Page 7 - Town of Newcomb Comprehensive Plan - 2010

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 What is a Comprehensive Plan?

A comprehensive plan is a policy guide that sets forth directions for the future of a community.
It is not a law or regulation. Rather, it is a blueprint to help guide for future planning and
decision making. A town’s comprehensive plan shapes how it functions as a community and
sets forth the community’s collective aspirations, values and vision.

The authority for preparation of a comprehensive plan is set forth in Town Law Section 272‐a.2
a, which states that a comprehensive plan is the “…materials, written and/or graphic, including
but not limited to maps, charts, studies, resolutions, reports and other descriptive materials
that identify goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards, devices and
instruments for the immediate and long‐range protection, enhancement, growth and
development of the town…”

Plans are subject to change and revision with the passage of time and events. Newcomb
originally adopted a comprehensive plan in 1990. This plan was used as the foundation for
establishing zoning and subdivision regulations. This plan was also instrumental in gaining the
Adirondack Park Agency’s approval of Newcomb’s land use planning program. Towns with
approved planning programs in the Adirondack Park retain review and approval projects over
certain projects, which otherwise would be reviewed by the APA. In other words, an approved
land use planning program gives a town in the Park more local control over land use and
development decisions.

The 1990 Comprehensive Plan sought to address such issues as road maintenance, inadequate
electrical service, employment, growth in local businesses, and affordable rental housing and
also focused on promoting commercial and light industrial development, encouraging tourism
and recreation as a primary industry, and maintaining a viable school system. However, as the
1990 plan nears 20 years of age, the Town of Newcomb has recognized the need to update its
Comprehensive Plan.

With this Plan, the Town is once again taking a comprehensive look at its development policies
as well as refining its vision to reflect the changes experienced by the community since the
preparation of the last plan. This Comprehensive Plan makes use of some of the studies, data,
analyses and policy objectives of the prior plans. In addition, it presents new data related to
development, land use, and demographic trends, and utilizes digital data for analyzing land use
and development patterns. Key to the development of this plan was a community survey and
interviews with key stakeholders to identify challenges and opportunities currently facing the
Town.

The formulation of community goals is one of the most important products resulting from the
development of a comprehensive plan. In addition to giving direction to the plan and

Town of Newcomb Comprehensive Plan
March 2010