Community Guided Planning & Zoning is a project of the Kennebec Valley and Androscoggin Valley Councils of Governments and Somerset Economic Development Corporation through which they will assist Franklin and Somerset Counties to prospectively plan for land uses in portions of the unorganized and de-organized areas in the two counties. The Maine Land Use Planning Commission invited regions to engage in CGPZ to foster local land use decision making.

The first phase of the initiative will focus on the anticipated land uses needed to support outdoor recreation growth, and zoning changes needed to encourage/allow such uses. These may include the facilities, trails and land uses needed to support economic growth in the area including towns adjacent to the UT.

KVCOG, AVCOG and SEDC are assembling a 20-member two county planning committee to oversee the planning process. The Planning Committee’s charge is to lead the planning effort, conduct regular meetings open to the public and develop a report and recommendations for consideration by LUPC. They are seeking individuals that will collectively represent a well-balanced, diversity of backgrounds and experiences necessary to fully explore land use considerations to support outdoor recreation growth, and zoning changes to encourage/allow such uses in the UT in Franklin and Somerset Counties.

The following interests have been identified for representation on the committee: representatives of the county commissioners, large property owners, wood products interests, tourism businesses, small property owners, recreation interests, environmental groups, chamber of commerce/economic development groups and residents of the UT.

To learn more about the Community Guided Planning and Zoning in the Western Maine Region or to submit a request for planning committee appointment for Franklin County, contact John Maloney, AVCOG, at 783-9186, ext. 224, or go to www.kvcog.org/index.php/western-maine-plan. Request for committee appointment must be received by Dec. 6.

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