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Planning Commission outlines town-plan outreach and notes selectboard approval of village residential neighborhoods
Summary
Commissioners reviewed outreach strategies for a yearlong Town Plan update, pledged community events and farmer’s-market engagement, and received an update that the selectboard approved village residential neighborhoods (VRNs) with a minor definition change, effective late this month.
The Richmond Planning Commission spent substantial time discussing public-engagement plans for the town-plan update required under Act 181, including neighborhood sessions, charettes, farmers-market tables, and social events designed to reach residents who do not normally attend meetings. Commissioners agreed to divide short presentations for the selectboard about the Jolina Court package and discussed practical outreach items such as a 'Town Plan 2026' banner.
Commissioners emphasized that the town plan process will require meaningful outreach and that the work will take roughly a year to complete. Staff will compile lists of committees and residents to contact and will present the town-plan program and timeline at an organizational meeting on Feb. 19. Several commissioners volunteered possible outreach venues and methods; one commissioner offered to host a senior-focused swim/picnic event to engage older residents.
In other business, staff reported that the selectboard unanimously approved the village residential neighborhoods (VRNs) ordinance with one minor edit to the impervious-surface definition (removing a reference to "natural stone"). The selectboard’s approval starts a 21-day period after which the changes will be effective; staff said the VRN amendments will go live on the 29th of the month.
Commissioners also discussed coordination with regional planning on mapping changes and whether to pursue a Near-term Development Area filing; staff reported CCRPC’s guidance had shifted and that the short window for potential Act 250 benefits for developers made pursuing an NDA less compelling at present.
The commission adjourned after confirming next meeting dates and outreach plans.
