Vernon Plan of Conservation and Development Public Hearing

On Thursday, October 13, 2011 the Vernon Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing to receive final comments on the Plan of Conservation and Development, also known as the POCD.

The POCD is a plan reviewed every 10 years for the purpose of determining future course of action for development within the town. The plan looks at all facets of how the town is currently developed and what future development may be desired. At least 30 residents were in attendance at the meeting and made comments ranging from the importance of protecting natural resources, to assisting developers through the complex zoning regulations and design review process.

The most popular comments had to do with Exits 66 and 67 regarding appropriate development for those sites while taking into account the natural resources within the area. Another popular topic was the expansion of sewers to assist in the development of both gateway highway areas.

Overall the commission was pleased with the amount of public input they received which will allow them to amend and complete the final Plan of Conservation and Development.

I urge all residents to review this plan at http://www.vernon-ct.gov/plan-of-conservation to have a better understanding of the plan Vernon has for future development. Once the plan is adopted then the current zoning regulations will be reviewed for compliance with this new plan and amended if needed.