In accordance with state statute [24 V.S.A. Chapter 117 §4384], the Cabot Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, December 2, 2024, 6:00P.M. at the Cabot Town Offices (Willey Building Meeting room) to receive public comment regarding the proposed Cabot Town Plan. This will be a hybrid meeting and the public may attend in person at the Cabot Town Offices or remote via Zoom with telephone and/or video access.
To join the meeting remotely, use this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4638617646?omn=88455304518 Meeting ID: 463 861 7646
The Cabot Planning Commission has been working to update the Cabot Town Plan for the past two years. The draft is a partial re-write of the 2017-2025 Town Plan. A preliminary draft has been prepared and the Commission is soliciting additional input from Town residents before formally proposing a draft to the Cabot Selectboard for adoption. The flood of July 10, 2023, heavily impacted Cabot, so many of the updates refer to the changes caused by that event. Data and information related to the town, its residents, housing, and economy have been updated. The Tables reflect current data from the 2020 U.S. Census, or other sources.
Updates were included in response to new statutory requirements, including the Natural Resources section being updated to address Act 171, the incorporation of the goals of Act 174 and the State’s Commitment to be 90% renewable by 2050, such that the Energy chapter is now intended to serve as the Town’s Enhanced Energy Plan. The revised designated Village Center has also been included.
The Town Plan is consistent with the goals established in 24 V.S.A. §4302, and the revisions do not alter the designation of any land area. The proposed Cabot Town Plan includes all the required elements set forth in the Act [§4382], including the following specific chapters that have been updated:
Chapter 2: Natural Heritage
This chapter was updated to address Act 171. The chapter includes new mapping of Critical Forest Blocks, connectivity and fragmentation as well as wildlife habitat and habitat crossings. Ongoing inventory of the natural resources focused on natural communities that is being conducted by the Cabot Conservation Committee. The creation of Molly’s Falls State Park, a new section in groundwater, and an updated and expanded section on Invasive Species.
Chapter 4: Housing
This chapter has been updated with the most current data about housing in the Town of Cabot. Corrections were made as well as deletions of incorrect data. Tables and graphs were updated, and data sources cited. Updates were also made to Goals, Policies and Tasks. Minor revisions were made to ensure consistency with Act 174.
Chapter 6: Energy
Much of the prior chapter has been deleted and the chapter is now intended to serve as the Town of Cabot’s Enhanced Energy Plan. This energy plan reflects efforts by the Planning Commission to incorporate the goals of Act 174, and the State Commitment to be 90% renewable by 2050. These changes are being made to further State Planning Goals and the Vermont Comprehensive Energy Plan. Updates were also made to Goals, Policies and Tasks.
Chapter 5: Land Use
The updates made here take into consideration the changes made to Act 250 in 2024. Updates were also made to Goals, Policies and Tasks.
Chapter 7: Economic Development
This section was updated to speak to implementation of the Village Revitalization Plan and the new Designated Village Center, Changes to Cabot Creamery, The Cabot Community Investment fund and enhanced creative economy attractions.
Chapter 8: Transportation
This was updated to address changes to infrastructure required, and hoped for, to mitigate losses from flooding. A last section is added to address flood resiliency specifically. Also noted here and in other chapters is the need for a parking study to improve accommodation at larger village events.
Chapter 11: Community Facilities, Utilities, and Services
Updated to reflect changes since 2017, including both the temporary and planned fire station, the new childcare facility and the recreational trails system.
Chapter 10: Climate and Resilience
An entirely new section added to meet the state requirement for an element addressing flood resilience, but expanded to address other issues Cabot faces with increasingly severe weather events.
Updates were made to the implementation tables at the end of each section to tasks anticipated over the next 8 years.
Copies of the full text of the proposed Cabot Town Plan and accompanying maps are available for examination at the Cabot Town Office during regular office hours or can be viewed here. You may also send comments and suggestions to the Planning Commission, via email at [email protected] or by mail to Planning Commission PO box 36 Cabot, Vermont 05647.
Dated at Cabot, Vermont, October 28, 2024
Bobby Searles, Chair
Cabot Planning Commission