2 - Town of Colchester

During the planning period, detailed study of the Town Center, Westchester, and the surrounding areas should be
undertaken in order to:
• reinforce the village center characteristics unique to each area,
• maintain an appropriate balance among different uses,
• avoid “strip” type development,
• enhance the overall pedestrian and vehicular circulation pattern,
• address parking and circulation issues, and
• promote the compatible development of these areas.
The studies should evaluate the residential and business zoning and consider alternative zoning patterns. Certain areas
might be considered for rezoning based on the prevailing lot sizes and adjustments to some zoning designations and/or
boundaries could be considered so that zoning boundaries follow property lines wherever possible. A detailed sidewalk
inventory and Plan should be included. The studies should also review and take appropriate advantage of P.A. 00-145
authorizing the creation of village districts.
These recommendations are consistent with the 1995 Town Center Cultural Resource Development and Heritage Plan
which recommended, in part;
1. Adopt a town center growth policy to better enhance the town center area and preserve the historic character.
2. Develop a dynamic town center with the appropriate use of historic buildings as the center piece of these efforts.
3. Improve the town centers appearance by better integrating parking and developing a streetscape plan.
4. Provide incentives for property owners to preserve and maintain their properties (such as tax, loan/grant, and
code incentives).
5. Increase marketing and tourism for the town center area through public awareness, education, and the creation of
tourism amenities.
Strip-Type Development
Strip-type development
typically refers to nonresidential
development that
occurs along major roads in a
linear fashion and is
generally characterized as:
• having wide and shallow
lots,
• individual or strips of
stores that orient
towards parking areas
between the building(s)
and the street,
• having one-story
buildings with very
simple architectural
features,
• multiple curb cuts,
• limited pedestrian
interconnections
between sites, and
• uncoordinated signage.
Overall, it is important to stress that the level of future development in Westchester is anticipated to be much less intense
than that expected in the Town Center. Westchester is intended to be more of a rural center with a village flavor. As a
result, it is considered unlikely that water service or sewer service will be necessary or desirable in the foreseeable future.
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