A Plan for Canton's Future

It’s likely that each Canton resident might describe community character a little differently. So it's no surprise that differences on how the town should grow have been at the heart of many discussions at town meetings, around the dinner table and local coffee shops.

With that in mind, a committee charged with updating the town's Plan of Conservation and Development has spent numerous hours working on a plan they hope utilizes creative ideas to guide the town's future and balance competing interests.

The preliminary results of those ideas are now available on the town's web site for public perusal. 

While towns are asked to update the plan every 10 years, those involved said they've also worked very hard to develop a plan that is relevant, carries an implementation plan and offers ways to track progress. 

With that the proposed 2014-2024 Plan is divided into a Strategic Plan and Implementation Plan.

Pade said the plan seeks to strike a balance among competing interests as well as approach problems creatively.  

"This plan is actually very proactive," said Town Planner Neil Pade. 

For example, the plan utilizes the concept of districts, acknowledging that the character of lower Route 44 is much different that North Canton. 

The document also suggests several concepts for growth, including concepts such as infill, redevelopment and mixed use. 

In addition to mixed use, one suggestion for housing includes Density‐Based Zoning Density‐based zoning (DBZ), which "controls residential development on a units per acre basis rather than the minimum lot size basis of conventional zoning."

Chapters in the planning document include Community character, Natural Resources, Open Space, Agriculture, Economic Development, Residential Development, Community Facilities and Services, Transportation, Utilities, Districts, Future Land Use Plan and Next Steps. 

Click on the links below for more information:

Executive Summary
Strategic Plan
Implementation Plan

The plan will now go through an approval process before it is eventually adopted. 

The next step will be a Public Information Meeting at 7 p.m. on Oct. 29, 2013 in Room “F” of the Library/ Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave.

Comments on the Draft Plan can also be submitted to npade@townofcantonct.org