Draft vision statement for master plan, 4-20-08
New Hampshire statute 674:2 states that a town’s master plan must have a vision statement that articulates the desires of the citizens affected by the master plan for their locality, their region, and the entire state. By law, the vision statement directs the other sections of the master plan and must contain a set of guiding principles and priorities to implement the vision that the citizens have expressed.
In November 2007, the Walpole Planning Board conducted a town-wide survey to determine the ways in which Walpole’s residents wished the town’s land to be used, developed, and preserved. The results of this survey have shaped the vision of Walpole and its future that is expressed in this vision statement and have set the principles and priorities that shall guide the planning board and town in making decisions for future land use, development, and conservation.
Through this survey, Walpole’s residents have established these principles to guide our town’s future:
- Walpole is defined by its historic, small-town character.
- Walpole is a town comprising three distinct villages – Drewsville, North Walpole, and Walpole (sometimes referred to as “South Walpole”), each with its own distinct character and community.
- Walpole is a responsible steward of the diversity and abundance of open and agricultural lands, forests, wildlife habitat, and other natural features within its borders.
- Walpole welcomes a diversity of commercial and industrial enterprises (including eco-, agri- and historical tourism) that respect, and are compatible with, our town’s historic, small-town character and rich natural environment.
- Walpole provides a hospitable environment for individuals and families of all income levels.
- Walpole is unique in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, and, increasingly, in the United States and manages growth and change guided by the principles stated above to preserve its uniqueness, character, and natural environment.
Implementation. In order to effect the goals and principles listed above, the town of Walpole should take the steps listed below.
Growth and new building.
The town’s zoning and related ordinances and site plan review regulations should be revised to closely reflect, embody, and enable the realization of the vision and values expressed in this document.
Walpole is part of the greater Keene area, which is growing in population, and a portion of that growth will occur in Walpole. Walpole will plan for and manage future growth with care and thoughtfulness in a way that will preserve our vision, values, and our town’s assets.
Draft vision statement for master plan, 4-20-08 2
Walpole welcomes new building projects in Walpole. However, growth should be managed and incremental. Each building project should be viewed in the context of future development and the expressed desire of Walpole’s residents to preserve the town’s character, water supplies, and natural features.
The individuality and distinctness of the town’s three villages – Drewsville, North Walpole, and Walpole (sometimes referred to as “South Walpole”) – will be respected and preserved.
In changing existing zoning districts or granting or recommending special exceptions in existing zones, the planning board and zoning board of adjustment will be guided by the Walpole Conservation Commission’s town-wide conservation plan and priority designations.
The conservation commission and planning board should consider establishing an appointed, non-voting seat for a representative of each board to serve on the other.
Commercial development on Route 12 should be nodal to minimize road cuts and prevent the visual impression of sprawl development along the highway.
The town should rarely permit the establishment of new private or Class VI roads or the upgrading of Class VI roads to Class V and only under special circumstances.
Mixed use of land in the Route 12 commercial zone is to be encouraged, both in spirit and in zoning ordinances.
Redevelopment and in-fill projects help to relieve development pressures on rural agricultural zones by concentrating new building in already-developed areas.
The reuse and adaptation for housing of existing historical buildings and outbuildings, where feasible, is preferred over new construction.
Walpole is part of the greater Keene area, which is growing in population, and a portion of that growth will occur in Walpole. Walpole will plan for and manage future growth with care and thoughtfulness in a way that preserves our vision, values, and our town’s assets.
Economic vitality.
Walpole can and should welcome a diversity of commercial and industrial enterprises (including eco-, agri- and historical tourism) that respect, and are compatible with, our town’s historic, small-town character and that do not come at the expense of Walpole’s character or natural environment. Economic development that occurs at significant expense to other values expressed here is incompatible with this vision and with our town.
Economic development and growth can be a vehicle for providing resources and energy for positive actions to preserve Walpole’s natural and cultural resources. Therefore, a diverse, vibrant, localized economy is essential to maintain Walpole’s character and natural resources.
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New commercial and industrial uses should be targeted to existing commercial and industrial zones unless the developer can demonstrate compelling circumstances for not doing so.
Rezoning of rural agricultural land to industrial or commercial uses should be initiated by the planning board or by petition as part of the thoughtful implementation of the goals and objectives of the town’s master plan, not by real estate developers or other private commercial interests.
The planning board should designate one or more small additional areas in town for industrial development.
Walpole’s rich arts community offers opportunities that should be pursued for the town to develop its creative or cultural economy.
All commercial and industrial developments should be carefully designed to harmonize and be consistent with the scale and character of Walpole’s visual and natural environment.
The town should explore and support all possible steps to ensure that working farms are able to remain in business as viable economic enterprises.
The town should consider the creation of an agriculture committee to advise town organizations about farm-related issues, concerns, and regulations.
The community desires businesses that allow residents to do a majority of their shopping locally for everyday purchases of basic needs such as groceries, hardware, and clothing.
High-speed Internet connectivity is increasingly essential to businesses, especially entrepreneurs and home-based businesses, and to Walpole’s ability to attract new businesses. The town should actively pursue the establishment of town-wide high-speed Internet service.
Residential and commercial sprawl threaten the values and desires expressed by Walpole’s residents in the survey that has shaped this document. Therefore, the town’s planning board and residents will continue to explore the most effective ways to prevent commercial and residential sprawl within Walpole’s borders.
Home-based businesses can improve Walpole’s economic vitality and diversity without bringing additional commuter traffic or large-scale development to our industrial or commercial areas and without putting pressure on rural agricultural land to undergo industrial or commercial development. Therefore, Walpole should explore ways to actively promote the establishment of home-based businesses in town.
Walpole should consider adopting the suggestion of developers who have proposed projects in town and establishing an architectural review process that would advise builders about the visual appearance of buildings.
Walpole should create an economic development section to be included in the master plan.
Walpole should explore the possibility of creating an economic development committee.
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Open space.
Open space is highly valued by residents and regarded as essential to maintaining quality of life and the “look and feel” of Walpole.
As Walpole plans for and invests in its built infrastructure, the town should continue to actively plan for and invest in its natural infrastructure so that the ecological, social, and economic health of the town can be better maintained.
Preservation of open space can be pursued strategically, following priorities established by the town’s conservation commission.
Walpole should consider following the example of other towns and establishing a permanent open space committee.
The Connecticut River and Walpole’s streams and waterways are important natural resources that help to define our town. Water quality and shoreland need to be actively protected.
Population and housing.
The town’s zoning ordinance and site plan review regulations should ensure that residential development, which is inevitable, will not negatively impact areas of sensitive open space,
wildlife corridors, working forests and farms, aquifers, rivers, wetlands, steep slopes, viewsheds, and significant natural features on individual lots. The town should actively explore and consider the adoption of innovative ideas such as conservation subdivisions, density transfer arrangements, and performance zoning.
Large subdivisions and mass-produced housing tracts are incompatible with Walpole’s character. If they cannot be entirely prevented, they should be thoughtfully controlled through the use of zoning regulations and site plan review requirements.
Walpole welcomes the creation of housing for residents of all ages and income levels. Affordable housing, both rental and owned, is an important factor in keeping a workforce in our area and in making it possible for young people to be part of our community.
All major subdivisions should include affordable housing.
Water Resources.
The protection of our aquifers and wells is critical to meeting Walpole’s future needs for water as residential, commercial, and industrial building increases. Protection and conservation of our town’s water resources, wellhead areas, and contribution areas and sources are of the highest priority.
Stormwater management is an integral component of protecting our water resources – both above and below ground.
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Protecting the contribution areas around the town wells is of paramount importance. Areas of possible future supplies need to be identified.
Historic Resources.
Historic resources are important to Walpole because they define our town’s character, enhance its quality and diversity, and provide a tangible link to the past, thereby creating a sense of continuity of time and place. Therefore, Walpole should actively protect, enhance, maintain, and preserve its historic resources.
Walpole’s villages should remain characterized by historic architectural styles.
Reuse and adaptation of historic buildings and barns can save important buildings, offer housing diversity and affordability, and add density and vitality to existing neighborhoods.
Walpole should retain its historic, small-town character. The way our town “looks and feels” is an important component of economic vitality and serves as an attraction and inspiration for
visitors, businesses, and artists.
The planning process should be an integral part of the preservation efforts to avoid and/or mitigate the gradual and pervasive erosion of historic character that can result from incremental changes to buildings, places, and landscapes.
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