Discussing Village Districts in Deep River

The Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) of Deep River is holding a public information session on Wednesday, Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall to introduce the concept of village districts in Deep River.

Village districts, authorized by Connecticut General Statute 8-2j, gives municipalities a tool to protect the character of their villages or other identified distinctive areas. Such districts are to be located in areas of "distinctive character, landscape, or historic value." Deep River's Town Plan of Conservation and Development calls for the establishment of village districts or zones, specifying the areas of town to be considered.

Furthermore, the Town Plan sets goals of maintaining the small-town character of Deep River and enhancing the pedestrian nature of Deep River Center, encouraging development compatible in scale and style, incorporating features in keeping with the historic character of the town.

The Regulations & Planning Committee of the PZC formed a sub-committee of its members, other interested Deep River property owners, and the Connecticut River Estuary Regional Planning Agency late in 2007. Over 2½ years of work, the Village District Sub-Committee studied the enabling statutes and the goals of the Town Plan of Conservation and Development and considered the ways in which village district zoning regulations could preserve the character of Deep River. The sub-committee met with small groups of property owners for input and has now drafted a framework of regulations.

On Sept. 22, the Village District Sub-Committee will explain how village district zoning, unlike other zoning, allows a Zoning Commission to consider "the design, relationship, and compatibility of structures, plantings, signs…and other objects in public view." It will present the regulations which it has drafted and seek public comments.

After the information session, the Village District Sub-Committee will return to the drafting table and incorporate what it has heard from the public. It is anticipated a public hearing will be held early in 2011 to hear testimony regarding proposed regulations before action by the PZC.

Information courtesy of Village District Sub-Committee Chair Nancy Fischbach