RamaSchneider/test huggingface dataset:
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Open land continues to contribute to the rural character and scenic beauty shared by all our residents. Fragmentation of open areas by non-agriculture uses should be carefully evaluated. Development should occur away from the prime agricultural soils, whenever possible to minimize the loss of existing or potential agricultural land within these areas, "cluster" housing, (i.e., "open space subdivision", or Planned Unit Development).
Open space subdivisions provide for increased density on a portion of a subdivided parcel in return for a commitment to keep some portion of the tract undeveloped. This can help a community meet its open space and natural resource protection goals, concentrate its service areas, while allowing the landowner to realize his or her property equity. In addition, this form of development may reduce the cost of housing while providing home buyers with reasonably sized lots and access to protected open spaces. Research has shown that homes in "clustered" subdivisions generally appreciate faster than those in conventional subdivisions, may reduce the developer's infrastructure investment by 30 to 50 percent, and can reduce municipal service costs significantly.
Overall densities in the Residential/Agricultural areas should be lower than in those areas with sewer and water infrastructure. Lot sizes under an 1 acre are discouraged except as part of a Planed Residential Development/Planned Unit Development (PRD/PUD) subdivision.
Interstate interchange areas tend to receive high pressure for the development of commercial and industrial uses. A study conducted by VAOT concluded that "Once development starts in these areas, sprawl begins by filling in the vacant lands between the commercial use areas. Commercial development also tends to increase. Soon people find it difficult to enter or leave businesses or homes along the road. Serious accidents increase, resulting in a higher public cost of lessening these impacts. In response, Towns tend to widen the roads in order to handle more cars and install traffic signals. The overall town population increases at a rapid pace".
Large-scale commercial/industrial development close to the Interstate Interchange areas could lead to a decline in economic development for Williamstown Village, an overtaxing of town roads, increased congestion and accidents, and increased local taxes. Such development can also place undue impacts on our natural resources, wildlife, and scenic areas. Thoughtful development of interchange areas could provide needed services, jobs, and reinforce existing development patterns. It shall be recognized that not all interchange zones are appropriate for the same kind or degree of new growth.
The State of Vermont, by Executive Order and under the auspices of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, has recognized the importance of interstate interchange areas through the production of a manual titled " Vermont Interstate Interchange Planning and Development Guidelines". This document explores policy issues, characterizes interchange areas by type and offers text and pictorial guidelines to illustrate both the consequences of poor design/policy and the advantages of alternative design options.
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5. Conservation and Forestry Areas
The purpose of the Conservation and Forestry Area is to protect high elevation lands that have shallow soils and steep slopes, and the fragile resources that occur there. These areas also provide significant recharge to the ground and surface water supplies of the municipality and the region. This district encompasses the least accessible and more sparsely developed area of town where limited developmental potential exists.
E. Growth Management Tools
Act 250 is the law governing Vermont's unique development review process. Under this Act, larger development proposals come before a citizen panel known as a "District Commission". This panel uses a quasi-judicial process to review proposals under its jurisdiction for compliance with ten environmental criteria. These criteria address issues ranging from traffic to water quality, wildlife and aesthetics. In order for a project to receive an Act 250 Land Use Permit, the District Commission must make "positive findings" under each criterion - that is to say it must find that the project will either have no significant undue adverse impacts, or militate against the same where they do occur.
Compatible uses in this district include agriculture and forestry, game preserves, environmental education, recreation, and very low-density residential development. Lot sizes under 4 acres are discouraged. Use of open space design principles is encouraged, where feasible. Town officials shall not provide community facilities and services to these areas.
Because Williamstown is without local land use regulations, the town's knowledge of, and participation in, Act 250 is particularly important. Criterion 10 of the Act states that all projects must be shown to be in conformance with the municipal plan before being permitted. Generally speaking, plan language must be explicit and its directives clear to be enforceable. While the District Commission welcomes municipal participation (in fact, the host town is a "statutory party" to the proceedings), it, rather than the town makes the final judgment and ruling on this "conformance" issue.
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A study of the Vermont Natural Resources Council discovered, "Act 250 is one of the reasons that Vermont has one of the strongest banks in New England: it discourages undercapitalized development that can lead to bad loans, and bad development is bad business." While Act 250 can help to realize better designed and more environmentally sensitive development, most new construction in Williamstown is not large enough to trigger jurisdiction.
District 5 of the Environmental Commission covers Williamstown. Anyone with questions about Act 250, or needing assistance in preparing an application for a project can contact the office at 5 Perry St. Suite 60, Barre VT 05641-0186 and call: (802) 476-0186.
2. Local Land Use Regulations (Zoning & Subdivision)
The vast majority of municipalities in Vermont employ local land use regulations to help enforce community goals as expressed in the town plan. Originally, the primary intent of land use regulation was to separate incompatible land uses.
It has, however, evolved into a more sophisticated science designed to reinforce land use goals, protect important resources, promote economic development and safeguard the public health, safety and welfare. Generally speaking, zoning bylaws prescribe allowable densities and land uses for various districts within a community, while subdivision regulations control the design and layout of projects. These mechanisms are authorized by the Vermont Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act (commonly known as Chapter 117).
Williamstown voters have, in the past, rejected the idea of using locally developed standards to regulate and track new development. However, the planning commission and residents should strive to understand the pros and cons of local regulation in case future circumstances should call for more direct action on land use patterns.
3. Non-Regulatory/ Incentive Based Programs:
While land use regulations provide the most direct avenue for impacting and implementing land use pattern goals, there are some non-regulatory strategies Williamstown could consider: a. Land Trusts/Use Value Appraisal
a. As previously discussed, land trusts can enable open land to remain productive by infusing capital into agricultural or forestry operations, through the purchase of easements and/or development rights. Vermont's Use Value Appraisal program allows productive land to be taxed on the basis of current uses rather than development value.
b. Village Center Designation The Vermont Downtown Program, established under the Department of Housing and Community Affairs, recently released its application guidelines for the village center designation process. This village center designation, as provided for in 24 V.S.A chapter 76A, was created by the Legislature to recognize and encourage local efforts to revitalize Vermont's traditional village centers. The definition of a village center, according to the statute, is: "a traditional center of the community, typically composed of a cohesive core of residential, civic, religious, and commercial buildings arranged along a main street and intersecting streets. Industrial uses may be found within or immediately adjacent to these centers." According to the Downtown Program, village centers are to be designated to support the revitalization of what exists, not as a growth center. New growth should be expected in these village centers; however, they should not be used as a target for all new growth in a municipality.
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Applications for designation must be made by the select board. Decisions regarding designation will be made by the Vermont Downtown Development Board. A municipality may seek designation for more than one village center, but each must meet the specific application requirements. Also, village centers will be designated on a three-year basis, so renewal requests will be due every three years. These renewals must demonstrate that the village center continues to meet all requirements for designation.
Williamstown was approved for Village Center Designation in 2015 and under this program it is eligible for the following benefits:
5% Vermont Income Tax Credit for Substantial Rehabilitation of Certified Historic Buildings. This credit is available for income producing buildings that apply for and qualify for the 20% Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credit. Therefore, qualifying projects receive a total tax credit of 25%.
50% Vermont Income Tax Credit for Code Improvements to Commercial Buildings. This credit is available for capital improvements to commercial buildings in order to comply with: fire, life safety, and accessibility codes; Health Department rules for food establishments; Agriculture Department rules for the sale of dairy and meats; and Agriculture Department rules on weights and measures. Only one award, up to $5,000, can be awarded to any one building. * Designated village centers will be given priority consideration for all grants administered through the State's Municipal Planning Grant Program and the Consolidated Plan for HUD funding, including the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG).
Designated village centers will be given consideration and priority by the State Building Department when leasing or constructing buildings, in consultation with the community.
A special assessment district in a designated village may use funds for operating costs in addition to capital expenses  http://accd.vermont.gov/strong_communities/opportunities/revitalization/village_center
c. Vermont Village Greens Initiative
The Village Green Initiative is reviving awareness about Vermont's village greens and the important cultural and economic role they play. Vermont's village greens (and commons) serve as the physical, historic and cultural heart of many communities - hosting concerts, fairs, parades, seasonal festivals and farmers markets. They provide residents and visitors a place to gather, exercise, recreate, celebrate, and engage in commerce and community. Integral to the Vermont brand, village greens anchor and strengthen our communities, and make our cities and towns more attractive places to live and work. However, when budgets are tight, many of the 148 village greens around Vermont suffer from deferred maintenance, poor preservation and lack of investment.
To address this issue, a new partnership is working to document, showcase, and revitalize these shared public spaces to assure that future generations enjoy the economic, cultural and social benefits Vermont's village greens provide. http://accd.vermont.gov/sites/accd/files/Documents/strongcommunities/cpr/150317 Village Greens Overview.pdf
Even in the absence of land use regulations, the Planning Commission may wish to consult with landowners and prospective developers, on a voluntary basis, to identify and mitigate potential development impacts and discuss design alternatives.
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F. Land Use: Policies, Goals and Tasks
Goal 1: To maintain vitality of Williamstown and Foxville Village areas by encouraging high-density growth.
A. Deny infrastructure extensions for any large development outside Village/mixed-use areas.
B. Establish design guidelines in mixed-use areas, such as: lighting requirements, landscaping, pedestrian amenities, community gathering places, walking paths, recreational opportunities, services, and signage.
C. Study expanding the Williamstown Industrial Park
D. Study undeveloped land in the Williamstown village to determine if the Town sewer system has the physical capacity to accommodate average single-family residences.
E. Educate about Village Center designation for Williamstown Village
F. Conduct GIS "sampling" of village areas to determine prevailing densities, setbacks and frontages.
Goal 2: To preserve working landscape by sustaining farm and forest land and other rural resource lands to maintain contiguous tracts of open land and minimize land use conflicts.
A. Encourage future development to occur in the following locations or areas:
(1) On the edges of fields where scenic and agricultural resource values are low in forested areas that are not critical to wildlife habitats,water supply, and public recreation wetlands
(2) Work with developers to create innovative, well designed cluster developments, and conservation subdivisions
(3) Conform to recommended slope development as follows:
. 0-3% is suitable for development
. 3-8% is most desirable for development
. 8-15% is suitable for low density development
. 15-25% is unsuitable for most developments and septic systems
. 25% is not acceptable for development and should be avoided
. Strive to have new development be consistent with the form and function of existing uses in each of the proposed land districts
B. Strive to have new development be consistent with the form and function of existing uses in each of the proposed land districts
C. Strive to update the 2020 Town Plan to include an Official Map that includes all public improvements planned for Williamstown that includes sidewalk, paths, village common areas and others
D. Consider the principles highlighted in the Interchange Design Guidelines Manual
E. Encourage repurposing and reusing existing commercial structures
Goal 3: Adopt an ordinance that regulates designs of all new commercial
A. Encourage exterior designs in keeping with the rural landscape already established
B. Designs subject to review by The Planning Commission
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Chapter XI. Adjacent Municipalities and Regional Coordination
Williamstown does not live in its own world isolated from our neighboring towns. Our local land use decisions can have impacts outside our jurisdictional boundaries. Consideration of bordering communities' plans can help assure that the Williamstown Town Plan is consistent with the efforts our neighbors, and vice versa.
B. Summary of Contiguous Towns
Williamstown shares boundaries with 6 other municipalities: Barre Town, and the Towns of Brookfield, Berlin, Northfield, Chelsea, and Washington. A summary of the existing and planned land uses follows:
1. Barre Town -  Williamstown shares its northern boundary with Barre Town (except for a minor section of land near the Interstate at the northwest corner). Recommended uses for areas adjoining the Barre Town border land include residential, agricultural, and recreational. It should be noted that there are many wetland areas mapped in this area. Williamstown coordinates sewer disposal with Barre Town. Barre Town serves Foxville Village which is located within Williamstown. Williamstown is linked to Barre Town via Hebert Road, Falls Bridge Road, West Road, Miller Road Extension and Vt. Route 63. The town should work with Barre Town to solve potential traffic/ safety concerns and land use issues on the access roads especially near the interstate interchange area. Mutual agreements are in place. Effort needs to be invested to avoid sprawl that is continuing to spread along Route 14 into Williamstown.
2. Brookfield -  Brookfield shares one of our most important natural resource areas, Ainsworth State Park, as well as a moderate span of land at the southwestern section of our Town's border. This land area is very rural, mostly forested, hilly, and has a number of wetland areas and areas of significant habitat. The areas along Route 14 and Stone Road have scattered residential, and flood hazard areas. Land uses in both communities are agricultural, low-density residential, and recreational. Brookfield's zoning ordinance restricts most developments to 5 acre lots along the road corridors on the Williamstown border. Williamstown Gulf is protected within Ainsworth State Park.
3. Berlin -  The town of Williamstown shares a small boundary with neighboring Berlin along our northwestern corner. This part of Williamstown is mostly forested, hilly, and contains some wetlands. Berlin considers this area as "Highland Conservation". Williamstown residents access Berlin via Hebert Road to Vt. Route 63 and 189 and Falls Bridge Road to West Road and Miller Extension to Route 63 and 189.
4. Northfield -  The Town of Northfield occupies Williamstown's western boundary along Interstate 89. Williamstown links roads with Northfield via interchange 5. Northfield considers this interstate exchange area as rural. If Williamstown decides to develop this area, town officials should work with Northfield town officials to solve potential traffic/ safety concerns, impacts on natural heritage areas, and land use issues.
5. Chelsea -  Williamstown borders Chelsea at its southeast corner. The area is characterized by low-density residential uses. Our land use areas and planning goals are largely compatible with Chelsea except, however, Chelsea has expressed concerns about Williamstown's lack of zoning and increasing population growth. Williamstown should support efforts that balance the concerns of both towns.
6. Washington -  At our eastern border is the town of Washington. Our land uses here are mostly low density and are compatible with Washington's town plan and zoning regulations.
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C. Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission
The Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC) was created in 1967 to provide planning assistance to municipalities within the region and create a forum for addressing those issues which transcend municipal boundaries. Williamstown is a member of the Central Vermont Regional Planning Commission (CVRPC). The Williamstown Planning Commission worked with the CVRPC in preparing this town plan to ensure it was consistent with statewide goals and compatible with the plans of adjoining towns. The Williamstown town plan is also in compliance with the Central
Vermont Regional Plan.
D. Adjacent Municipalities & Regional Coordination: Goals, Policies & Tasks
Goal 1: To cooperate and communicate with surrounding communities
A. Encourage information sharing and working with other local, regional and state agencies to ensure that good planning practices are followed B. Continue support for and participation in CVRPC
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Chapter XII. Implementation Priorities
The Williamstown Planning Commission hopes that this plan reflects the residents' vision of growth and development in Williamstown's future. Most of the goals described in the town plan cannot be realized overnight and town officials cannot accomplish the vision alone. Residents have an important part to play, as well.
While the planning commission believes all of the recommendations contained in this document are important, we also recognize that some are more critical and achievable than others. We also believe that success builds on success. Accordingly, it is recommended that the town focus its energies on the following objectives over the five year lifespan of this plan as they are achievable and likely to produce "on the ground" results.
Survey the residents, town officials and employees feelings, hopes and desires for Williamstown biannually submitting a report of the results at Tow Meeting Day.
Continue to install additional sidewalks and pedestrian walkways in Williamstown village Seek space and funding for a common area in Williamstown village
Organize citizen advisory groups including an Economic Committee, Energy Committee, Conservation Commission, Transportation Committee, Facilities Improvement Committee, Housing Committee, and Williamstown Village Revitalization Committee, as described in previous chapters
Keeping residents well informed and engaged regarding planning through the town's website, town newsletter, surveys, local media, public meeting, and town forums
Seeking funds for monitoring wells in the town landfill, properly controlling site access, and coordinating protection efforts with the State Department of Natural Resources and Federal Environmental Protection Agency
Investigating opportunities to enhance our scenic areas, including; creating parking for cars at viewing vistas, adding benches for viewing areas, and creating trails, bike paths, and footpaths for cyclists and pedestrians
Continuing support for our farmers market in Williamstown village
Organizing a celebration of Williamstown (Municipality Open House, Founder's Day Celebration, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day, etc)
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Appendix I: Town Officials
Town Manager:
Jaqueline Higgins
twnmgr.williamstownvt.org
Delinquent Tax Collector:
Water and Sewer Collector:
PO Box 646 Williamstown, VT
05679
(802) 433-6671 ext 201
Administrative Assistant:
adminassistant@williamstownvt.org
(802) 433-6671 ext 202
Town Clerk:
clerk@williamstvt.org
(802) 433-6671 ext 203
Assistant Town Clerk:
Susan Lyons
asstclerk@williamstownvt.org
PO Box 646
Williamstown, VT 05679
Selectboard:
PO Box 646 Williamstown, Vt
(802) 433-6671
The Selectboard is also the Board of Sewer Commissioners
Town Website:
www.williamstownvt.org
Physical Address:
2470 VT Route 14
Schools:
Williamstown Elementary School
100 Brush Hill Road I Williamstown, VT 05679
I Phone (802) 433-6653
http://www.williamstownelem.org/pages/Williamstown Elementary School
Williamstown Middle High School
120 Hebert Road
(802) 433-5350
http://www.williamstownmhs.org/pages/Williamstown Middle High Sch
Town Highway Crew:
Town Garage: (802) 433-5571
Ed Farnham - Road Forman
Joe Perusse
Bryan Palmer
Ed Salls
Board of Listers:
Gordon Murray
Bill Peabody
Stanley Peake
Planning Commission:
Board of Cemetery
Commissioners:
Orville Lasell
Matthew Couillard
Groundskeeper:
Kevin Henessey
Town Treasurer and Tax Collector:
Position to be filled
treasurer@williamstownvt.org
Assistant Town Treasurer:
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Map 1: Town of Williamstown Roads and Building Locations
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Map 2: Town of Williamstown, VT Wetlands, Wildlife Habitat and Natural Resources
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Map 3: Town of Williamstown, VT Land Use Plan
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Map 4: Town of Williamstown Soils and Mineral Resources Map
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Map 5: Town of Williamstown Future Development Sites Map
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Map 6: Town of Williamstown New Houses Built Between 2009-2014
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Village Center Designation Map
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