2 - Town of Colchester

Implementation
See the implementation chart
on page 116 for the priority
and the assignment of
responsibility
for
implementation of these open
space strategies.
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION STRATEGIES
Preserve More Open Space
1. Encourage the Board of Selectmen to establish an Open Space Committee for (or charge the Conservation
Commission with) developing an open space action plan.
2. Assist in efforts to establish a Colchester Land Trust and encourage:
• open space donations to the Land Trust (or other conservation organizations), and
• actions of the Land Trust to raise funds and purchase open space.
3. Increase the percentage of open space preserved as part of new residential developments.
4. Continue to budget municipal funds to acquire open space.
5. Establish a Land Acquisition Fund as authorized by Section 7-131r of the Connecticut General Statutes.
6. Consider adopting a “fee-in-lieu-of open space” provision in the subdivision regulations as authorized by CGS 8-25
in order to generate revenue to acquire the most meaningful open space.
7. Continue to pursue other open space preservation techniques such as “rights of first refusal” for significant parcels,
purchase of development rights (especially for agricultural uses), and cooperative efforts with other organizations.
Create A Greenbelt System with Trails
8. Tie both existing and new open space and recreation areas together into an integrated greenbelt or buffer system
which:
• breaks up a continuous pattern of development, and
• provides a greater variety of active and passive use opportunities for the Town's residents.
9. Consider allowing open space dedication elsewhere in Colchester to meet the open space requirements of a
development if the offered open space makes an important contribution to the overall open space greenbelt or trail
system.
10. Establish a series of trails as a key element in connecting open space and recreation areas into an integrated system.
11. Continue to work with the State of Connecticut to develop public trails on their lands in Colchester.
12. Continue to work with the Norwich Water Department to develop public trails on their lands in Colchester.
Retain Perceived Open Space
13. Establish and implement a PA-490 open space policy in order to maintain and enhance the amount of “perceived”
open space in Colchester.
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