It's a small victory, but a victory none-the-less
The Town Supervisor just came in to discuss my recommendations with me. After some additional discussion and my offer for our office to revise the demographics at no cost to them (a consultant wrote their plan), he agreed they should make the changes!
I also advised him that, IMO, the Town would not have to go through a formal re-adoption of the plan unless the changes include new policy statements.
Other points I had made previously in a note to a Town planning board member:
The County Planning Board ... letter of 8/6/03 to the .... Town regarding the comprehensive plan [included the following]: "On page 4, under "Demographics," the demographic analysis should include the population of the Village ......, as village residents are also Town residents. A demographic comparison of village residents vs. town outside residents may offer some significant insights."
Additional reasons and advantages for including the Village population in the Town population demographic analysis comprehensive plan:
* Village residents are Town residents. In fact, Village residents made up 40% of the Town population in 2000.
* Registered voters in the Village also vote in Town officer elections.
* The Town Board governs all residents of [municipality], not just those that live outside the Village limits.
* Village residents use town facilities and services, including roads, parks, and public buildings. Village property owners also pay Town taxes to support the cost of Town facilities and services. In fact, according to the 2003 assessment records, village properties make up one-third of the Town's net taxable property valuation (the tax base).
* Village population demographics are relevant to the Town in adopting policies that may make the Town eligible for funding of Town-wide projects. Community Development Block and recreation grants are but two examples.
