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Goals GOAL: A BROAD STATEMENT OF THE ULTIMATE RESULT OF THE CHANGE BEING
UNDERTAKEN. A GOAL SHOULD REFLECT IDEAL
FUTURE CONDITIONS DESIRED BY THE TOWN.
THE GOALS OFFER MORE SPECIFIC DIRECTION AND SHOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH
THE STATED VISION. THE GOALS WILL BE
FURTHER REFINED WITH MORE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES. OBJECTIVES ARE
MEASUREABLE, TIME-SPECIFIC RESULTS THAT THE TOWN EXPECTS TO ACCOMPLISH. Management of Growth Vision - Charlton effectively uses land use planning tools to promote controlled and managed growth while protecting rural lands from inefficient use, and preserving open spaces and the environment. Business growth is predominated by businesses that stay within the scale and character of the Town. Goal 1 – Guide development through land use programs and policies so Charlton remains a quality community and where future development, residential and business, is consistent with the character, environment, and culture of Charlton. Goal 2 – Charlton remains an essentially historic, residential and agricultural community where businesses enhance the quality of life for our citizens, and maintains our town’s unique character. Community Character Vision – Charlton values its rural vistas, historic character, and other irreplaceable natural and scenic views. We celebrate our history by preserving historic sites, buildings and landscapes, by interpreting our rich history for present and future generations, and by ensuring that new development is done in a manner which preserves our historic character. The aesthetic character of Charlton, defined through our rural, natural and historic context, is protected through careful attention to our roadways, streetscapes, scenic views, residential neighborhoods and small businesses. Our standards for development reflect the special character citizens desire to be maintained. Goal 3 – The town’s unique identity and its rural, historic and aesthetic character are protected and enhanced. Goal 4 – While respecting landowners rights, the town’s rural vistas and scenic views are identified, protected, and enhanced for the enjoyment of all. Environmental Quality
Vision – Charlton recognizes that environmental quality contributes to our quality of life and effectively balances growth with protection of our woodlands, streams, wetlands, wildlife habitats, air, water resources and other essential natural resources. Goal 5 – The Town’s environmental resources, especially groundwater quality and quantity, are protected. Goal 6 – Open spaces exist to protect the environment, provide recreational benefits, and to maintain the unique character of the town. Sense of Community Vision – Our many cultural activities and events are a source of community pride. Charlton invites all citizens to join and participate fully in the life of our community and retains its strong history of citizen involvement, volunteerism, and caring for others. Community facilities and programs are readily available. The Hamlet serves as a focus for community life. Goal 7 – The Town promotes activities that enhance community pride and citizen involvement. Goal 8 –All community facilities and programs are open to all and easily accessible. Goal 9 – Existing structures have been creatively used and adapted for community benefit. Goal 10 – The Hamlet serves as a focus for Town government, cultural and economic activities. Infrastructure
Capacity and Public Services Vision – Charlton coordinates infrastructure policies with development policies, community character goals, and environmental capacity. Charlton provides for safe streets, well maintained roads, biking and walking opportunities and public transportation especially for senior citizens. Town government provides a high quality of affordable public services, exercises leadership, and effectively communicates with and responds to citizens. Goal 11 – Quality public infrastructure is ecologically sound and does not in itself induce growth and development. Goal 12 – The Town has safe, aesthetically pleasing, quality roads and linked opportunities for biking and walking to serve a diverse population. Goal 13 – Transportation assistance is available for senior citizens and those with special needs. Goal 14 – Town government is effective, responsive, and innovative.
Agriculture Vision – Active farms and farmland remain predominant land uses and landscape features of Charlton. The community is farm-friendly and proud of its support for active agriculture and modern agricultural techniques. Policies are in place to assist farm profitability and to reduce pressures for selling productive farmland for non-farm development. Goal 15 –Farmlands are protected and active farms remain economically viable and a major land use in Charlton. Recreation Goal 16 – Parks, open spaces, walking and biking trails, and diverse programs provide high quality, active and passive recreation, and opportunities for educational and cultural development exist for all ages. Housing Vision – Charlton has neighborhoods that meet the needs of all residents and that offer diverse housing opportunities. Housing needs of senior citizens are met. Goal 15 – A diversity of well-maintained housing opportunities exist to meet a wide variety of residential needs. |
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