Growth and Development in Vernon

First, I want to thank everyone who read and commented on my recent blog. It is great to hear your thoughts and to be able to receive and answer your questions via email. A recent e-mail asked about my position regarding development. 

The Town of Vernon in creating a combined Planning and Zoning Commission has delegated powers to that board to act in its own capacity and judicial authority without interference from the administration or the Council. In my opinion the town needs to go back to allowing this commission to perform its delegated duties under state law without influence.

With that being said I feel one of the most important rights of Vernon residents is the ability to be heard during public hearings regarding development that impacts their quality of life, traffic and safety. When the commission is presented information from developers and is able to consider resident input, it can then make a decision based on the relevant land use regulations that have been adopted.

Many Vernon voters want to know candidates opinions regarding development now that election season is upon us. While it is nice for us to have ideas on what would be suitable for those areas, the decision ultimately rests with the Planning and Zoning Commission and other land use boards to determine what type of development best fits the area.

The town is in the final phases of adopting a ten year Plan of Conservation and Development. This plan is adopted once every 10 years to determine development goals and guidelines for the town with input from residents and commissions. Once adopted, the commission plans to review its regulations and ensure they appropriately reflect the goals of the new plan. I encourage all residents to visit the town website at www.vernon-ct.gov/boardsPZC and keep informed when upcoming hearings are scheduled. Public comment is an important factor during the commissions review of the regulations. The Plan of Conservation and Development can also be viewed on the town website.

It is my goal to have the Town Administrator work closely with the Economic Development Coordinator to actively seek out potential developers and investors who have a clear understanding of the allowed uses in the zone prior to their application process; to meet the goals of our Plan of Conservation and Development and fit with the land use and zoning regulations in place. Allowing the Planning and Zoning Commission to review applications and receive input from the surrounding land owners via the public hearing process without interference will equal responsible development for Vernon.