Survey Seeks to Better Stratford

As part of its effort to update the town's (Master) Plan of Conservation and Development, the Stratford Planning Commission is seeking the participation of local residents and businesspeople in an online community attitude survey (click link to start survey).

"We are anxious to reflect local opinion as we develop this plan for the future of Stratford," Planning Commission Chairman John Zbell said.

"In addition to numerous public workshops and public meetings we are holding as part of the plan's development, this survey offers another option to those members of the general public that have an opinion but can't fit a public meeting into their schedule."

The survey seeks opinions on such issues as the waterfront, the character of the community, development around the train station, economic development, housing and open space protection. Most respondents should be able to complete the survey in about 10 minutes.

Six questions ask whether you agree, disagree or are not sure/have no opinion on certain topics. The section on waterfront proposes "Stratford should..":

• Expand facilities for recreational boating/fishing
• Promote economic growth through commercial use of portions of the waterfront
• Increase waterfront recreation
• Expand the waterfront Greenway to connect to other parts of town
• Protect natural resources along the waterfront

The section on economic development proposes "Stratford should..":

• Improve the appearance of its commercial areas
• Seek a diversified employment and tax base
• Support improvement of the airport (e.g. hangars, fences, other buildings)
• Continue to support the expansion/retention of existing businesses
• Continue to offer tax incentives to attract new businesses

And the section on housing proposes "Stratford should..":

• Buy land to build new housing
• Build more senior housing
• Make units available to first-time homebuyers
• Offer more rental housing
• Encourage more housing near the train station and Stratford Center

For those individuals who don't have access to a computer, printed copies of the survey will be available at Stratford Town Hall, the Stratford Library and the Baldwin Center. Survey responses may be submitted as of March 15, 2013 and through April 5, 2013.

Under State statutes, the town is required to update the Plan of Conservation and Development every ten years. The current plan should be complete by the end of 2013. The Planning Commission is being assisted by a consulting firm with much experience in this field, Peter J. Smith & Company, Inc. of Buffalo, NY and by past Town Planner David Killeen. The survey is being administered by local market research professional and resident Mary Ann Vlahac. Please address any questions on the survey or the plan update to Gary Lorentson at the Planning and Zoning Office, 203.385.4017.

This article was based on a press release.