11/12/2014Implementation
Implementation of the strategies and recommendations of the Plan of Conservation and Development is the main purpose of the planning process. Implementation of a Plan usually occurs in two main phases:
- Some recommendations can (and should) be carried out in a relatively short period of time since they are critical to the implementation of the Plan.
- Other recommendations will be implemented over time because they may require additional study, coordination with (or implementation by) others, or involve the commitment of financial resources.
The Planning and Zoning Commission is the steward and main implementer of this Plan. As such, many of these recommendations can be implemented through regulation amendments, application reviews, and other means. However, some recommendations require cooperation and action by Town Staff and other boards and commissions. These recommendations generally fall into the second phase, noted above, because they take longer to implement. They are nonetheless important, and Planning and Zoning needs to be proactive in reaching out to these boards and the residents of Clinton to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Plan.
This Plan is a policy document and is ongoing and never completed. Some of the recommendations are not a distinct task that can be completed and crossed off a list. Therefore, a time frame is not always applicable. The priority levels assigned attempt to reflect the action items that can be completed directly and by initiative from Land Use Staff and the Planning and Zoning Commission. Those with a lower priority level are not necessarily less important, they represent those recommendation that generally fall into the second phase of implementation.
Priority: High Priority can be accomplished within the short term time frame of 1 to 3 years. Medium Priority tasks take 4 to 6 years and lower priority tasks can take 7 years or more.
Initial Lead and Partners: The initial lead is the board, commission, or department/staff who would most likely take the lead with implementing the specific action item because it generally falls within their mission or area of expertise. Partners are others that would likely also play a role in implementation.
Code / DescriptionPZC / Planning and Zoning Commission
CC / Conservation Committee
DRB / Design Review Board
WPCC / Water Pollution Control Commission
BOS / Board of Selectman
BOE / Board of Education
COC / Chamber of Commerce
STAFF / Town Staff
HDC / Historic District Commission
PM / Clinton Placemakers
DPW / Public Works Department
BPAC / Clinton Bike-Ped Alliance
1ST / First Selectman
TREE / Tree Committee/Tree Warden
BOF / Board of Finance
DPH / Department of Public Health
DEEP / Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (State)
DOT / Connecticut Department of Transportation
COG / Lower Connecticut River Valley Council of Governments
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11/12/2014Implementation
DEVELOPMENT FOCUS AREAS
DISTRIBUTION (page --)# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Encourage industrial and large-scale commercial uses by revising permitting to expedite the approval process / / PZC STAFF
2 Consider possible site for large sports complex / / PZC, EDC STAFF, BOS
3 Make use of railroad by encouraging rail-dependent businesses / / EDC PZC
4 Work with DEEP to understand the wildlife constraints in the area / / CC STAFF, DEEP
DOWNTOWN (page --)
# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Assess and potentially implement recommendations from Cecil Group Vibrant Communities Grant / / PZC PM, HDC
1a Encourage any redevelopment of the Unilever site be consistent with transit-oriented development principles / / PZC EDC, 1ST
1b Coordinate and reach out to Unilever and potential developers / / 1ST, STAFF EDC
2 Change zoning to increase density on the Unilever site and in downtown buildings, allowing for mixed-use opportunities / / PZC STAFF
3 Explore wastewater disposal options to facilitate growth / / DPW, WPCC
4 Develop and implement design standards for the area, maintaining the small, compact historic downtown, while improving streestscape and connectivity / / PZC DRB, BPAC, PM, STAFF
5 Seek brownfield funding opportunities to help redevelop Unilever site / / 1ST STAFF
6 Leverage the renovation of the train station as development opportunity for the rest of downtown / / 1ST, COC STAFF
7 Encourage pedestrian safety and connectivity from downtown to residences along Route 81 / / BPAC, PM DPW
8 Work with downtown businesses on establishing and supporting Placemaking activities / / PM, EDC COC
9 Create signage and wayfinding at intersections to direct visitors to other locations and businesses in Town / / PM, EDC BOS, DPW, COC
10 Implement recommendations of RiverCOGRoute 1 Corridor Study, including parking, intersections, and circulation / / 1ST, DPW EDC, STAFF
EAST END (page --)
# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Assess and consider implementation of recommendations from RiverCOG Route 1 Corridor Study / / 1ST, DPW EDC, STAFF
1a Ensure any redevelopment of Route 1 includes consideration of bicycle and pedestrian facilities / / BPAC, DPW BOS
1b Consider access management plan for East End commercial properties / / DPW, PZC
2 Implement Clinton Gateway and Wayfinding signage at Westbrook Town line, Route 145 intersection, and commercial plaza areas / / PM BOS, DPW, COC, STAFF
3 Develop and implement design standards for commercial, industrial, and multifamily residential development and redevelopment in East End Focus Area to enhance the visual character of the Route 1 corridor / / PZC DRB, STAFF
4 Seek opportunities along East End corridor for placement of community wastewater disposal facilities that could assist with the development of higher-density uses / / WPCC, DPW STAFF
5 Develop tree planting standards as part of the streetscape beautification effort / / PM, TREE DPW, BOS
6 Encourage residential developments in areas not fronting Route 1 / / PZC, EDC STAFF
7 Assess zoning within the area and consider minimizing conflicts between industrial and residential zones / / PZC STAFF
WATERFRONT (page --)
# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Undertake review of zoning regulations to determine if current allowed and prohibited uses are appropriate to encourage development or redevelopment in Marina area / / PZC STAFF
2 Consider implementation of design standards, including viewshed restrictions to maintain and enhance the traditional New England shoreline character / / PZC DRB, STAFF
3 Develop strong pedestrian and bicycle connections between Route 1/downtown Clinton and the marina area / / BPAC DPW, STAFF
4 Examine targeted business development incentives for marina-related businesses / / COC, EDC BOS
5 Incorporate marina promotion into signage and wayfinding initiatives along the Route 1 corridor / / PM BOS, DPW
6 Seek opportunities to establish public access (including pedestrian and bicycle) throughout the area, from Commerce Street, along Riverside Drive, to the Hammonasset River / / PM, BPA BOS, DPW
7 Work with property owners to permanently protect sensitive natural areas along the shoreline / / CC DPW
7a Seek funding opportunities with CT-DEEP and USDA-NRCS / / 1ST STAFF, BOS
7b Implement recommendations of Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan / / 1ST PZC, DPW, CC
7c Limit significant installation of infrastructure within floodways / / DPW, BOS
8 Maintain communications with Cedar Island Marina regarding its potential expansion / / EDC, COC BOS
9 Consider wastewater issues when facing new development opportunities / / PZC, WPCC STAFF
10 Engage property owners in the development of a Marina Master Plan / / PZC, EDC STAFF
INTERCHANGE (page --)
# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Consolidate zoning, including Design Standards, for Interchange Area into new district / / PZC STAFF
2 Work with Board of Selectmen to oversee redevelopment of Morgan School property / / PZC, EDC BOS, STAFF
2a Seek connectivity of Interchange Redevelopment Area with Downtown Clinton / / BPAC, DPW, PM STAFF, BOS
3 Facilitate communication with Simon Group regarding expansion of Clinton Crossing facility / / EDC, COC, 1ST
4 Promote traffic and pedestrian safety improvements on Glenwood Road / / DPW, BPAC BOS
4a Work with RiverCOG on Transportation Improvement Priority Funding / / BOS DPW, STAFF
4b Seek additional grant assistance for traffic improvement design and implementation / / 1ST DPW, STAFF
5 Work with DOT on Complete Streets Initiative on Route 81 / / BPAC, PM BOS
5a Pursue pedestrian connectivity between new Morgan School and Clinton Public Library / / BOE, DPW BPAC, BOS
6 Encourage State to consider use of Park & Ride property for community wastewater system / / WPCC DOT, PM
LANDFILL (page --)
# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Examine traffic and road conditions and needs in preparation for future development / / BOS EDC
2 Encourage industrial and large-scale businesses to locate in this area / / EDC BOS, COC
2a Focus on less intensive uses that will generate lower traffic to the area / / EDC, PZC STAFF
2b Ensure Zoning Regulations for development proposals in this area are sensitive to the environment and residential neighbors / / PZC STAFF
3 Explore provision for commercial large-scale alternative energy facilities / / PM, CC
WEST END (page --)
# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1Draft and implement Design Standards for West End development and redevelopment / / PZC, DRB STAFF
2 Consider development of Unified Zoning District Designation for West End area / / PZC, DRB STAFF
3 Work, in partnership with property owners, to develop a master plan for redevelopment of Clinton Nursery / / STAFF, PZC, EDC
3a Research grant opportunities for possible funding / / EDC STAFF
3b Assess property’s capacity to support community wastewater treatment facility / / WPCC EDC
4 Work, in partnership with property owners, to create redevelopment options for Stanley-Bostich property / / STAFF, PZC, EDC
4a Consider brownfield assessment/cleanup grants for property / / 1ST STAFF
5 Assess and implement recommendations of RiverCOG Route 1 Corridor Study / / 1ST, DPW EDC, STAFF
5a Ensure any redevelopment of Route 1 includes consideration of bicycle and pedestrian facilities / / BPAC, DPW BOS, STAFF
6 Implement Clinton Gateway and Wayfinding signage at Madison town line and commercial areas / / PM BOS, DPW, COC
7 Examine regulation of trailer parks to ensure they promote public health, safety, and community character / / PZC, DPH BOS
8 Work to connect the Old Trolley Line to pedestrian and bicycle networks / / BPAC STAFF
9 Engage property owners and Connecticut Water to provide public water to Stony Point / / DPW, 1ST STAFF
10 Continue the Shoreline Greenway across the Hammonassett into Clinton / / CC, BPAC STAFF
HOUSING
HOUSING (page --)# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Create opportunities and marketable incentives for multi-family and affordable housing near the train station and along the Route 1 corridor, where feasible / / PZC BOS, BOF, STAFF
2 Zone for higher densities and multi-family in areas where transit and accessibility are present / / PZC, STAFF
3 Adopt Incentive Housing Zone regulations / / PZC STAFF
3a Implement results of Incentive Housing Zone septic system study / / PZC, STAFF
4 Designate areas for floating zones as market changes (HOMEConnecticut Zone) / / PZC, STAFF PM
5 Maintain existing residential regulations in established neighborhoods: primarily, the beach communities, Liberty Green, historic residences along Route 81, and more rural neighborhoods north of Interstate 95 / / HDC, PZC
5a Create Village Districts to protect the character and design on residences in the Liberty Green and Route 81 (south of I-95) areas of Town / / PZC, HDC STAFF
6 Amend Zoning Regulations, where necessary, to provide adequate provision for accessory apartments / / PZC STAFF
7 Educate and reach out to homeowners and residents in the hurricane surge and flood-prone areas of town on the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan and emergency evacuation routes / / CC, BOS
CONSERVATION
CONSERVATION (page --)# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Adopt a Greenway Statement, allowing for connectivity between existing open space parcels and in consideration of the BPAC’s recreation goals / / CC BPAC
2 Reconsider open space map and future parcels for conservation in a systematic and prioritized way, reflective of the most effective way of preserving open space of highest value / / CC PZC
3 Consider public access ways through existing and future open space to the level that the natural resources on the site allow / / CC STAFF
4 Work with the Clinton Land Conservation Trust to create additional committed open space areas, which can be done through acquisition, easements, and deed restrictions / / CC BOF
5 Work with BPAC and CC on Greenway Plan and open space priorities / / PZC BPAC, CC
6 Update Subdivision Regulations and allow for a fee-in-lieu of open space, money which can be earmarked toward acquiring open space throughout Town per the CC’s maps and policy goals / / PZC STAFF, CC
6a Ensure that any open space land set aside as part of a subdivision meets municipal or regional open space goals / / PZC BOF
7 Ensure that municipal open space funds could also be used for acquisition of trail easements and connections / / PZC BOF
8 Implement recommendations of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan / / PZC BOS, DPW
9 Work with the State and Region to preserve and connect the Menunketesuck-Cockaponset Greenway / / PZC DEEP, COG, CC
CULTURAL RESOURCES
CULTURAL RESOURCES (page --)# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Implement Village Districts in neighborhoods with critical historical character where development should be strongly consistent with the existing context / / PZC DRB, HDC, STAFF
2 Update current Village Zone to Village District to provide for stronger municipal oversight of development / / PZC STAFF, DRB
3 Partner EDC, COC, PM, and other boards and commission on promotion of Clinton’s cultural resources / / PZC EDC, COC, PM
4 Offer support and information to property owners in beach communities on flood preparedness / / STAFF
5 Implement recommendations and policies of the Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan / / PZC, BOS, DPW
6 Encourage strong bicycle and pedestrian network / / BPAC BOS, STAFF, PM
6a Adopt Complete Streets Policy / / BOS
6b Adopt Safe Routes to School Plan / / BOE, BOS BPAC
6c Develop and adopt a Clinton Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan / / BPAC PM
7 Support the growth and development of a vibrant agricultural sector in Clinton / / COG STAFF, EDC
7a Consideration of adoption of Right-to-Farm Ordinance / / BOS STAFF, COG
7b Consideration of adoption of tax abatement policies for farm buildings and equipment / / BOS, BOF COG
7c Active participation in the RiverCOG Regional Agricultural Council / / COG STAFF
7d Support for the designation of Locally Important Agricultural Soils / / BOS, COG
7e Consideration of allowing use of Town lands and other open space for agricultural uses / / BOS, COG STAFF
INFRASTRUCTURE & MUNICIPAL RESOURCES
INFRASTRUCTURE (page --)# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Implement the recommendations of the Clinton Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan / / PZC BOS, DPW
2 Seek grant funding for Resiliency Plan to be prepared by the Urban Ecology and Design Laboratory at Yale / / STAFF PZC, PM
3 Develop and priority list for road reconstruction and elevation for routes which experience frequent flooding or are integral to evacuation / / DPW STAFF, BOS
4 Implement strategic enforcement actions to include engineering reports for structural expansion or alterations on propertieis within the 100 year flood zone / / BOS STAFF
5 Use Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to set aside funds for infrastructure improvements to reduce loss of life and property during natural hazard events / / BOF, BOS, DPW
6 Plan infrastructure upgrades for present and future need, not just present need / / DPW, WPCC BOS, BOF
MUNICIPAL RESOURCES (page --)
# Specific Action Item / Priority Level
High Medium Low / Entities
Initial Lead Partners / Status
1 Implement and follow Complete Streets Policy / / BOS DPW
2 Assess and implement recommendations from School Facilities Study / / BOE BOF
3 Sell Mill School and Old Academy Building to encourage redevelopment and end unnecessary expenditure of town resources on these properties / / BOS BOF
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