Marybeth Majestic
The BIG NEWS now is the Town of Gardiner’s efforts to update our 2004 Comprehensive Plan. A Comprehensive Plan is a document that clearly delineates the vision of a community and the specific goals to achieve those objectives within a framework that protects public investments, methods to protect valued resources like woods, wetlands, and agricultural lands, strategies to promote economic growth while retaining community character. It also includes justifications for government decisions about land use as well as ways to balance competing interests and foster continuity of government. Town boards, committees, and commissions as well as our zoning laws guide the town’s development and our Comprehensive Plan is our vision for the future. Under the guidance of David Church, AICP, a strategic consultant with Klara Research & Planning, a professional planner, we are undertaking this work. Mr. Church has been meeting with our municipal boards, commissions, and committees as well as local organizations to gain their insights.
We have sent letters to the entire community asking for input from all our residents and businesses. To kick start your thought or conversation process, consider these questions: What has changed in Gardiner since 2004? When thinking about Gardiner in the next 10 years or so, what are your hopes and concerns? How can we tap into innovations and protections that will allow our community to thrive? We welcome thoughts and ideas that are practical as well as visionary.
By the time of this publication, the Town will be moving into Phase Two of our Engagement Strategy. While continued input is welcome, this is the stage at which we begin to evaluate and consider the information and data received. Our consultant will begin to draft a preliminary plan and we expect very interesting and thoughtful discussions to follow. Public dialog sessions in the Pavilion at Majestic Park will be planned as well as Zoom opportunities. Of course, written comments on the draft plan are always welcome.
You will find a wealth of information, data, and opportunities on the Town of Gardiner Website townofgardiner.org. Use the links at the top of the page: Resources & Links and click on Comprehensive Plan. To submit your thoughts and comments, write to compplan.tog@gmail.com, mail to PO Box #1, Gardiner, NY 12525, or call me directly at 255-9675 x101.