In addition to holding a series of “listening sessions” to get public input for the 2018 update of the Town Plan, also known as the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD), Town Planner Harry Smith is encouraging residents to participate in a survey that’s currently available online. Residents answering the brief survey will help those shaping the POCD. The POCD committee is also holding at least three public meetings where input will be accepted.

“The survey provides an opportunity for Branford residents to identify issues of concern to them and suggest priorities and strategies for the updated plan,” stated Smith, in a press release. The town’s current POCD was last updated in 2008.

The survey is can be found online here  and is also accessible at the Town of Branford website, www.branford-ct.gov or by visiting the Town of Branford on Facebook.

As previously reported, three meetings have been scheduled where representatives of town groups and organizations will workshop to generate updates to the POCD. Public input will be accepted during the public comment portion of each meeting.

All POCD “listening sessions” are taking place at the Canoe Brook Senior Center, 11 Cherry Hill Road, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. The first meeting was set for Wed. Jan. 10. The session was to gather input on conservation-related strategies to protect, preserve or otherwise address Branford’s environment, open space, coastal issues and resources, sustainability and resiliency and community character.

The second meeting is set for Wed. Jan. 24 to gather input on development-related strategies. Areas of discussion will touch on future development of areas such as the Branford Center, transit-oriented development and the town’s villages and neighborhoods, as well as overall business and economic development and residential development and housing needs.

The third meeting, planned for Wed. Feb. 7, will discuss infrastructure-related strategies. Topics will include future needs for community facilities, transportation by vehicle, bike and pedestrians; rail and other commuter transit, utility infrastructure and other such services.

Information about the 2018 Town Plan update is available on the town website front page, and under the link for the Planning and Zoning Department.