Can Middletown make more money and become a more sustainable place to live?

You are invited to a Special Presentation at the Planning & Zoning Meeting this Wednesday evening (May 13).  Leslie Creane, Hamden Town Planner, will be making a presentation about why Hamden decided to take a closer look at the future development of their commercial areas, how design and zoning can play a critical role in economic development, and how a new set of regulations will help the town become more sustainable in time.

Recently, Hamden realized that its commercial zones were fully developed, and unless something changed, the town had no means to increase their tax base. In fall 2007, a study of all the town’s commercial streets was undertaken with a team of architects and planners. It was proposed that these streets change zoning and development requirements to encourage a more traditional, mixed use. The commercial zones (similar to Washington Street and South Main here in Middletown) will be redeveloped over time to start to look more like traditional New Haven and downtown Middletown streets, rather than suburban sprawl.

Hamden is the first Connecticut town to use a new set of land use regulations which organizes decisions about buildings and site planning on Smart Growth land use policy, which encourage mixed use, walkable neighborhoods, creating connections to transit, creating wider choices of housing, and constructing buildings that offer greater flexibility over time.

The ideas being implemented in Hamden may serve as a good model for Middletown to follow, as it puts together its Plan of Conservation and Development.

The presentation will take place in the council chambers, city hall, 7:30 pm. All are welcome. The mayor, members of the common council, chamber of commerce, design review and zoning boards of appeals boards are urged to attend.

Any questions? Please call Catherine Johnson; office (860) 343-1611.