Plan of Conservation and Development Presentation

At the March meeting I will be presenting issues of interest to the Design Review and Preservation Board that are proposed in the current draft Planning of Conservation and Development.

Here are some the key recommendations:

• The Grand and Liberty neighborhood is a logical expansion of the Village District zoning. This type of zoning will not only prevent conversions to non-residential uses and higher densities, but also institute stringent design guidelines and mandatory reviews by the Design Review andPreservation Board.
• Redevelop and revitalize regional centers and areas of mixed land uses with existing or planned physical infrastructure. The Commission then needs to evaluate its regulations so that it is prepared to allow new mixed-use development, which is truly compatible with the downtowns scale and character.
• Concentrate development around transportation nodes and along major transportation corridors to support the viability of transportation options and land reuse.
• Conserve and restore the natural environment, cultural, andhistoric resources, and traditional rural lands.
• Make the downtown more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly, with enhanced bike racks, crosswalks, bump outs and clear directional signage to parking areas and signage along attractive pedestrian/bicycle ways to majordestinations.
• South Cove Riverfront Development Area- This area has the potential to bring national retailers, a marina and high-end riverfront housing adjacent to Middletown’s downtown. The development is being planned in conjunction with the relocation of the city’s sewage treatment plant and the reconfiguration of the Rt. 9/Rt. 17 highway interchange. Once these two projects are complete, the area holds tremendous potential. It represents eighty-five (85) acres of land in the center of the richest state in the nation and it is located in the 2nd wealthiest county in the state. The area has direct highway access and over 3,000 feet of frontage on the Connecticut River. The challenge with this development will be the need to create a pedestrian friendly environment which links to the downtown and to ensure that this project complements and does not compete with the historic downtown. The Planning and Zoning Commission has the power and will need to develop regulations that will accomplish this goal.

For a complete checklist of recommendations go to: http://www.middletownplanning.com/POCD/Implementationguide.pdf

A copy of the draft text is being mailed to the Board. Here is the link to the entire document and the color maps.
http://www.middletownplanning.com/pocd/pocdupdate.html