FARMINGTON – Community Guided Planning & Zoning, a project of the Kennebec Valley and Androscoggin Valley Councils of Governments and Somerset Economic Development Corporation, will assist Franklin and Somerset Counties to prospectively plan for land uses in portions of the unorganized and de-organized areas in the two counties. The Maine Land Use Planning Commission invited regions to engage in CGPZ to foster local land use decision making.
The first phase of the initiative will focus on the anticipated land uses needed to support outdoor recreation growth, and zoning changes needed to encourage/allow such uses. These may include the facilities, trails, and land uses needed to support economic growth in the area including towns adjacent to the UT.
KVCOG, AVCOG and SEDC are assembling a 20-member, two-county planning committee to oversee the planning process. The Planning Committee’s charge is to lead the planning effort, conduct regular meetings open to the public and develop a report and recommendations for consideration by LUPC. They are seeking individuals that will collectively represent a well-balanced, diversity of backgrounds and experiences necessary to fully explore land use considerations to support outdoor recreation growth, and zoning changes to encourage/allow such uses in the UT in Franklin and Somerset Counties. The following interests have been identified for representation on the committee:
- Representatives of the County Commissioners
- Large property owners
- Wood products interests
- Tourism businesses
- Small property owners
- Recreation interests
- Environmental groups
- Chamber of commerce/economic development groups
- Residents of the UT
The Planning Committee’s report and recommendations will ultimately require acceptance by the Land Use Planning Commission. Throughout the CGPZ process, LUPC staff will assist by providing information and highlighting the relevant statutory requirements. This will help ensure that the Planning Committee efforts will both achieve local goals, and be consistent with LUPC’s statutory purpose and guiding principles.
To learn more about the Community Guided Planning and Zoning in the Western Maine Region or to
submit a request for planning committee appointment for Franklin County contact John Maloney, AVCOG at 783-9186 Ext. 224 and Somerset County Chris Huck, KVCOG 453-4258 Ext. 222 or got to http://www.kvcog.org/index.php/western-maine-plan. Request for committee appointment must be received by Dec. 6, 2014.
