This issue probably contains the largest pot of ingredients with many convergent concepts. Historic and cultural resources, agriculture, village centers, neighborhoods, open space and the people are things which residents point to when asked about what makes a community. This element will involve the review of existing reports and plans to assess the patterns that have emerged in terms of overall changes in community character and the impact development has had on the Town’s resources. Opportunities and tools that will assist in the preservation of significant resources that contribute to community character would be identified. Recommendations for preservation and improvements to current policies that will help us maintain community character will be developed. Special attention should be given to preservation of Town’s open lands and agricultural resources, view corridors and historic resources.

Review historic patterns of growth, conservation and development in terms of their geographic location, type and size. Review capacity for future growth. Provide updated build-out scenarios for each type of development and address the Town’s desire for housing and economic development. The goals developed during this process will help formulate the basis for the land use plan. Review development options for housing including single family, multi-family dwellings and cluster development; review options for agricultural uses, industrial, commercial and redevelopment of brownfields.

Plan should include an overview of current facilities and an assessment of how those facilities meet the needs of the community. Plan should identify the type of recreational facilities and amenities that are desired by residents and where such facilities are desired to sustain the quality of life in Newtown. Multi-purpose trails, passive and active recreational opportunities should be included. This element ties in with community facilities and open space.

Existing traffic volumes and roadway capacities need to be explored. Future development and growth potential will impact some roadways more than others. Review transportation options, identify functional deficiencies, identify potential thoroughfares, bridges, streets and public ways that will be necessary to accommodate future growth potential and identify areas where growth should be limited due to insufficient capacity or transportation deficiencies. Explore opportunities for public transit, greenways and trails as alternative modes of transportation.

Review past housing trends and needs for housing diversity. Review the data from the 2000 census and historic population trends. Explore sewer avoidance policies in conjunction with density recommendations and explore smart growth policies.

Identify areas of town that deserve special attention or detailed plans. An example is Sandy Hook Center or a town -owned parcel that may need additional consideration.