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We are pleased to release CRCOG’s regional land use plan (Plan of Conservation and Development or POCD)! The plan – required to be updated every ten years – is ready for public review.
The regional POCD is used much like a local POCD – it provides broad strategic direction for CRCOG and its member communities and identifies long-term goals. These goals help inform the initiatives we pursue on behalf of our member communities, whether it’s applying for funding, providing technical assistance, or advocating for legislative reform. Our plan provides useful context for municipal planning staff on some of the major issues facing counterparts across the region.
Much has changed since CRCOG adopted its last plan in 2014. We grew as an organization, welcoming nine communities to the region. We aged, with the proportion of our over-55 population increasing, and we became more diverse. We have more transit options with the launch of CTfastrak and the construction of more multi-use trails throughout the region. Housing challenges continue, and we now see and feel direct impacts from climate change. A global pandemic had devasting impacts that highlighted longstanding inequities, required new approaches to how we operate, and altered how we experience “community.”
What do 38 diverse communities in the greater Hartford region have in common when planning for the future? Quite a lot we learned. We used online tools to gather input from the regional community, conducted in-person meetings, and attended community events. We reached over 1,000 residents! We heard that a sense of community and connection contributes to the region’s quality of life. We heard that “community” can be found in our natural places, at formal and informal events, and in places where all feel welcome. We heard about the above-mentioned challenges along with concerns about limited options to get around without a car. Residents stressed the importance of developing in ways that are sustainable and resilient.
The plan sets forth an overarching vision for the region to “build communities of choice, opportunity, and belonging.” The goals to support this vision are organized under five “themes”:
- Cultivate a green and resilient future
- Develop a competitive and inclusive regional economy
- Reform outdated “steady habits” in our institutions and governance
- Invest in transportation options for every journey
- Expand and diversify the region’s housing stock
This plan identifies opportunities – including opportunities to work together as a region – to address challenges and build a stronger region. It identifies both practical and aspirational strategies to help all our cities and towns thrive. We hope you take a moment to review the plan. Which strategies and actions do you think should be immediate priorities to implement?
The Regional Planning Commission will hold a hybrid public hearing on the proposed plan on September 19, 2024, at 7 pm. You can share your feedback at this public hearing or via the project website.
Ultimately, per CRCOG bylaws, the Policy Board is charged with adopting the Plan. We anticipate that the Policy Board will adopt the Plan this fall
Check out YouTube Shorts video.
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