2026 Village Master Plan Project
The Town of Norwich is laying the foundation for future planning and development in the greater Village area through the creation of a cohesive Village Plan that will guide future planning through specific and measurable goals, strategies and actions. This plan will link the physical, natural, and social infrastructure of the Town so that these elements thrive as parts of an integrated system. The project process will include diverse community engagement to develop ideas that are publicly vetted and supported. Priority topic areas include, but are not limited to:
- Housing and Infrastructure – Infrastructure supports housing, business, and recreation goals
- Bike, Pedestrian, and Road Safety – Walking and biking in the village feels enjoyable and safe and can be an effective means of transportation to Village destinations.
- Community Building and Downtown Vibrancy –The historic Village feels like and serves as a vibrant community center.
- Priority Goals
- Find achievable solutions to problems people care about in the village. Select a few and get them done. Demonstrate successes at solving resident’s concerns.
- Create a long term plan, including but not limited to a capital plan, that prioritizes town activity and spending, placing individual projects within a holistic view.
- Develop a process for resident engagement and planning that becomes an ongoing tool, including for the 2028 town plan project.
Study Area:
The historic village of Norwich, and approximately northwards to Huntley Meadow and Moore Lane Bridge, and outwards along Union Village Road, eastward to River Road and the historical Lewiston neighborhood, and south along US Route 5 to the Town line. The plan will encompass the Norwich Grange Hall, Jones Circle, Tracy Hall, and the Norwich Farmers’ market as thematic points of interest.
Steering Committee Members
Jaan Laaspere, Christian Spalding, Brendan Classon, Andrew Torkelson, Jess Phelps, Brian Loeb, Alec Orenstein, Elena Kennedy, Sheridan Zimmer, Anne Sargent, Cole Flannery, Lucinda Walker
Agendas
101426_Agenda for the 5th meeting of the Village Master Plan Steering Committee
093026 Agenda for the 4th meeting of the Village Master Plan Steering Committee
070726 Agenda for the 3rd meeting of the Village Master Plan Steering Committee
062326 Agenda for 2nd meeting of the Village Master Plan Steering Committee
060926 Agenda for the inaugural meeting of the Village Master Plan Steering Committee
Meeting Notes
June 09, 2026 Meeting Notes
July 7th, 2026 Meeting Notes
Sept. 30, 2026 Meeting Notes
Materials
Presentation by Sarah Rooker of the Norwich Historical Society
Project Map
Work Plan & Budget