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Essex resident warns CCRPC FLU map omits key natural-resource features; staff say map is high-level
Summary
During public comment, an Essex resident urged CCRPC to clarify that the draft Future Land Use map does not show all natural-resource features and flagged wetlands labeled as Planned Growth Areas; staff said the map is high-level, does not affect state permitting, and staff will capture feedback before the May 19 comment deadline.
An Essex resident told the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission’s Joint Finance and Executive Committees on May 7 that the agency’s draft Future Land Use (FLU) map omits important natural-resource features and, in some places, labels known wetlands as Planned Growth Areas.
Cheryl Van Epps said the draft map appears to describe known wetlands as Planned Growth Areas “despite not being able to be developed.” Taylor Newton, CCRPC Planning Program Director, responded that at a high level “anything with water and wastewater is labeled this way,” and that detailed, town-level decisions are left to individual municipalities. Executive Director Charlie Baker added that "this map has no impact on state permitting processes" and agreed that a disclaimer clarifying what the map does and does not show would be helpful.
Newton also updated the committee on Act 181 implementation work, including a recap of the April 30 housing convening, upcoming engagement opportunities, the draft Housing Targets and an ECOS Regional Plan adoption timeline. Staff reminded members that the public comment deadline for both the draft FLU map and draft Housing Targets is May 19.
The committee did not take formal action on the map at the meeting; staff said they would capture public comments and suggested map-language clarifications before the May 19 deadline. The outreach and adoption process for the ECOS Regional Plan and the Housing Targets will proceed according to the regional plan timeline.
