February in Vinalhaven

Recent Web Update for VH's Plan

Just a little bit of what I do.  We try to post monthly updates to the Town website for the public to see.

Web Update #3  - February 2012

Vinalhaven’s Plan

Preserving island life for another generation

Comprehensive Plan.  Town Vision.  Comprehensive Vision.  We know it can be confusing… let’s keep it simple and call it Vinalhaven’s Plan. 

You might ask, “What is a plan?” or “Why is this important?”  Our community inspired plan is about looking ahead 10-15 years and asking ourselves, “What do we want Vinalhaven to be?” This plan will represent what our community needs and supports (Fire/EMS, our school, economic development, job creation, capital projects like roads, sewer, and sidewalks). 
                    
A plan is not law, a regulation, or an ordinance.  A plan will not make changes to parcel size or tell people where they can and cannot build a home.  A plan will provide recommendations and support changes or improvements for the community.  Our plan will merely be a guide for our Town government and committees in order to ensure we maintain the island character that has kept many of us here for generations.
 
Next Step…A survey!

We have been making good progress in our endeavor to update the Town’s 1988 Comprehensive Plan. Our next step in this process is to seek updated data from the community, and we feel the best way to do this is by creating a community-wide survey that clearly indicates what islanders are thinking now.  We want to know where you see the town in 10-15 years.  We want to know what services or investments you support, or don’t support.  We very much want you to share your ideas.

We can all say “things won’t or shouldn’t change on the island and that we will do just fine without an updated plan”, but let’s not leave that to chance. This survey is a critical step in this process.  With your input and involvement, we will create a plan that ensures Vinalhaven will continue to be a thriving year-round community for generations to come. Our goal is to send this survey out to year-round and seasonal residents in early spring 2012.

Family, a tightly-woven community, marine heritage, natural and scenic beauty, education, freedom from mainland pressures, a diverse economy, or cultural history are some of the reasons we choose to live here.  We all know it is important to invest in our kids’ future and preserve what works for our unique island community.

Share your thoughts during this planning process; take the survey, attend meetings, talk amongst yourselves, make sure this plan represents Vinalhaven and preserves island life for another generation.

For information on the Comprehensive Plan, watch The Wind, visit the Town website, and find us on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/people/Vinalhaven-Comprehensive-Plan/100003150262730?sk=wall

We welcome your feedback!

Contact:                               
Andy Dorr at vhcompplan@gmail.com or 863-2168.                               
Marjorie Stratton at mstratton@townofvinalhaven.org or 863-2042