New Canaan has released a detailed and community-centric Vision Statement as part of its Plan of Conservation & Development (POCD). This statement has been crafted based on comprehensive community engagement and robust data collection which has been ongoing since the end of last summer.
The New Canaan website explains the process behind the Vision Statement: “Every element of the vision statement is unique to New Canaan! We used everything we’ve learned about the community over the last few months – from the community survey results, to the open house and community dialogues, to the robust data collection!” This approach, which is supposed to be tailored to the town’s specific needs and aspirations, was developed with insights from SLR, an environmental consultancy firm.
The Vision Statement comprises four key themes, beginning with ‘Who We Are’: New Canaan is described as a residential community with a vibrant Downtown, engaged citizenry, and a commitment to environmental protection, historic preservation, and future planning in financially sustainable and creative ways.
The second component, ‘Our Vision for the Future,’ portrays New Canaan’s ambition for the next decade, focusing on housing, sustainable living, quality of life, maintaining a vibrant downtown, excellent public schools, and a small-town feel. The statement emphasizes New Canaan’s role as a leader in sustainable and balanced development.
The first of the detailed themes, ‘Preserve New Canaan’s Welcoming, Small-Town Identity,’ highlights the town’s desire to maintain its charm and residential appeal, balancing innovative development with preserving historical landmarks and fostering a diverse, welcoming community.
The second theme, ‘Promote Creative, Balanced Development,’ addresses the challenges in housing demands and envisions a future where diverse housing needs are met creatively and appropriately, enhancing cultural, recreational, and social opportunities for residents.
The third theme, ‘Embrace Sustainability & Resiliency,’ underlines New Canaan’s commitment to environmental stewardship, focusing on reducing environmental impacts, preparing for climate challenges, and supporting biodiversity.
Lastly, ‘Enhance Community Infrastructure & Facilities,’ aims at continuing excellence in public services and the maintenance and improvement of community facilities and infrastructure.
New Canaan’s Vision Statement is meant to be a holistic reflection of the community’s identity, aspirations, and commitment to a sustainable and vibrant future. The town seeks feedback on this statement to ensure it aligns with residents’ actual visions and needs.
This community engagement activity is available to the public until March 15.
The brief online survey asks members of the New Canaan community to share their opinion on these Vision Statements that have been drafted after months of study and public input. In particular, those taking the survey will be asked to what extent they agree or disagree with the proposed statements.
Go to the New Canaan website and follow the links to The Community Vision, part of arcgis.com, to fill out the survey and provide feedback.
Reviewing the statement and filling out the brief survey is the public’s final chance to provide feedback before the next phase of plan development, which is creating implementation steps.
This latest opportunity for public input follows multiple public hearings held in October through January. The sub-committee has been working to analyze all public comments to develop a “Community Vision Statement.”
This will become the guiding framework that will shape the contents of the 2024 POCD (Plan of Conservation and Development).
It seeks to establish where the community is now, where the community wants to be in the next 10 years, and it serves as a reflection of the community’s key values and priorities.
Visit https://www.newcanaan.info/_T8_R493.php for more information.
