ABOUT THE PROJECT
What is a Comprehensive Plan?
A Comprehensive Plan is both a vision for the future and a blueprint for how to get there. A Comprehensive Plan creates a future framework for a range of topics such as land use, economic development, infrastructure, and housing. The Town of Colton's Comprehensive Plan will identify a vision for the future and outline a series of recommendations and steps to implement the vision.
Why Have a Plan?
Communities develop comprehensive plans to plan for population changes, economic growth, transportation, education, environmental protection, recreation, infrastructure, residential and commercial growth and more.
What is Smart Growth?
Smart growth represents a return to sustainable land use patterns reminiscent of historical development. In the park, these towns, hamlets and villages once thrived as tightly knit forest communities, centered around vibrant commercial hubs amidst vast wilderness. Today, maintaining this legacy faces challenges such as economic shifts and development pressures. Smart growth seeks to balance development with preservation, fostering sustainable communities deeply connected to their natural surroundings.
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See the NYS Department of State Smart Growth Fact Sheet to learn more about the Smart Growth Community Planning Program.
Who is facilitating the process?
The planning process is being guided by a Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (CPSC) appointed by the Town Board. The planning process will be facilitated by Town staff and a consultant team led by MJ.
The planning process will be a consensus-driven effort which includes a robust public engagement component to gather input from residents, visitors, business owners, property owners, and other stakeholders in the community. Your participation in this process is vital!
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee (CPSC) Members
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Jeff Rousell, Committee Co-Chair
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Anne Townsend, Committe Co-Chair
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Lisa Fisher
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Judy Fuhr
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Randa Mitchell
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Kirke Perry
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Jason Pfotenhauer
Funding
Funding for this comprehensive plan was made possible through the State Smart Growth grant program, overseen by the Department of State (DOS). This program receives annual support from the Environmental Protection Fund. Within this framework, DOS allocates Smart Growth funding for diverse initiatives.