreation.

In approving or rejecting development proposals submitted to them, P&Z members

often refer to the plan of development in making their decisions, citing

whether a specific development proposal is "consistent" or "inconsistent" with

the plan of development. The town's first plan of development was adopted in

1959. The 1993 plan is the fourth such plan approved by the P&Z.

The 1993 plan identifies six critical issues and opportunities which face the

town as it approaches 2003.

According to the plan, they are: economic development, circulation, protection

of environmental resources, housing, community character, and institutional

development.

Economic Development. If the town is to prosper, greater efforts must be made

to create jobs. Added industrial and commercial development is needed for tax

base diversification and to reduce the relative tax burden on residential

property owners. There is an opportunity to open up Hawleyville to commercial

and industrial development, according to the plan.

Circulation. There is a concern about traffic on Route 25 due to uncoordinated

development patterns and extensive truck traffic. Concerns also exist about

the lack of pedestrian amenities in the Queen Street/Church Hill Road business

district and also about a lack of public transportation.

Protection of Environmental Resources. It is desirable to protect the town's

remaining open space areas and provide public access to them. It is also

desirable to protect existing and potential underground drinking water

sources.

Housing. There are concerns over the lack of housing diversity and the sprawl

of conventional residential subdivisions across the landscape. Much of the

existing housing stock is financially beyond the reach of older and younger

households. There is little choice of housing other than single-family

detached dwellings.

Community Character. As the town grows, there is concern for the loss of open

space and local landmarks, as well concern over the dispersed pattern of

settlement.

Institutional Development. Due to the closing of Fairfield Hills Hospital last

December, there are concerns about the future use and development of excess

property there.

The plan seeks to maintain existing housing densities while providing

opportunities for economic growth. The document is written to reflect a

consensus view of future development in Newtown.