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May 18 ,2002

Why A Growth Management Bylaw?

  • 61% of over 800 Rutland households responded to the Town of Rutland Survey, distributed 2/97 with the Town Census. According to the survey’s results, the three most serious issues facing the Town of Rutland:

1. Population Growth and its impact

2. Loss of open land to development

3. Need for land use planning

  • Town residents participating in public meetings, including seven (7) Public Participation Workshops, conducted during the past 4+ year Master Plan development process, identified the need to temporarily moderate growth to allow for long term planning.

  • A clear majority, over 57% of participating residents, voted to approve the Growth Management Bylaw at 2002’s Annual Town Meeting. Following the Meeting, calling it ‘a mandate’ many residents requested that the Bylaw be brought back for the required 2/3 Zoning Bylaw approval vote.

  • Growth and tax rates, and capital improvement needs/costs indicate that new residential growth is outpacing the Town of Rutland’s capacity to provide and pay for the services/facilities needed to support the current rate of growth.

  • Growth impact indicators include overcrowded schools, increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic, strained water and sewer systems, staff and equipment shortages in Town Departments, Offices and service organizations, overloaded volunteer and elected Boards, lack of professional staff and expertise to serve the more complex operation of a rapidly growing town, increased Public Safety and DPW needs, loss of open space and increased service, staff and facility costs at a time of decreased funding at the Federal, State and local levels.
  • According to the most recent FY 2002 Cost of Community Services Study, for every $1.00 the Town of Rutland receives in tax revenue, the Town of Rutland expends $1.29 on residential services.

 

Updated March 22, 2003 by RutlandGreen.