Durham Adopts a New Plan of Conservation and Development

DURHAM, CT — After several public hearings and discussion, the town last week adopted its new Plan of Conservation and Development, a "living document" that "promotes compatible growth" while protecting Durham's rich environmental resources.

"It is the overriding desire that this Plan maintains and enhances those aspects of Durham’s rural character that contribute to its high quality of life," the Plan states. "This Plan, as required by state statute, will guide the conservation and development of land for the next ten years."

Finalizing the 123-page document was not without its ups and downs, including charges that officials were not listening to residents, among other things, reports the Meriden Record-Journal.

Click here to view the full Durham Plan of Conservation and Development. It goes into effect on Aug. 1.

From the document:

Durham’s Plan of Conservation and Development serves as a working framework reflecting needs,
policies, actions, and priorities that will help to guide community leaders in making decisions that affect
land-use management, development and protection of Durham’s Main Street, housing considerations,
historical and archeological resources, open space, energy and environmental conservation,
transportation and traffic improvement, community facilities development, agriculture, economic
development, and proposed land use. The POCD is intended to serve as a cohesive tool linking varied
land-use matters, guiding principles, and the best interests of the residents of the town of Durham. The
POCD is available to all citizens and is intended to guide those bodies tasked with planning for the
harmonious, consistent, and orderly development of the town.