2 - Town of Colchester

Establish Economic Development Focal Points in Other Appropriate Locations
Due to the roadway and utility infrastructure, Colchester has several areas where economic development focal points
could be established to meet community needs for employment, goods and services, and tax base.
The area near the confluence of Routes 2 and 11 would appear to hold a lot of potential for the development of some
commercial uses and a business park containing office, warehouse, light industry, assembly, distribution, research,
development, and other functions. Adjacent areas could also provide for lower intensity or transitional uses (such as
lodging facilities, small offices, institutions, or other uses) that would provide for transition to adjacent residential areas.
Since the park type arrangement for the business park area is a key component, overall planning for this area should be
coordinated with other appropriate agencies (such as the Economic Development and Conservation Commissions).
Another area with potential for development of an economic focal point is located at Exit 17 of Route 2. While land
along Old Hartford Road may be appropriate for retail or commercial development, areas to the east (extending up to the
wetlands area near Old Hebron Road) will be more appropriate for business park and similar uses.
Both of these areas would provide for community needs while being efficiently served by road, water, sewer, and other
utility infrastructure.
Consider Eliminating Some Other Business & Industrial Zones
At the present time, Colchester has a disorganized arrangement of business and industrial zones. For example, there are
too many industrial zones encompassing too much area in too many locations to bear any reasonable relationship to
Colchester’s present or future needs. In addition, some areas are poorly located to offer much prospect for meaningful
economic development or are likely to have adverse impacts on surrounding areas.
Many of these industrial zones were established when Colchester first adopted zoning and have never been used for
industrial purposes. Some areas have little prospect for desired economic development since they are far removed from
centers of activity or main roads (typically important considerations for business uses). In fact, some areas have been
proposed for uses (like an asphalt plant) that caused considerable community opposition.
There is little doubt that Colchester would not identify these areas as being the most appropriate for economic
development if zoning were being established today. In the long run, Colchester will benefit from an overall business and
industrial zoning pattern that meets community needs and responds to the overall community structure. In addition to
establishing the desired economic development focal points, Colchester should eliminate unnecessary or redundant
business and industrial zones.
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