Informational Meeting on the Status of Charlton’s Comprehensive Planning

 

The Charlton Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee will conduct a public information meeting on November 1, 2004 from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Charlton Freehold Church Academy on Main Street (Charlton Road) in the hamlet. The current status of the project and the next steps in the process of planning for Charlton in the year 2020 will be discussed. Included in the discussion will be a review of the results of a town-wide written survey, interviews of several focus groups and a Community Image Survey, all of which provided input from hundreds of Charlton residents, and a build out analysis. Based on the input from townspeople, the committee recently completed a draft Vision Statement and a draft set of Goals that will serve as the basis for all future planning recommendations by the committee. The Committee is seeking community input on the Vision and Goals, and it is hoped that the public will continue to take part in shaping planning for the future of Charlton by attending this meeting.

 

Following is the draft of Charlton’s Vision for the Year 2020:

 

In the Year 2020, the Town of Charlton is recognized as having a high quality of life, exceptional livability, a strong identity, civic pride, and opportunities for all citizens to participate in our community life. 

 

We have managed residential and business growth in a way that has retained our essential rural and historic character, a quality environment, and active agriculture.

 

Charlton is a community that sets high standards for protecting and maintaining the quality of our built and natural environment. Charlton remains essentially a farming and rural residential community, and the Hamlet of Charlton serves as the focus for community life.

 

Town government provides quality community services and effectively responds to concerns and needs of all citizens. Our infrastructure is consistent with the rural nature of our town, the capacity of our resources, and with our growth management strategies.

 

The draft Goals are as follows:

 

 Management of Growth

 

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

 

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

 

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 tow

 

Sense of Community

 

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 & Community Services

 

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

 

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

 

Goal 17 – A diversity of well-maintained housing opportunities exist to meet a wide variety of residential needs