Somers planning commission offers four-year POCD update as stopgap ahead of public hearing

The Somers Planning Commission presented a four-year, interim update to the town's Plan of Conservation and Development on Oct. 16, saying the shorter update will keep Somers eligible for state grant programs while the town considers governance and staffing changes.

Planning consultant material and a summary packet were distributed to the board of selectmen; Brad Pelis and planning commissioners said the town's full 10-year POCD expired in June and that a stopgap document would allow work to continue while Somers evaluates combining planning and zoning or hiring additional staff. The commission plans a public hearing in December and will adopt the update after review and referral as required by statute.

Supporters said an updated POCD is needed now because grant applications tied to a proposed wind project will be considered in January and applicants typically must show an up-to-date plan. Commissioners described the update as largely housekeeping: updated maps, demographics, and a short set of action items meant to be reworked if a combined planning-and-zoning commission is created.

Board members and commissioners debated implementation. Commissioners said plan monitoring and grant-chasing have historically been staff functions; several selectmen expressed concern that Somers' small staff complement complicates sustained follow-up. Ideas floated included regular joint meetings between the selectmen and planning bodies, establishing standing agenda items for progress checks, and recruiting volunteers for specific tasks. The board agreed the planning commission is the steward of the document but that implementation will require coordination among economic development, public works, finance and volunteer boards.

Commissioners said some longer-standing goals from the prior decade remain useful, while other items already have been completed and were removed. The planning commission emphasized that the four-year horizon keeps the town compliant while providing flexibility if governance changes are approved by voters.

The commission will hold a public hearing in December; the selectmen may hold their own hearing or send formal comments to the planning commission. No adoption by the board of selectmen is required that night; the planning commission will adopt the update following its hearing and referrals.