Stephen Devoto: Democratic Candidate For Planning And Zoning

Name, Age
Stephen H. Devoto, 53

Education
Ph.D., The Rockefeller University; B.A. Haverford College

Work
Professor of Biology, Wesleyan University

Why do you want to hold public office in Middletown?
I am interested in serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission, because the two most important activities of city government are education and land use regulation.

Other city actions like snow removal, public safety, and water supply are obviously important, but their impact rarely extends beyond the lifecycle of an election. In contrast, decisions on how land can be used shape the nature of our city for generations to come.

The future of the land along the river, the future of Newfield, South Main, and Washington Streets, the future of open space around Mt. Higby and in Maromas, the fate of the vacant Aetna lot, these are all dependent on actions by Planning and Zoning. In fact, there is no neighborhood community, no business district, and no industrial area anywhere in our city that will not be impacted by future municipal decisions on how land can be used. The municipal agency charged with making these decisions is the Planning and Zoning Commission.

I want to see our city's vitality enhanced by smart and fair land use decisions that benefit all of the city. I love Middletown.



What experience do you bring to the table? 
 I have taken the time to educate myself about land use regulation and decision making process in our city. During the past 4 years, I have been to 50 out of 64 total Planning and Zoning Commission meetings. During the past 15 years, I have been very active in the Westfield Residents Association, monitoring land use decisions in Westfield. I have been involved in the following:

• Open space: I led the effort to protect open space on Boardman Lane, fighting against the Army Corps of Engineers, which wanted to build a Military Training Facility there. I served on the Mayor's task force, which successfully relocated the Army Base to Smith Street and Industrial Park Road.
• Business Success: I supported new businesses on Middle Street, including Aerospace Techniques and True Blue Environmental Services.
• Communities. I opposed the commercialization of Washington Street in the middle of a downtown residential neighborhood.
• Transparency. I provided independent reporting of biweekly P&Z meetings for five years, for this august community news blog. 

What do you think the town's most pressing issue is?
The long term plan for the city, known as the Plan of Conservation and Development, is the most important issue for Planning and Zoning.  I will revitalize open discussions about the long-term planning of Middletown. Long-term planning should not be relegated to a short burst of discussion every 10 years, it should be an ongoing process. I propose that some of the regularly scheduled meetings include on the agenda specific aspects of the city's long term plan. These should be on universal issues (for example, what is the city's optimal ratio of industrial, residential, agricultural, commercial, and recreational land?), as well as on regional issues (for example, what should the future of Newfield Street be?).

By holding regularly scheduled meetings devoted to long term planning, the Commission will provide a natural venue for considering the impact of zoning code changes on all of Middletown.
 
In the short term, the following areas will undoubtedly be under consideration for new housing, business, commercial, and industrial development:

• Westfield has many large parcels, as well as the vast and vacant Aetna property, whose development will dramatically increase our city's tax base and jobs, and change traffic and the quality of life for surrounding residential areas.
• Newfield Street (zoned NPC) is home to industry, car dealers, some small stores and salons, apartment complexes, and the High School, and is also a traffic route to Cromwell and Route 9 north.
• South Main and Washington Streets include centers of commerce, small offices, and residential neighborhoods.
• Maromas mixes farms, residences, industry, and a natural environment that residents from all over the city explore and enjoy.
• Riverfront development south of Harbor Park could lead to public spaces that will be used with pride by all city residents.

My goal is to evaluate zoning applications based on what's best for ALL of Middletown's residents, because commercial, business, and residential developments usually have an impact far beyond a single lot. My decisions on specific development applications will take into account not only the relevant laws, traffic, safety, and the appropriateness for the neighborhood, but also the impact on quality of life for all residents. They will not be based on short term profits or the desire to do something (anything!) with every lot right now. Finally, my evaluation will take into account the impact on future Middletown, I will always vote to improve the livability of our great city.

I will encourage community input into all decisions. First, I would carefully weigh the deliberations of the Conservation Commission and the Design Review and Historic Preservation Board. These two agencies are advisory to Planning and Zoning, but they are too often completely ignored. Second, I would encourage further community input by asking every developer, "How did you solicit the input of the neighboring community?" Many decisions by the P&Z are on applications that are not required to post signs informing neighbors, and too often the Commission is faced with a confrontational situation in which the community residents are fighting against a developer. This is good for neither the developer nor the community.

Finally, for every decision I will provide a clear explanation to the community as well as to the developer. I will inevitably make decisions that somebody will disagree with, but there will never be decisions that I do not explain. Trust in Planning and Zoning decisions is dependent on the transparency and accountability of every Commissioner.

What do you love most about Middletown? 
 I can’t restrict myself to one thing! Where else could I live on a farm, commute by bicycle to a world class university, enjoy the stimulation of a vibrant urban area, hike in the spectacular nature of Maromas and Mt. Higby, and kayak on the great Connecticut River!

What do you like to do for fun? 
 I like to jog on the trails around Mt. Higby, grow fruits, vegetables, and hops, and care for our farm animals. When I leave the city, I like to climb mountains and ski. But above all else, the most fun I have is laughing and playing with my children.

How can residents keep up with you? 
 Residents can follow my campaign on facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/StephenDevoto. They can also sign up for regular updates via email, at devoto4planning@gmail.com.