by Mike Zale,
Ogden Town Supervisor
Recently, my family took a trip to the Ogden Farmers’ Library where one of my sons took out the book Who Was Helen Keller by Gare Thompson. My oldest read it and we had a great conversation. We talked about how impossible it would feel to be both deaf and blind, yet I remembered a rather profound quote of hers that read, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” This is true in so many things, least of which, government.
When I first took over as Supervisor just over a year ago, I knew that one of our tasks was to develop a long-term vision for the residents of the town that would not just prepare it for the future, but to also honor and respect its heritage. The document that aims to do so is called the Comprehensive Plan. Its goal is to cast a long-term vision for the community while setting realistic goals to achieve it. This plan was last redone in 2003 and updated in 2012. Ogden has changed substantially in the past decade and it’s the perfect time to reevaluate the trajectory for our town and determine where we would like to go as community.
According to NYS Town Law 272-A, a Comprehensive Plan is defined as “the materials, written and/or graphic, including but not limited to maps, charts, studies, resolutions, reports and other descriptive material that identify the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards, devices and Instruments for the immediate and long-range protection, enhancement, growth and development of the town.”
Ogden’s new Comprehensive Plan will provide an overall framework for public and private investment and decision making in the Town. This will be a vital tool to ensuring future growth and development maintains the rural character of our local community while making it a special place to live, work and raise a family.
One of the key components to any Comprehensive Plan is updating the current and future land use maps. It will consist of nine categories: agriculture; residential; commercial; industrial; recreation uses; public service; vacant, infrastructure; and open space. Updated maps will show these areas and help define how the land in the town should be developed. For example, evaluating whether there is a need for additional single-family homes, recreational opportunities or public services, will all play a major role in completing these maps.
Now let me be clear on something, this will not be “my” plan, but rather a plan by and for the people of our great town. It’s essential that local residents get involved and make their voices heard throughout this process. The town will actively seek input from residents and stakeholders, including businesses, churches and schools. A steering committee consisting of local residents has been formed to review the 2012 Comprehensive Plan and advise the town on areas that should be addressed. The town will also utilize a consultant who will help navigate us through this process. Once completed, the Comprehensive Plan must be adopted by the Town Board, which requires public review through a public hearing.
The Town of Ogden’s New Comprehensive Plan will prepare us for the future and help navigate us through these ever-changing times. We all love this community and want our new Comprehensive Plan to paint a picture of Ogden that promotes positive change and preserves the rural, quaint and small town feel that we know and love.
Stay tuned for more information about the town’s new Comprehensive Plan and ways you can get involved with the process.
