Wilmington kicking off Comprehensive Plan process

WILMINGTON | The town is beginning the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan. The last Comprehensive Plan — a document that describes a community's goals and details specific plans to achieve them — was updated in 1975. "A Comprehensive Plan helps guide the future of Wilmington. It reflects who we are as a community, identifies current conditions and assets, and helps set priorities for the years ahead. It will support grant applications and project proposals and help to address future challenges the town may face," as stated on the Town of Wilmington website. "Updating the plan will rely on community input to shape a shared vision for Wilmington's future." The process will be community-driven and guided by a Comprehensive Plan Committee, which the town is now organizing. Residents, property owners, business owners, and others with ties to Wilmington are encouraged to get involved. The updated comprehensive plan will be written by professionals, based on input from as many community members as possible, gathered through surveys, workshops, and focus groups. So far, the town has hosted several meetings, including one on April 28, where a small group discussed topics such as hiring a consultant, applying for grant funding through the Department of State, and more. Once all this has been completed, the newly formed committee can begin collecting public input to draft a document that will not only identify key values and stressors already present in the area but also list goals, objectives, and recommended actions for future land use, zoning, and services based upon that collected data and public input. The town has already begun updating its zoning ordinance by approving Local Law #1 in March. These amendments were primarily aimed at new commercial development. For instance, there are now size restrictions on retail buildings — no more than 8,000 square feet of floor area for an individual retailer and 40,000 square feet for a group of businesses. These amendments are primarily aimed at new commercial development. For instance, there are now size restrictions on retail buildings — no more than 8,000 square feet of floor area for an individual retailer and 40,000 square feet for a group of businesses. Visual impact, screening, and setback requirements were made, and guidelines for how site plan approvals and special use permits are considered were also changed, giving the town's Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals more regulatory authority and a clearer means to evaluate projects. "Not only that," Town of Wilmington Supervisor Tim Follos said in a previous interview, "but it also allows neighboring property owners in the community at large to have more of a say in what is ultimately being done within their town." Those who wish to be part of the committee can do so by signing up online at townofwilmington.org/get-involved-in-wilmingtons-comprehensive-plan-process/ or in person at the Town Hall. For those who wish to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan update or find another way to get involved, contact Town of Wilmington Board Member Hanna Cromie at hannacromie@townofwilmington.org or 518-946-7174.

Signup for our newsletter

Wilmington kicking off Comprehensive Plan process

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS