Our Vision of Smart Growth in Middlebury, Vermont


We define smart growth as informed development which maintains the characteristics that are valued by a municipality as stated in their Town Plan. Informed development can only occur if citizens and Town Planners know the history of their city, have a clear Town Plan stating what is important in the town, and have a clear vision of what their town will look like in a hundred years.

For Middlebury, smart growth is development that maintains the village atmosphere while promoting economic growth. The village atmosphere is made up of working agricultural landscapes, a dense mixed-use town center, and protected natural resources. Smart growth can only occur with the help of the local residents who are informed about the town issues and who are willing to be involved in the decision making. Every citizen in a town the size of Middlebury has the potential to use their knowledge and power as a citizen to make things happen (or not happen).

 

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