Garrett Lower

The meeting included a review of April minutes, discussion and signing of Section 8 Review for Subdivision Ordinance with a public meeting scheduled, discussion about plastic vs metal culverts which was tabled, and general discussion of town activities.

The Planning Board meeting included a review of February and March minutes, a brief verbal report from the CEO, and a review of the draft Subdivision Ordinance with minor edits. The draft ordinance will be forwarded to the Selectboard for Section 8 review in June.

The 2018 Comprehensive Plan for Benton aims to enhance community growth by guiding the Town's leaders in decision-making over the next decade. It focuses on transforming Benton into a smart town with great neighborhoods through improved communications, business development, conservation of resources, and broadened residential opportunities. Key motivations include maintaining the town's rural character, fiscal prudence, economic development, commitment to open space, and adapting to changing demographics.

The 2018 Benton Comprehensive Plan focuses on maintaining the town's rural character while strategically managing growth and development. Key areas of focus include directing growth to designated growth areas, improving communication and transparency in municipal operations, encouraging business development, conserving natural resources, and expanding residential opportunities to meet changing demographics. The plan outlines strategies for infrastructure improvements, open space preservation, and regional coordination with neighboring communities to enhance economic development and resource management. Specific actions include increasing the share of growth in designated areas, improving access to public utilities, expanding open space and recreational opportunities, and allocating capital investments to growth areas. The plan envisions Benton in 2028 as a "smart town with great neighborhoods," characterized by a balanced tax base, improved business environment, enhanced community spaces, and expanded access to recreational resources.

The 2018 Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Benton focuses on four key themes: improved communication and coordination; business development and economic well-being while maintaining the town's rural character; conservation and protection of natural and water resources; and expansion of residential opportunities with a commitment to open space. The plan outlines strategies to enhance communication through website accessibility and the creation of an Economic Development Committee. Economic development initiatives include planning for utility extensions, ordinance review to support businesses, and establishing measurable goals for attracting quality jobs. Environmental protection strategies involve land use ordinance modifications to protect natural resources, assessment of farmland programs, and stormwater runoff reduction. Residential development will focus on compact, walkable developments in designated growth areas, while maintaining a commitment to open space and recreational activities.