Plans may not work, but planning does! The economy may not make it possible to deliver on your plan exactly as you planned it, but the process of planning is mission-critical. It is the only way to be clear about your choices. Planning is essential to consider what it takes to survive, grow and prosper in any economic environment.
In turbulent economic cycles, the planning process is no longer the abstract endeavor taught in business school; every alternative must be considered and the best options turned instantly into action. The ability to develop a great plan, set and implement strategy is at the heart of success. With a clear plan we can prepare for the future through a step-by-step process and ensure quality living, innovation and growth. The process generally involves collection and analysis of information, the development of alternative courses of action consistent with identified goals, and the implementation and monitoring of the recommended course of action. The East Lyme 2009 Plan of Conservation and Development is one such plan that presents goals, objectives, and implementation strategies for future growth and development in this community.
Planning Projects 2011
In the same spirit, the Planning Department, in conjunction with the support of the East Lyme Planning Commission, has begun developing several different plans and initiatives spanning the land use spectrum as follows:
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Niantic and Flanders Village Center Master Plan: This plan would seek to create a clear, documented and sharedvision for the future of both the Niantic and Flanders Village Center that “sets the stage” for funding strategies, capital improvement programming, new development, and retention/attraction of area businesses and supports transit-oriented development.
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Transportation and Sidewalk Plan: Developed in conjunction with continued updates to the Plan of Conservation and Development, a Transportation and Sidewalk Plan would support multi-modal transit-orientated development and again “sets the stage” for funding strategies and capital improvement programming.
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Climate Adaptation and Sustainability Plan: The Planning Commission has established a subcommittee to prepare a Climate Adaptation and Sustainability Plan which would promote public awareness of climate change, identify strategies to reduce impacts, and identify projected impacts to East Lyme.
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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Return on Investment (ROI) Study: Begining in November of 2010, the Department started work on a GIS ROI Study. Currently, GIS is implemented in the town; however, the quantifiable return on the system has never been measured and it does not appear that the Town is realizing the potential for enhancing and streamlining operations through the use of GIS. As part of an overall planning objective, the Department of Planning is investigating the potential for GIS to provide business benefit in the future. The intent is to determine and quantify potential benefits to create a benefits road-map and budget, to support appropriate investment in GIS software, hardware, data, and services.
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Economic Development Action Plan: This plan would identify strategies for improving the necessary interaction between business and government, for perfecting markets through better communication, and effectively competing for economic resources in a highly competivie environment. This plan includes implementing a GIS Economic Gardening Program. A GIS Economic Gardening Program would help ensure the economic health of the community by empowering entrepreneurs to create good-paying jobs by providing advanced, corporate level tools for any East Lyme businesses. The intent would be to provide market research, competitor intelligence, industry trends, marketing lists, strategy development, web optimization and customized research for any business within East Lyme at little or no cost through the use of GIS.
These are just several of the projects the Department of Planning will be working on this year and into the future. Land use changes, technology, and growth will continually alter the face of East Lyme. To meet the future challenges and needs of the community, the Department of Planning will advocate sound planning practices; continuously review, improve, and update land use regulations and policies; and incorporate inter agency and interdepartmental cooperation and communication, training, and information management technologies. In this ever changing and competitive environment, remember that although plans may not always work, planning does!
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