Groton invites community to be part of Plan of Conservation and Development update

Groton ― As Groton updates its Plan of Conservation and Development, a vision for the town’s future over the next decade, the town is encouraging people across the community to become involved, said Deb Jones, the town’s assistant director of planning and development services.

The town is inviting people to attend an event for the “launch of Groton 2035,” which will be the new Plan of Conservation and Development, according to an event notice.

The event will be held Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 4:30 p.m. at the Gazebo at Sutton Park, located at 185 Fort Hill Road. The rain date is Thursday, Oct. 3.

Jones said state law requires that municipalities update their plans at least every 10 years. The plan will identify areas appropriate for development, preservation, infrastructure improvement, community services and housing.

The plan must also address how the town can be more resilient with regard to climate change, energy conservation, and response to natural disasters.

Jones said the Planning and Zoning Commission has until June 2026 to adopt a plan, though the hope is to complete it sooner. The town has a $185,890 contract with the Horsley Witten Group.

Jones said the Horsley Witten Group, along with Camoin Associates, which focuses on economic development, and Bowman Consulting, which focuses on transportation, are collecting data.

She said the next phase will involve public outreach. The consultant will work with the commission to develop and draft a plan and recommendations.

Jones said the town is trying to reach more people than with past plans and will meet with groups outside of the town hall setting.

“We’re hoping to hear from students, renters, retirees, faith communities and non-profits about what should change and what should be protected in Groton over the next 10 years,” she said.

At Tuesday’s event, people can listen to a brief presentation about the project, learn how their voices and ideas can be incorporated into the plan, take a survey there or at home using the Greater Groton website, and eat pizza, she said. The town will also have information about other projects, including the Climate Action Plan and the renovations proposed for Sutton Park.

“We want to hear their thoughts about what should happen to the downtown area, closed school properties as well as what shouldn’t change,” Jones said.

The Greater Groton website is available at https://www.greatergroton.com

k.drelich@theday.com