Barkhamsted considers plan for future growth

BARKHAMSTED — The Barkhamsted Board of Selectmen chartered a short-term committee last December to study options and develop recommendations to plan future growth for the town.

The board specifically requested that part of the committee’s task be to assure that the town’s rural nature be maintained and that there be minimal growth in town taxes. Membership of the committee is a cross-section of the community and is composed of 10 people, representing various town boards and civic groups.

The final report, due in early spring 2007, will be presented to the Board of Selectmen and other town boards, as appropriate.

Tasks underway include:

1. Evaluation of the potential for growth and resulting tax impacts (subcommittee members are Al Jones, Christina Lavieri and Paul Duran)

2. Development of a strategy for economic development and recommended restrictions or enhancements (subcommittee members are Carmen Smith, Dave Moulton, Bob Ringuette and Chris Labbe)

3. Analysis of state and federal grant programs that could be used to supplement town funds or private development activities (subcommittee members are Nick Peck, Don Stein and Rich Winn)

This last subcommittee is also putting together a questionnaire for distribution to the town’s population. This questionnaire is intended to determine the town’s view of the direction it should take. Responses from town residents can be provided electronically on the Internet or on paper copies which will be available at various town meetings or at the Town Hall.

The committee’s chairman, Don Stein, said that past efforts to poll the town have typically resulted in a poor response. The committee, therefore, is making every effort to reach out to community groups and to make it as easy as possible for the town residents to respond online if they prefer. Input from a variety of demographic groups is critical to the recommendations of the committee. Stein stated that the committee is working to have the report available for the Board of Selectman as soon as possible, so that the other town boards can evaluate the results and act on the recommendations.

For further information, contact Don Stein at 860-605-7380 or 860-379-5969.