Vermont § 2790 - Legislative policy and purpose [Repealed effective July 1, 2034]

§ 2790. Legislative policy and purpose [Repealed effective July 1, 2034]

• (a) The General Assembly finds that: (1) Economically strong downtowns are critical to the health and well-being of Vermont’s
  communities and that downtowns are the natural location for both small businesses
  and other uses that together constitute the diverse fabric of communities that define
  Vermont’s quality of life. (2) Vermont’s distinctive character of historic downtowns and villages surrounded by working
  landscapes is recognized worldwide. This character defines Vermont’s image, economy,
  and sense of place as well as its community spirit and identity, which are enjoyed
  by residents and visitors alike. This distinctive character is among our most valuable
  assets, and investing in its health is a critical component of the State’s overall
  economic well-being. The General Assembly recognizes the particular importance of
  Vermont’s downtowns as historic regional centers providing services and amenities
  to nonresidents and further recognizes their need for targeted support in avoiding
  continued loss of commercial and residential land use to the surrounding area. (3) Investments made to revitalize the State’s historic downtowns and village centers,
  to encourage pedestrian-oriented development within and around the commercial core,
  and to build upon the State’s traditional settlement patterns support statewide goals
  concerning energy conservation, the efficient use of transportation and other public
  infrastructure and services, the protection of the working landscape, and the promotion
  of healthy lifestyles. (4) Strategies, programs, and investments that advance smart growth principles today will
  result in the long-term fiscal, economic, cultural, and environmental viability of
  the State. (b) It is therefore the intent of the General Assembly to: (1) support historic downtowns and villages by providing funding, training, and resources
  to communities designated under this chapter, to revitalize such communities, to increase
  and diversify economic development activities, to improve the efficient use of public
  investments, including water and sewer systems, and to safeguard working landscapes; (2) improve the ability of Vermont’s historic downtowns and villages to attract residents
  and businesses by enhancing their livability and unique sense of place; by expanding
  access to employment, housing, education and schools, services, public facilities,
  and other basic needs; and by expanding businesses’ access to markets; (3) coordinate policies and leverage funding to support historic downtowns and villages
  by removing barriers to collaboration among local downtown organizations, municipal
  departments, local businesses, and local nonprofit organizations and increasing accountability
  and effectiveness at all levels of government to revitalize communities and plan for
  future growth; (4) promote healthy, safe, and walkable downtown and village neighborhoods for people
  of all ages and incomes by increasing investments in those locations; providing energy
  efficient housing that is closer to jobs, services, health care, stores, entertainment,
  and schools; and reducing the combined cost of housing and transportation; (5) encourage investment in mixed use development and provide for diverse housing options
  within walking distance of historic downtowns and villages that reinforce Vermont’s
  traditional settlement patterns and meet the needs of community members of all social
  and economic groups; (6) develop safe, reliable, and economical transportation options in historic downtowns
  and villages to decrease household transportation costs, promote energy independence,
  improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote public health; and (7) reflect Vermont’s traditional settlement patterns, and to minimize or avoid strip
  development or other unplanned development throughout the countryside on quality farmland
  or important natural and cultural landscapes. (c) [Repealed.] (d) The General Assembly finds that Vermont’s communities face challenges as they seek
  to accommodate growth and development while supporting the economic vitality of the
  State’s downtowns, village centers, and new town centers and maintaining the rural
  character and working landscape of the surrounding countryside. While it is the intention
  of the General Assembly to give the highest priority to facilitating development and
  growth in downtowns and village centers whenever feasible, when that is not feasible,
  the General Assembly further finds that: (1) A large percentage of future growth should occur within duly designated growth centers
  that have been planned by municipalities in accordance with smart growth principles
  and Vermont’s planning and development goals pursuant to section 4302 of this title. (2) Designated growth centers, if properly located and scaled, will serve to support the
  State’s downtowns, village centers, and new town centers by encouraging new residential
  neighborhoods and compatible civic, commercial, and industrial uses to locate within
  proximity to historic community centers. (3) Designated growth centers will provide a cost-effective means of allocating and targeting
  limited municipal and State resources to those areas specifically planned to accommodate
  and support concentrated development and a large percentage of future growth. (4) Designated growth centers will provide a mechanism for concentrating private investment
  in those areas targeted for growth and development through public investments and
  incentives, and by establishing a process that will effectively reduce cost and delay
  in the permitting and approval of development. (5) Designated growth centers will accomplish these goals if they are economically viable,
  they are appropriately planned to accommodate future growth needs and a mix of uses,
  they originate at the municipal or regional level, and they are recognized by the
  State under State planning, financing, and permitting programs. (Added 1997, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2005, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, 2013, No. 59, § 1; repealed by 2023, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 65(a), eff. July 1, 2034.) § 2790. Repealed. 2023, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 65(a), eff. July 1, 2034. (Added 1997, No. 120 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; amended 2005, No. 183 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, 2013, No. 59, § 1; repealed by 2023, No. 181 (Adj. Sess.), § 65(a), eff. July 1, 2034.)