Diversified economy, housing stock among goals identified in regional plan
Norwich — The region should work on diversifying its economy and housing stock and promoting modes of transportation besides driving, according to some of the recommendations outlined in a new regional plan.
The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments has developed a draft 2017 Regional Plan of Conservation and Development on the region's current and future needs for housing, transportation, the economy, open space and historical preservation, among other areas.
Planners found the region continues to be dependent on a few industries, including the military, casinos and manufacturing, according to a presentation during a public information session Wednesday at Otis Library.
"We're looking at ways to encourage a more diverse economy and ways to encourage entrepreneurship within the region," said Amanda Kennedy, director of special projects for the council of governments. The expansion of the tourism industry is another goal.
The plan's recommendations for the economy include: the development of "incubator space for several different types of industries, including technology industries related to Electric Boat"; marketing partnerships among casinos, tourism groups and tourist attractions; continued training programs for manufacturing and health care; the creation of a small-business assistance guide and streamlined zoning and permitting processes, among other initiatives.
The affordability of housing is an increasing challenge for the region, according to the presentation. The plan found that 37 percent of households in the region spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing.
The region's housing stock also is primarily single-family homes, which may not be the ideal type of housing when considering the projected increase in the number of older adults and the preferences of younger people who may be delaying starting families, Kennedy said. The plan states that it will be common in 2025 for at least 20 percent of a town's population to be older than 65.
"Our major goal for housing is to promote a variety of housing options and really to increase the availability of smaller, easier to maintain housing that meets the needs of seniors and younger people," Kennedy said.
Another regional goal is to encourage travel options besides driving, including the use of public transportation, and to make streets and neighborhoods more suitable for biking and walking, according to the presentation. Many municipalities in the region included this goal in their own plans of conservation and development, Kennedy said.
During a question and answer session at Wednesday's workshop, which was the last of four public information sessions on the plan, attendees discussed public transit and walkability as important issues.
The plan will be presented to the Regional Planning Commission at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 and to the regional council at 8:30 a.m. March 15, both at the council's Norwich offices, 5 Connecticut Ave.
A public hearing on the plan will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 3, also at the council's Norwich offices.
Connecticut law requires councils of governments to prepare a new Plan of Conservation and Development every 10 years.
The draft plan is available on the council's website, www.seccog.org. More information is available by contacting Kennedy at akennedy@seccog.org.
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