Montpelier Planning Commission reviews updated city plan with interactive maps

The Montpelier Planning Commission convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss the ongoing development of the Montpelier City Plan, focusing particularly on land use. The meeting provided an opportunity for public input and aimed to enhance community engagement through an updated online document featuring interactive maps.

Mike Miller, a key figure in the planning process, opened the meeting by inviting feedback from the public on various aspects of the city plan. He emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of Montpelier. The online city plan now includes features designed to connect residents with decision-makers and staff, allowing for a more informative and engaging experience.

The commission reviewed the structure of the city plan, which consists of 12 chapters covering topics such as housing, economic development, and public safety. Each chapter includes a story map, a PDF, and an implementation plan. The discussion highlighted the land use chapter, which integrates maps from other sections of the plan to create a comprehensive future land use map. This map is crucial for defining zoning areas and guiding future development.

Miller noted that the current land use map reflects existing residential and non-residential buildings, while the future land use map is undergoing revisions based on state guidelines. The commission is working closely with state authorities to ensure compliance with new methodologies for land use planning. A revised version of the future land use map is expected to be available for review during the upcoming public hearing on March 24, 2025.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and public engagement, as the commission prepares to present the revised maps and gather further community input. The next steps include finalizing the revisions and facilitating discussions at the public hearing, ensuring that residents have a voice in the planning process.