Vision for future of Rumford

Feb 03, 2012 12:00 am

RUMFORD -- Work began Thursday on a plan to develop a realistic direction for Rumford for the next decade.

Members of the nine-person Comprehensive Planning Committee began the long process with their first meeting with John Maloney, planner with the Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments. Maloney assisted the town in developing a comprehensive plan in 1998. That plan took 18 months to develop, but the prior one was back in 1964.

Earlier, Town Manager Carlo Puiia said there's a lot in place in the present comprehensive plan that will not need to be changed, but parts of the 12-year-old plan need to be updated in order for the town to apply for grant opportunities.

Maloney advised committee members to look at the good things the town has now and well as the things that need to be addressed and how to go about doing that.

Kevin Saisi, elected chair for the committee, served on the previous committee. "I want to make sure this plan moves us forward and entices people to come to our town."

Phil Blampied said he wants to be part of a plan that will facilitate the help needed for the town to obtain federal and state grants.

Samantha Byam, who travels a good distance to work, said other people have to as well. She would like to work to develop zoning for the town, which will help bring more business to lessen the need of people traveling out of town for work.

Frank DiConzo was elected as vice-chair, with Rita Aromaa as secretary.

Maloney said it's also important that the committee involve the public in this process, for the final comprehensive plan will need to be adopted by citizens.

"I want committee members to know and understand it (the plan) well enough to talk about it to the public," he noted, adding, "This is not my plan. This is the town's plan."

The current comprehensive plan is on the Town of Rumford website.

When asked to suggest issues to look at, the first issue brought up was delapidated housing and to look at management as well as repairing and upgrading what the town has for housing.

Another issue is depopulation, in part because all the young people leave for their future. Related to that is more educational opportunities.

Other issues were:

* Upgrade public facilities for fire and police, look at regionalization;

* Support for businesses that are here so they can be more productive;

* Open up Rt. 2 in the Virginia section of town to Rumford Center for development;

* The need for an economic development department;

* Making the town's hub more attractive.

The board decided they will meet every fourth Thursday at 6 p.m. in the conference room, downstairs in the Rumford Town Hall. The public is encouraged to attend and make suggestions. The agenda and minutes will be posted on the town's website.

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Vision for future of Rumford

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