Town of Warwick Community Development Strategy Warwick is a small (population 750, 2000 US Census), rural community located in North Central Massachusetts. Professional staff, elected official, and appointed members of various boards and committees undertake Warwick's governance, community development, and strategic planning efforts. In addition the Town recognizes the need for regional planning and solutions to problems. Town officials and residents are active members of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, Franklin County Solid Waste Management District, and the Franklin Regional Transportation Authority. This Community Development Strategy, along with the principals of Sustainable Development, were reviewed and adopted at a public meeting held on January 14, 2005 and updated at a public meeting on August XX, 2007. Community Planning Entities Town residents are involved in a variety of local and regional planning efforts to help clarify and coordinate the town's priorities. Needs assessments and community-based planning activities are conducted by the Board of Selectmen, Administrative Coordinator, Board of Assessors, Board of Health, Council on Aging, Finance Committee, Fire, Police and Highway Departments, Library Trustees, Planning Board, Recreation Commission, Treasurer, Town Accountant, Town Clerk, and School Committees. Various ad-hoc and subcommittees working under these municipal boards are also involved in needs identification and goal setting. The Town is assisted in its planning and community development efforts by several regional organizations including the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG), Franklin Community Development Corporation (FCDC), and the Franklin Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority (FRHRDA). This Community Development Strategy was developed in accordance with the Massachusetts Office of Community Development's Sustainable Development Principles. Planning Processes and Documents The Town is involved in a variety of planning processes, as follows: Community Action Statement (CAS): Each year Warwick uses the CAS as a guide for decision-making. The CAS, adopted in 1996, describes the Town's economic development, housing, infrastructure and service gaps, outlines the factors contributing to the needs, and identifies ways to meet the action goals to address the needs. Changes to priorities and goals are identified by each department head and communicated to the Board of Selectmen. The Board adopts annual goals, monitors progress and assists with securing financial, human, and other resources needed to meet the goals. Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSP): In 2002 the Warwick Open Space Planning Committee completed an Open Space Plan which inventories town resources, analyzes long-term development patterns, and establishes priorities for open space preservation and land use. Capital Plan: Each year members of the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee meet to discuss long-range capital needs and priorities for the Town. Recommendations for capital planning, prioritization of needs and allocation of resources are recommended and discussed at Town Meeting. ADA Transition Plan: Warwick has adopted a plan to achieve compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Town administrative staff updates the plan yearly with involvement from residents and municipal officials. , Annual Town Report: Each year the town produces an Annual Town Report that contains Ą < Detailed information about town processes, highlights progress made on community development and Planning projects, and identifies needs and priorities related to town governance, community development, social services, and public safety. Reports from various Boards, Committees, Commissions and Trustees are reviewed and accepted at each Annual Town Meeting. Regional Plans: The Town's needs and priorities were taken into consideration during the development of the following regional plans: * Regional Policy Plan, 1998. This policy document guides the growth and protection of the natural and cultural resources of Franklin County. Produced by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments with significant input from 23-member committee. * Franklin County Regional Water Supply Study, 2003. This study assesses the short and long-term capacity of 17 community water supplies to support growth in the region and provides a region wide context for water conservation. Produced by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments with funding from MA EOEA. * The Greater Franklin County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) 2007 Annual Report. The CEDS program is operated by the FRCOG and Guides economic development activities throughout Franklin County and neighboring communities. The program is directed by a committee of 35 business and community leaders. Regional Transportation Plan, 2003. This plan, coordinated by the FRCOG with input from all 26 towns, promotes ways to develop transportation alternatives to the automobile, while at the same time supporting the improvement and more efficient use of traditional facilities. * * Strategic Action Plan The planning processes described above have resulted in specific goals and action plans that the Town will undertake over the next three to five years. The Town's projects as well potential funding sources to accomplish the goals below are identified at the end of this document. Housing: The town's primary housing goals, as outlined in the CAS, and its EO. 418 submissions, include correction of code violations, lead paint removal, removal of asbestos and repairs to septic systems. Preservation of existing housing stock is a high priority for the Town, as a majority of Warwick's residents live in single-family homes. The Town has established the creation of affordable housing as a Town Goal, and has exempted its construction from the five year cap on building permits recently enacted by Town Meeting. One MGL Chap 40B qualified house was build within the last year. Economic Development: The town's main economic development goals include diversifying the types of businesses in Warwick, promoting a stable tax base, providing jobs and services for Warwick's residents, and encouraging economic development that is balanced with the preservation of natural, historic, and scenic resources and the community's character. Home and cottage industries are encouraged by the zoning by-laws. Preservation of Natural Resources: The Town of Warwick is committed to preserving and protecting environmentally sensitive lands, natural resources, and wildlife habitats. In FY 2004 through the work of the Town's Open Space Committee the Town received an Urban Self Help Grant to purchase 24 acres of environmentally sensitive land. Its Open Space Committee is in the process of updating the Open Space Plan and identifying more sites that should be considered for protection. The chair of the Open Space Committee is on the Board of Directors for Mt. Grace Land Conservation Trust. In 2006 through joint efforts a Conservation Easement was granted to Audubon Society for ??acres (call Mary Williamson 544-7133 or Nick Agrimbau 544-1992) All roads, except Route 78, are protected by the Scenic Road Act which requires a Planning Board (and in the case of cutting trees a Tree Warden) Hearing before any Shade Trees or Stone walls bordering public ways can be disturbed. Public Safety: Within the next five years the Warwick Public Safety Building Committee will Town hopes to construct a new public safety complex to house police, fire, and emergency management services, and turn it over to the town. Enough money and services have been donated to begin construction this year. Efforts are underway to improve current safety levels by enhancing the communications networks and expanding the number of dry hydrants and fire ponds. In July the Warwick Volunteer Firemens Association completed a 2 year project upgrading and dredging the primary fire pond in the center of town which increased its capacity by 60,000 gallons Transportation: The Town maintains over 49XX miles of town roads and hosts Route 78, a major connector to the greater Keene, NH area. Needs information on Transportation goals. Engery Conservation: This year a Town Buildings Committee was formed by theSelectboard. As of early August it was well along in completing an analysis of energy use by town buildings. Based on its findings, it will make recommendations for improved building operations. The local church maintains a billboard in front of the church with energy conservation tips which is updated every week or two. The town recently purchased a more efficient heater for the Highway Department garage. Town Priority Tasks. 1. 2. 3., etc. 10. Participate in Regional Small Business Loan Program for Warwick Businesses [LJO1]Did Warwick complete Community Development Plan, paid for by DHCD? If so, its goals could substitute for this section. ?? ?? ?? ?? 3