The Village of Hilton is proposing a new "form based design code" to revitalize existing, older sectors and create a sense of place. "Form based design code" refers to what the community sees as a desirable and memorable, pedestrian oriented place to live and frequent.

A public information meeting and slide show was held on July 1 at the Village Community Center. Mayor Bill Carter opened the meeting, stating that the "revitalization is relative to the central business district and surrounding areas of Hilton." The hope of the board is to attract more retail businesses and to enhance the vitality of the village. Barkstrom & LaCroix Architects presented a regulating plan and building envelope design standard for development in the Village Center Overlay District (VCOD).

The intent of the VCOD is to enhance the village of Hilton after studying proven successful, memorable and livable communities. The vision plan started several years ago with the intent of creating a desirable village center, such as Martha's Vineyard, Williamstown, Massachusetts and Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Slides of those downtown area were shown at the meeting.

The regulating plan is part of the official zoning map. It states what the boundaries of the zoning districts are as well as what building types are permitted. It states the required retail frontage and designations of civic open spaces and parking spaces.

The building envelope design standards are the guidelines new buildings within the VCOD must use to promote good street design. Buildings should be aligned and close to the street and consistent with buildings on the other side of the street. Retail should be on the ground floor to make the street active and interesting, with parking away from the streets. Historic structures will hopefully be preserved; if not, it should be replaced by a structure of equal or better value.

The planning board will review demolition of any existing structure within the VCOD. The board will consider the architectural quality of the building and the historic value before approving renovation or demolition. Alterations to the exterior of existing buildings will have to comply with certain guidelines. Some of these guidelines include maintaining original brick or masonry as well as wood siding. Original fronts will not be painted or covered by secondary covers, and original windows and doors will be sized to fit the original openings.

Parking will be provided in the rear of the buildings, again, promoting a pedestrian friendly street. In addition, parking will be permitted only in rear yards, attached or detached garages, or in driveways that provide access to rear yards or garages. Signs and awnings will be regulated according to standards.

The village board is proposing new construction in front of the current Ben Franklin store, making it a "village green" - where the center of activities will generate. They hope to make it desirable and walkable for pedestrians and visitors to frequent. The board feels that the "green" will be used as a focal point, hopefully attracting retailers and visitors from surrounding areas. They also hope to initiate more festivals, such as the Hilton Apple Fest, which attracts thousands to the area.

The addition of the ferry in Charlotte may have an impact on increasing the traffic in Hilton. The board feels that the increased revenue will help the economic revenue in the area.

Board members also hope to have fencing, walls, hedges and screen plantings in the village district to enhance the visibility. A structural addition to the end of the library would enhance the ambiance of the village. Fencing would hide the parking lot to the library.

The response from surveys sent out to villagers indicated they wanted more retailers in the village. The board is currently looking into a part-time economic coordinator to see how to bring in local businesses.

According to Assistant Mayor Walt Horylev, the town needs a "comprehensive business plan to keep people shopping in Hilton instead of driving to Greece or Brockport. We need to have attractions that bring people in. By creating this expansion plan, we can create more business."