The purpose of the Comprehensive Plan is to guide City-wide growth and development patterns, investments, and initiatives, and is the foundation for determining effective public policy, master planning, and land use decisions for the future. It should reflect and respond to the priorities, values, and requirements of Essex Junction residents and to provide a clear path forward for navigating the complex tradeoffs inherent in long-range planning. It will provide an ongoing framework for informed and directed development. The plan shall include goals, objectives, and strategies, and will utilize maps, graphs, and other imagery tools to analyze, assess, and recommend best practices for values-based planning, economic development, housing, infrastructure, transportation, and other improvements. This plan update must meet the requirements of the Vermont Municipal and Regional Planning and Development Act (V.S.A. Title 24, Chapter 117) and be in alignment with the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission’s ECOS Plan. It is expected that parts of the 2019 plan may still be applicable today and may be readopted with some updates. Other parts of the plan may require more substantial changes or complete re-write.
