Stockbridge Planning Commission
Notice of Public Hearing
On the Draft Stockbridge Town Plan
January 16, 2024, at 6 pm
Meeting House (Basement), 97 Maplewood Drive, Stockbridge, VT
The Stockbridge Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the draft Stockbridge Town Plan on January 16, 2024, at 6pm at the Meeting House, 97 Maplewood Drive, Stockbridge VT. The purpose of this hearing is to take comments from the public on the draft plan so that the Planning Commission can consider these as it makes its final revisions, prior to sending to the Selectboard. The Selectboard will hold its own hearing later. The proposed plan will replace the current plan in its entirety and covers all lands within the Town of Stockbridge. Copies of the draft plan and maps can be found at the Town Clerk’s office during business hours or on the town website at https://stockbridgevt.gov/. Comments may also be mailed to the attention of the Planning Commission at PO Box 39, Stockbridge VT 05772.
The Table of Contents of the proposed Plan are:
- Introduction
- Tropical Storm Irene: A Historic Event
- Demographics
- Land Use
- Economic Development
- Recreation
- Utilities and Facilities
- Health and Emergency Services
- Housing
- Natural, Scenic and Cultural Resources
- Agriculture and Forestry
- Transportation
- Education
- Energy
- Relationship to Other Plans
- Town Plan Implementation
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Planning Commission Report Form for Town Plan Adoption
The Town of Stockbridge Planning Commission will hold a hearing on its draft town plan on 16 January 2024 at 6 pm in the basement of Meeting House in Stockbridge.
This report is required by 24 VSA section 4384 regarding how the draft plan meets certain requirements.
How is the plan, as amended, consistent with the goals established in section 4302 of Title 24?
The draft plan has been written to address all of the goals in 24 VSA section 4302 and to be in conformance with the Regional Plan. The plan was written with public input and considered the impact of its effect on resources and the community. The draft has sections that address intermunicipal actions and is written to maintain a compact settlement pattern that would promote water quality, forests, and agriculture. The plan has policies that support childcare, needed housing, transportation, energy use, flood resilience, recreation, preservation of special areas, economic development, education, the maintenance of utilities and facilities, and is based on current and expected conditions.
If the plan would alter the designation of any land area, what is the probable impact on the surrounding area, including the effect of any resulting increase in traffic, and the probable impact on the overall pattern of land use?
The Plan does not change any land use area designations. The areas on the Future Land Use (FLU) map will remain the same, and the goals and policies of these FLU areas remain the same as in the 2015 Plan. This Plan update will not result in significant traffic or land use pattern impacts and reflects the actual use of those lands today.
If the plan would alter the designation of any land area, what is the long-term cost or benefit to the municipality, based upon consideration of the probable impact on (A) the municipal tax base; and (B) the need for public facilities?
The Plan does not alter the designation of any land areas. The land areas in the future land use map are the same as in 2016. As such, there are no long-term costs or benefits due to any changes. There is an intention to apply for Village Center Designations for the hamlets of Stockbridge Common and Gaysville.
If the plan would alter the designation of any land area, what is the amount of vacant land which is (A) already subject to the proposed new designation; and (B) actually available for that purpose, and the need for additional land for that purpose.
The Plan does not alter the designation of any land areas. As such, there is no change in amount of vacant land within the established land use areas.
If the plan would alter the designation of any land area, what is the suitability of the area in question for the proposed purpose, after consideration of (A) appropriate alternative locations; (B) alternative uses for the area under consideration; and (C) the probable impact of the proposed change on other areas similarly designated.
The Plan does not alter the designation of any land areas. The land use areas are the same as in 2015, and therefore there is no need to assess suitability based on land area changes.
If the plan would alter the designation of any land area, what is the appropriateness of the size and boundaries of the area proposed for change, with respect to the area required for the proposed use, land capability, and existing development in the area.?
The Plan does not alter the designation of any land areas. There are no changes in size and boundaries of the land areas in this update.