GUILFORD – Guilford town legislators opted to table the municipality’s draft comprehensive plan following a public hearing on Wednesday, citing language and typographical errors within the document that have some residents feeling uneasy.
Wednesday’s hearing was a chance for Guilford town residents to chime in on the 54-page vision plan which has been four years in the making. Townships are encouraged by state and federal agencies to have a comprehensive plan in place and updated every three to five years in order to be eligible for grant funding for various projects and to solicit private business development.
While most residents showed support the town’s vision, some argued the need for further clarification, particularly when it comes to land use and environmental health as it relates to natural gas development. One speaker questioned parts of the plan that unclearly distinguish the phrase “any town property” as being property owned by the municipality or property owned by a town resident.
But despite minor errors and ambiguities, most spoke in favor of the plan, calling it a necessary measure to secure the future of Guilford.
“I think (the plan) is fair and balanced, and it reflects the diverse opinions of the community,” said Ken Fogarty, town resident and member of the Guilford Economic Development Board. “For economic development, I know that when (a business) considers investing in a town, they look to see what kind of climate they’re thinking of entering ... I don't think these businesses are frightened when they see diverse opinions. That, in fact, is very inviting. It lets you know (Guilford) is balanced, and the people here listen to each other.”
Town resident Terry Ives echoed similar sentiments. “I support this plan because we need some benchmarks of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we want to go. I think this plan will help us achieve where we want to go.”
Ives also shared thoughts that a good comprehensive plan may help bolster economic development in Guilford, where the help of sales taxes is scarce. “The fastest growing rate of poverty is in rural areas,” he said. “Somehow, we have to (curb) that which I think we can do it with a good plan.”
Guilford’s comprehensive plan also outlines information pertaining to agriculture, alternative energy, land use regulations, recreation, community, government, and infrastructure. It additionally includes survey data from town residents on a variety of issues including high volume hydraulic fracturing, which town officials may refer to when making future decisions.
“Unfortunately, not everyone is going to be 100 percent satisfied with everything that’s in the plan,” said Guilford Town Supervisor George Seneck. “But with what we heard from (residents), it would be my expectation that the town board will go back to make changes to the plan to fix mistakes and make it very clear what we mean.”
Seneck said comments taken during the public hearing will be taken into consideration as board members make minor revisions to the comprehensive plan. Another session for public comment is likely to be scheduled prior to the regular town board meeting in September in hopes of adopting the draft within the next two months.