Why a Climate-Smart comprehensive Plan?
Through earlier planning processes and use of recent data, the Town of Hatfield recognizes that climate change presents serious challenges given the extended shorelines along the Connecticut River and Mill River, and a local economy based largely on farming. Flooding and the greater extremes between downpours and droughts are of particular concern. These changes threaten Town Center infrastructure with flooding and present far greater difficulty to farms when crops are destroyed by too much or too little rainfall. Increasing heat and shifting species distributions are posing additional local challenges.
The Climate Smart Comprehensive Plan builds on the groundwork established through previous planning efforts in Hatfield, including the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) and Hazard Mitigation plans. It will include a future vision with key actions for responding to climate challenges relative to Hatfield’s many facets: Land Use, Housing, Health and Social Environment, Farming, Economic Development, Historic and Cultural Resources, Natural Resources, Open Space, and Recreation, Transportation and Mobility, and Facilities and Services.
The Hatfield Comprehensive Plan Committee
Comprehensive Plan Committee Co-Chairs |
Micki Sanderson, Historical Commission |
Shawn Robinson, Council on Aging |
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Mike Bartlett, Community Preservation Committee |
Angelica Dewey, Open Space Committee |
David Keir, At Large |
Luke Longstreeth, Conservation Commisssion |
Christopher Smith, Redevelopment Committee |
Garret Barry, Public Works |
Rebecca Bench, School Committee |
Julia Frisby, At Large |
Jon Kostek, Recreation Committee |
John Pease, Agricultural Commission |
Stephanie Slysz, Planning Board |
Jalil Johnson, At Large |