Comprehensive Plan

Hartford, New York Comprehensive Plan

Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010)

Section 1. Introduction 1.1 Introduction

Purpose of the Plan Plan must have at least a 20-year time horizon, even though it should be reviewed at least every 10 years This Comprehensive Plan is the principal statement and updated as conditions in the town change. By of policy for the Town of Hartford. It presents a taking this long view, Hartford will be able to pursue vision for the town’s future, and a series of recom- strategies that over time will achieve its vision. mendations for achieving that vision. It is intended that this plan guide the town’s efforts in land use planning, development review, the provision of public facilities and services, environmental protection, Planning Process economic development and land conservation. This Hartford has been engaged in planning for its future plan will be implemented through various town laws, for a number of years. This most recent update of its through town participation in state and federal regu- Comprehensive Plan began in 2008. The first step latory processes and through the town’s approach to was to hear from Hartford’s residents and proper- raising and spending public funds. ty owners; this was accomplished through a public opinion survey distributed to all taxpayers and a se- A comprehensive plan should state the town’s aims ries of three planning workshops. The Comprehen- in terms broad enough to allow application to a wide sive Plan Committee relied upon the results of the range of situations, yet with sufficient detail to serve survey and public meetings to revise this plan. as a guide to the refinement of local laws and other implementation tools. A town is made up of a great many dimensions or factors. The plan must provide Reading the Plan a central theme that unites these factors, yet must This plan is divided into four sections – Our People, recognize that efforts to enhance the various factors Our Community, Our Land, and Our Future. The may come into conflict. The plan should allow for first three sections provide an inventory of current flexibility and creativity in its application in order to conditions in the town with analysis of issues affect- accommodate competing objectives. ing the community. The final section, Our Future, outlines goals to strive for and objectives that will A Comprehensive Plan must be based on a long-term move the town towards its desired future as ex- vision for the future of the community. This vision pressed in the vision statement in Chapter 1.2. will not be achieved in five or even ten years. Rather, it is something for which the town will strive for several decades. For this reason, this Comprehensive

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 1 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 1. Introduction 1.2 Vision Statement

Hartford’s character is a direct result of our agricul- Housing development will be carefully sited to pre- tural heritage and the continued productive use of serve our most productive land and sensitive natural our land. We are eager to improve our quality of life, resources. Enjoyment of nature and recreation op- attract new businesses and residents, and expand portunities will be enhanced, attracting visitors and opportunities for future generations – but only in a preserving residents’ connections to the land. We manner that complements our rural way of life and will maintain our clean air, water and soil by pre- preserves the characteristics of this place that we venting polluting industries and land use practices. value. We want growth in housing to be balanced by job It is our vision that Hartford will remain an agri- growth so that Hartford does not become primarily cultural community, with a diverse farming economy a bedroom community for nearby regional centers. that is not reliant on a single product. Other non- Small businesses and clean, light industries will pro- farming industries – such as tourism, processing, en- vide jobs and diversify the town’s tax base. Residents ergy production and support businesses – will fur- will have access to basic goods and services locally, ther strengthen the economic vitality of agriculture. including the ability to purchase locally grown foods and related products. We envision that residential development will pro- ceed in a controlled manner, providing quality, af- Our sense of community and civic engagement fordable housing opportunities for residents at all should be strengthened so that neighborliness and stages of life and of varying income levels. Historic small-town character are not lost as new people buildings will be preserved and traditional hamlets move into town. Community gathering places, will be revitalized. events and organizations will maintain the connections between residents, while enhancing the quality of life in Hartford.

2 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People 2.1 Population

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Current Population. Hartford is a rural town in a 1. The rate of growth in Hartford and rural county. The town’s population in 2009 was ap- Washington County has slowed. proximately 2,300 people. Hartford is the seventh smallest town in Washington County (out of 17 2. Hartford's population is growing older. municipalities) in terms of population and its resi- 3. Very few young people raised in Hartford dents comprise only 3.7 percent of the county’s total stay here. population. 4. The percentage of residents living on a farm continues to decline. Recent Growth Rates. Hartford, which like many agricultural communities in the Northeast had been experiencing population decline since the mid- Population growth was the strongest during the 1880s, began a period of rapid population growth in 1970s and slowed during the ‘80s and’90s. In the the 1960s. During the past several decades, the town 2000s, it appears that the town’s growth rate has saw steady growth at rates significantly higher than slowed significantly as compared to the previous county averages. Since 1960, the number of people four decades. Hartford’s population has been grow- living in town has more than doubled. Hartford’s ing by 20 to 30 people annually in recent years, ac- population has not exceeded the peak level of the cording to best available estimates. early 1800s, however. Population Projections. Population projections Figure 1: Hartford’s Population prepared by the Cornell University Program for Ap- 2,500 plied Demographics in 2008 for Washington Coun-

2,279 ty suggest a very slow rate of growth for the county over the next 25 years. Projections prepared for 2,000 1,989 Hartford in 2009 based on the town’s current demo- 1,742 graphic profile indicate a continuation of the slower growth rates experienced over the past decade. 1,500 1,398 Projection models assume past trends and condi- 1,058 1,000 tions will continue into the future. Significant chang- 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 es in regional economic conditions could spur people Source: US Census to move in or out of the area in numbers that cannot be anticipated by mathematical projection models.

Figure 2: Comparison of Population Growth and Average Annual Growth Rates 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s #%#%#%#%#% Hartford 340 2.8% 344 2.2% 247 1.3% 290 1.4% Washington County 1,332 0.8% 2,070 0.4% 4,535 0.8% 1,712 0.3% New York State 1,952,112 0.8% -678,895 -0.4% 432,383 0.2% 986,002 0.5%

Source: US Census

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 3 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People

Figure 3: Population Projections Actual Projection Growth 2000-2035 1990 2000 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030 2035 # % Hartford 1,989 2,279 2,496 2,623 2,776 2,905 3,024 3,124 845 0.9% Washington County 59,330 61,042 62,332 62,357 62,057 61,328 60,136 58,553 -2,489 -0.1% New York State 17,990,455 18,976,457 19,617,941 19,876,073 20,112,402 20,299,512 20,415,446 20,460,301 1,483,844 0.2%

Source: US Census (actual); Cornell University Program on Applied Demographics (county & state projections); PlaceSense (town projection) One such change on the horizon is the computer Age Profile. The median age of Hartford residents chip manufacturing plant under construction in was 35.5 years according to the 2000 Census. While Malta, approximately 40 miles southwest of Hart- Hartford’s population continues to be slightly ford, which is anticipated to directly employ 1,400 younger than the county average, trends suggest people and create significant additional spin-off de- that the median age of town residents will increase velopment. This economic growth will generate resi- over the next several decades. Baby-boomers, those dential development in nearby communities, but it people born between 1946 and 1964, are the largest remains to be seen how much of an effect it will have segment of Hartford’s population. on more distant towns like Hartford. If the Malta project generates business growth in communities It was largely young, baby-boomer couples moving closer to Hartford, the likelihood of increased resi- into Hartford that drove the town’s rapid growth dential development in town will be greater. during the 1960s and ‘70s. These couples then started families, with births driving the town’s population growth in the 1980s. This “echo baby boom” ended Figure 4: Age Profile in the 1990s as the baby boom generation passed out Hartford County of their childbearing years. Enrollment at the Hart- Age 1990 2000 2000 ford Central School has declined by approximately <5 160 160 7% 6% 100 students (17%) during the past decade. 5 to 9 151 181 8% 7% Households. Around 850 households lived in 10 to 14 145 199 9% 8% Hartford in 2009, with an average household size 15 to 19 162 173 8% 7% estimated at 2.7 people. While average household 20 to 24 148 82 4% 6% size has been declining in Hartford, the town has 25 to 29 144 134 6% 6% consistently had more people per household than 30 to 34 173 198 9% 7% the county average. 35 to 39 165 198 9% 9% 40 to 44 152 193 8% 8% The town’s households are predominately composed 45 to 49 141 185 8% 8% of married couples, although it appears that the 50 to 54 94 148 6% 7% number of married-couple households with children 55 to 59 90 129 6% 6% under 18 at home peaked in the ‘90s. Hartford is beginning to see an increase in the number of single- 60 to 64 74 92 4% 4% person households. These trends are directly linked 65 to 69 68 66 3% 4% to the age profile of town residents. 70 to 74 49 44 2% 4% 75 to 79 34 40 2% 3% Household Income and Wages. Household in- 80 to 84 29 37 2% 2% comes in Hartford have typically been slightly high- 85+ 10 20 1% 2% er than county averages. Due to Hartford’s larger Source: US Census household size, however, per capita (per person)

4 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People

Figure 5: Households and Household Size tirement income on the 2000 Census. This percentage is likely Number Average Size 1980 1990 2000 2010 1990 2000 2010 to rise in future decades as more Hartford 517 673 813 2.96 2.80 residents reach retirement age. Washington County 17,984 20,256 22,458 2.75 2.55 Migration. For decades follow- New York State 6,345,951 6,639,322 7,056,860 2.66 2.48 ing the Civil War, very few new Source: US Census households moved into Hart- ford. That began changing in the Figure 6: Hartford’s Households by Type 1960s, so that now the majority of Hartford’s house- 2000 1990 holds have moved into town fairly recently, both from 76 62 71 132 40 86 other communities in the area and from elsewhere. More than 90 percent of Hartford’s households have moved into their current home since 1970 and more 286 248 213 272 than 50 percent have moved since 1990. This influx of new households appears to have begun slowing in the late-1990s and continued to slow through the 2000s. Single-Person Single-Parent w/ Children

Married Couple w/ Children Other Neighborliness and connections with other people Married Couple w/o Children living in town are important elements of Hartford’s Source: US Census rural character that residents want to preserve. Con- tinued turnover in a town’s population can pose a income has been slightly below Washington Coun- challenge to maintaining the sense of community ty’s average. According to the Census Bureau, the that arises from knowing many of the people living median household income in Hartford in 1999 was nearby. around $44,000 while the median earnings per person was around $20,00, indicating that most house- Farm Population. Over the past 40 years, the holds are supported by two wage-earners. number of people living on farms in Hartford has declined sharply. In 2000, less than 10 percent of While less than five percent of the town’s population town residents lived on a farm. That figure remained lived in a household whose income was below the significantly higher than the county average of three poverty level (around $11,000 in 1999 for a two- percent. While Hartford’s total population repre- person household), 25 percent of households had an sented less than four percent of the people living in annual income of less than $20,000 in 1999. Those Washington County, Hartford accounted for more households at the lower end of the income scale are than 11 percent of people living on farms in the more likely to include the elderly or families with county according to the 2000 Census. young children. In recent years, around 20 percent of students enrolled in Hartford Central School have Future Demographics. Anecdotal evidence suggests been eligible for the free lunch program, indicat- that very few young people growing up in Hartford ing they live in a household with an annual income are staying in the community or returning after col- of 130 percent or less of the federal poverty level lege. If that trend continues over the next several de- ($21,200 for a four-person household in 2008/09). cades, Hartford should anticipate further reduction in average household size and an increasing number Approximately 25 percent of Hartford’s households of single-person households as the median age of its reported receiving Social Security and/or other re- population increases.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 5 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People

Figure 7: Residential Property by Acreage (2008)

FORT ANN

17 GRANVILLE 149

149 KINGSBURY

196

ARGYLE

Residential Property <2 acres HEBRON 2 to 4 acres 4 to 10 acres Miles 10+ acres 0 0.5 1 2 Prepared by PlaceSense, 14 Jan 2010

Source: 2008 Tax Parcels

6 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People 2.2 Housing

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Housing Stock. There were approximately 900 1. Detached, single-family homes are the homes in Hartford as of 2009. More than 75 percent primary housing option in Hartford. of homes are owner-occupied and nearly all are detached single-family or mobile homes on their own 2. Rental opportunities are limited in lot. Hartford. 3. Around half the land in Hartford is part Figure 8: Hartford’s Housing Units by Tenure of a parcel developed with at least one Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Seasonal Vacant dwelling. 4. A significant percentage of Hartford’s 2000 672 141 52 households are spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. 20 18 1990 553 120 39 Public Opinion

200 400 600 800 1,000 1. 74% of survey respondents agreed that the town should allow housing for farm Source: US Census employees to be built on farm property. Figure 9: Hartford’s Housing Units by Type 2. 60% of survey respondents stated that Single-Family Detached Mobile Home Attached/Multi-Unit providing elderly housing in Hartford was important. 2000 655 154 76 3. 52% of survey respondents stated that providing affordable housing in Hartford was important. 1990 557 119 54 Figure 10: Homes Built Annually in Hartford 200 400 600 800 1,000 1991 8 2001 6 Source: US Census 1992 13 2002 8 1993 10 2003 6 Although the number varies widely from year-to- 1994 9 2004 5 year, an average of 11 new homes were constructed 1995 27 2005 18 in Hartford each year between 1991 and 2007. 1996 7 2006 10 Around one-quarter of Hartford’s homes were built 1997 7 2007 4 before 1940, according to the 2000 Census, while 60 1998 18 2008 percent had been built since 1970. 1999 10 2009 The average home in Hartford has around 1,500 2000 27 2010 square feet of living space. The majority of homes Source: 2008 Tax Assessment Roll are heated with fuel oil or propane, although many

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 7 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People likely include a wood burning stove or fireplace as an costs that exceeded 30 percent of their household alternate heat source. income.

On average, the condition of Hartford’s housing Senior Housing. As discussed in Chapter 2.1 of stock is adequate to meet basic health and safety this plan, Hartford needs to plan for an increas- standards. In 2009, the tax assessor’s property inven- ing number of older residents in future decades. tory classified fewer than five homes as being in poor The housing needs of older residents are different condition. The 2000 Census indicated that there from younger households with children. Seniors of- were no problems with overcrowding, or with lack of ten want smaller, affordable and easier to maintain kitchen or sanitary facilities in Hartford’s residences. homes with more convenient access to basic services.

Residential Property. According to the 2008 tax as- As of 2009, the town’s housing stock did not include sessment rolls and maps, there were about 800 par- any dedicated senior housing. While such housing cels of land in Hartford that included one or more is available in nearby communities, those who have dwellings. Approximately six percent of the town’s lived in Hartford for many years should not have to land area (around 1,600 acres) had been subdivided move out of town to find housing that meets their into residential lots of 10 acres or less. There were needs. Hartford has explored the feasibility of con- nearly 570 such residential lots in Hartford, ac- structing a small senior housing project, but has yet counting for around 70 percent of the town’s homes. to find an available and suitable location. Should an The median size of these residential parcels was two opportunity arise, the town would very much like to acres. Except for a small number of mobile homes, pursue development of senior housing. multi-family homes and apartments, the remaining residences were on farms or large rural properties. Farm Housing. The Census Bureau counted 49 res- These parcels of land comprised nearly half of the idences located on the town’s farms in 2000. While town’s acreage and had a median size of 35 acres. there were more such homes in 2000 than in 1990, Hartford had experienced a significant decline in the Values and Affordability. In recent years, an aver- number of farm homes in previous decades. age of 20 homes have sold in Hartford each year. Between 2003 and 2008, the median sale price of a The recent increase in farm housing may be partially single-family residence on less than 10 acres of land due to farm owners providing on-site housing for in Hartford was around $127,000. The median as- farm workers. The practice of providing housing to sessed value of such homes was $132,000 in 2009, employees has become increasingly common, espe- which would be affordable to a household earning cially for large dairy farms and fruit/vegetable farms. around $40,000 annually with $10,000 saved for Dairy farms typically employ and house employees cash due at closing. year-round, while the fruit/vegetable farms require workers seasonally. The median assessed value of a rural residence on 10 acres of land or more in 2009 was $211,000, which Agriculture cannot survive without farm workers, would be affordable to a household earning around but the jobs are often low-wage making it difficult $63,000 annually with $16,000 saved for cash due for these employees to afford housing. Providing at closing. housing as part of the employment package allows farmers to attract and retain employees, and pro- To be considered affordable, housing costs should motes the economic viability of agriculture. not exceed 30 percent of household income. Accord- ing to the 2000 Census, 17 percent of homeowners and 37 percent of renters in Hartford had housing

8 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People 2.3 Economy

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Agriculture. Agriculture remains Hartford’s prima- 1. Agriculture is Hartford’s primary industry. ry industry. See Chapter 4.1 of this plan for further discussion of agriculture in Hartford. 2. The public sector (school system and town) is the largest employer in Hartford. Natural Resource Industries. The town’s economy 3. Hartford has around 50 small businesses has always been built upon businesses dependent on (many operated by sole proprietors or natural resources - including forestry, agriculture, partners with no employees). extraction of earth resources. The town’s natural re- 4. Hartford lacks the infrastructure necessary sources are an important asset for future economic to support large-scale industry and many development including recreation, tourism and po- medium-sized businesses. tentially renewable energy production. 5. Hartford’s attractive rural character and abundant natural resources are assets for In addition to agriculture, there are other natural- other types of economic development. resource based industries operating in Hartford. In 2002, Jointa Galusha began quarrying and processing consolidated rock (limestone) in Hartford producing aggregate materials, primarily for the Public Opinion construction industry. The company owns approxi- 1. 77% of survey respondents stated that mately 1,300 acres of land in the northwest part of expanding retail and service businesses in town accessed via Route 149, known as the Smiths Hartford was important. Basin Mine or Hartford Quarry. The area to be ac- 2. 60% of survey respondents stated that tively mined, under current permits, is approximate- expanding industry and manufacturing in ly 190 acres. The operation is expected to have a life Hartford was important. of 50 or more years, depending upon market conditions. After the mining operation has concluded, the 3. More than 50% of survey respondents site will be reclaimed with an approximately 170- wanted to see the following types of acre lake. The quarry generates a substantial amount businesses open or expand in Hartford: of truck traffic, which is an issue of ongoing concern non-dairy farms; agricultural tourism, to the town. While the town does receive a per ton sales and recreation; agricultural support impact fee to cover costs of road repair, the amount businesses; retail stores; dairy farms; is likely to be inadequate over the long term. agricultural processing; restaurants; home businesses; manufacturing (<50 The future use of the 485-acre site, purchased by employees); and health care providers. Washington and Warren counties in 1992 as a potential site for a sanitary landfill, remains uncertain. on community and scenic character, quality of life, The counties no longer plan on constructing the and road infrastructure. The town has adopted a landfill and would like to sell the property. Given the local law limiting the scale and types of landfill op- original sale price, the counties are unlikely to sell erations that would be allowed in town. The town the land except for large-scale development of some intends to continue working with the counties and type. Hartford does not support development of a any parties interested in purchasing the property to landfill on the property, due to the negative impacts protect the interests of Hartford’s residents. Ideally,

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 9 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People the town would like to see this property turned into Figure 11: Hartford Business List an asset that would generate economic development 1 Pole Valley Players Club Recreation in Hartford while protecting rural character and 2 Stewart's (gas station) Gas station/convenience store environmental quality, or conserved for continued 3 Jointa Galusha Quarry 4 Hartford Self-Storage Storage agricultural use. Intensive industrial or residential 5 Hartford Town Tavern Restaurant development of the property will be discouraged by 6 Gibson Hardware Retail Hartford. 7 Utopia Enterprise Manufacturing/industrial 8 Hartford Christian Fellowship Civic 9 Northeast Body Automotive/equipment Public Employers. Hartford’s largest employer is 10 Garage Automotive/equipment 12 Dave Hicks the local school system. During the 2008-09 school 13 Adamsville Apartments Commercial apartment year, Hartford Central School had approximately 14 Stella Rose B&B Lodging 60 full-time and 40 part-time employees, and had a 15 As Time Goes By Retail 16 Hartford Central School Civic payroll of approximately $3.0 million. 17 Hartford Town Office and Highway Barn Civic 18 Churchill Memorials Manufacturing/industrial Local government is another major employer. In 19 Hartford Machinery Repair Automotive/equipment 20 Mill Creek Creations Retail 2009, the town employed six people full time and 21 Ed Joy Farm Stand Agricultural/retail around 12 people part-time. The town’s 2009 pay- 22 Hartford Central School Bus Garage Civic roll was approximately $370,000. The town high- 23 Hawk's Corners Sports Shop Retail 24 Haff's Hilltop Orchard Agricultural/retail way department accounts for the majority of jobs 25 K.C. Millwork Construction/building trades and payroll. Hartford’s fiscal condition is discussed 26 Brenda's Chop Shop Automotive/equipment in greater detail in Chapter 3.3. 27 Lulu's Diner Restaurant 28 M. Gebo Trucking Transportation 29 Beadnells Small Businesses. As of 2009, there were approxi- 30 R.W. Dairy Agricultural 31 Curt's Auto Automotive/equipment mately 50 businesses based in Hartford as shown in 32 Russell Wade Construction Construction/building trades Figures 10 and 11. Nearly all the town’s businesses 33 Michelle Morrow Daycare Personal service are very small, employing five or fewer workers. 34 Schroeder Welding Automotive/equipment 35 Baker Daycare Personal service 36 Vicky's Hair Care Personal service Public opinion expressed in the survey and planning 37 Miller's Mobile Welding Automotive/equipment workshops indicated strong support for increas- 38 Maine Drilling and Blasting Storage 39 Woodward ing job opportunities and growing the tax base by 40 Mulhill attracting new businesses to Hartford. While the 41 Brian Sisco town currently lacks the infrastructure necessary to 42 Burchland 43 Lenny Moore support large-scale industry and even many types 44 Lisa Judware of medium-sized businesses (e.g., municipal water/ 45 Smith Construction Construction/building trades 46 Woodchuck Hollow Woodworking Manufacturing/industrial wastewater, transportation, energy, etc.), it could be 47 Crumley Electric Construction/building trades a suitable location for smaller businesses. Hartford’s 48 Boucher Concrete Construction/building trades attractive rural character and abundant natural re- 49 John Logan Landscaping Construction/building trades 50 Bob Chapman Industries Manufacturing/industrial sources are valuable assets for many types of eco- 51 Pollock's Archery Recreation nomic development including ag-based businesses, 52 Verizon Utility tourism and recreation, renewable energy, and re- 53 Stewart's Office 54 Automotive/equipment source extraction. 55 Storage 56 Supporting local entrepreneurs and expanding exist- 57 Storage 58 Post Office Civic ing businesses is a more feasible strategy for small 59 Automotive/equipment towns that want to promote economic development while preserving rural character than attracting ma-

10 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People

Figure 12: Hartford Business Map (keyed to list in Figure 11)

4 149 23 15 40 FORT ANN

58 40 5 57

55 56 6 39 34

14 2 53 17 149 16 33

11 23 3 GRANVILLE 149 12 37 36 17 18 23 35 4 28 see inset 15 55558 65657 149 14 54 532 16 59 47

KINGSBURY 27 1 26 52 19 43 41 196 7 22 31 8 25 20 21 10 40 45 9 40 46 30 44

13 24 30 51 38

29 50

48 42 ARGYLE

HEBRON Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Prepared by PlaceSense, 14 Jan 2010

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 11 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 2. Our People

Figure 13: Workforce by Occupation Hartford County Occupation 2000 2000 Agriculture 78 7% 4% Management & professional 115 10% 13% Education 64 6% 6% Healthcare 51 5% 4% Service 159 14% 17% Sales 218 19% 24% Construction 166 15% 11% Transportation 105 9% 8% Production & manufacturing 175 15% 13%

Source: US Census jor new businesses from outside the area. A diverse Home-based businesses are common in rural areas local economy is also more stable than one reliant on and are encouraged in Hartford to the extent that a single sector or employer. they do not disturb neighbors or community character. The scale and impact of home businesses should Home-Based Businesses. Many of the small busi- be appropriate for their location (e.g. capacity of the nesses in town are sole proprietorships operated roads, proximity to neighbors, generation of noise, from their owner’s residential property. According to dust or other pollutants, etc.). the 2000 Census, 25 percent of Hartford’s households had self-employment income and 84 people Employment and Commuting. Hartford residents reported working from home. are employed in a diverse range of economic sectors as shown in Figure 12. As people moved into Hart- Home-based businesses can provide numerous ben- ford beginning in the 1960s, the town began to shift efits for both residents and the town. Such business- from a primarily agricultural community towards es are appropriate in scale for rural communities, being more of a bedroom community. provide useful services and encourage entrepreneur- ship by eliminating the initial need to rent com- Approximately 80 percent of town residents cur- mercial space. Working from home also saves time rently commute out-of-town to work. Hartford resi- and money by eliminating the need to commute, dents travel to many of the larger communities in reducing traffic congestion and wear-and-tear on lo- the region to work including Queensbury, Granville, cal roads, and lowering demand for childcare. Hav- Kingsbury, Glens Falls, Fort Edward and Fort Ann. ing more residents working from home strengthens In 2000, around three-quarters of residents not community organizations and ties, as those people working from home had a commute of 30 minutes are more likely to have time to volunteer; this is of or less, and less than five percent traveled an hour or particular importance for the town’s emergency re- more to work. This speaks to Hartford’s proximity sponse organizations, which needs volunteers to be to nearby employment centers. available to respond to calls during workday hours.

12 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community 3.1 Transportation

Facts & Discussion Key Issues State and County Roads. Three state highways 1. There are more than 90 miles of roads in (Route 40, Route 149 and Route 196) and four Hartford, nearly two-thirds of which are county roads (Route 17, Route 23, Route 30 and maintained by the town. Route 43) pass through Hartford. 2. Road maintenance represents the largest Route 40 is the main north-south highway in Hart- component of Hartford’s municipal budget ford, originating just north of Hartford at the junc- and its cost has risen sharply in recent tion with Route 22 and traveling through rural years in response to higher energy prices. Washington County south into the Capital District. 3. Any new roads in town will most likely be The highway is located at the base of the ridgeline built by private developers. that divides the eastern and western portions of 4. There are currently few transportation town. options for Hartford residents other than driving. Route 149 is the main east-west highway in Hart- ford, linking Granville in the east to Fort Ann and the greater Glens Falls area in the west. The highway is an important regional connection between Public Opinion Interstate 87 and northern New England. In recent 1. 75% of survey respondents thought that years improvements have been made to the Warren improving maintenance of town roads was County portion of the highway, but a similar project important. has yet to be planned for the Washington County 2. 75% of survey respondents thought that portion of Route 149. slowing traffic in hamlets and residential areas was important. Route 196 begins at the intersection with Route 40 3. 58% of survey respondents thought that in Hartford and travels southwestward into Hudson supporting public transit, carpooling, park- Falls. and-rides, etc. was important. 4. 48% of survey respondents thought that Town Roads and Highway Department. The ma- constructing sidewalks, bicycle paths and/ jority of Hartford’s roads are town maintained and or recreational trails was important. the total mileage of these local roads is nearly 58 miles, including around 14 miles of gravel roads. 5. 47% of survey respondents thought that preventing increased truck traffic in town Road maintenance, with its associated equipment, was important. materials and personnel, represents the largest expense for the town. Hartford’s highway budget in- Given existing traffic volumes, Hartford’s town creased 87 percent between 1999 and 2009, after ad- roads need to be re-surfaced at least once every 15 to justing for inflation. This increase was largely driven 20 years. Thus, the highway department has tried to by rising energy prices, which affected not only the resurface three miles of road each year. The increase cost of vehicle fuel, but more importantly, asphalt in asphalt prices over the past 10 years has been so (which is a petroleum-based product). significant that not only has the highway budget

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 13 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community nearly doubled, Hartford has not been able to meet Private Roads. There are only a few short segments its target and has only been resurfacing around two of privately maintained roads in Hartford, account- miles of road each year. If this practice continues, the ing for less than a total of four miles. While the town condition of Hartford’s roads will deteriorate and is not responsible for the ongoing maintenance of likely lead to the need for even greater expenditures private roads, it is critical that any such roads built in in future years. the future meet basic standards in order to protect public safety, prevent pollution and limit damage In addition to the re-surfacing of existing paved to public infrastructure. In future decades, poorly roads, it has been the position of Hartford’s highway constructed private infrastructure could become a li- department to pave most of the existing 14 miles ability for all taxpayers if conditions deteriorate to a of gravel roads as they require regular maintenance point that the town has to step in and make repairs (grading and application of dust suppressing materi- at public expense. als). Due to the number of residences served, Coun- try Lane and Country Lane extension have been Further, private roads need to be accessible for emer- identified by the department as their first priority gency vehicles, particularly if they are going to serve for paving. multiple residences. Studies have shown that in the event of significant rainfall or rapid snow melt, flood Given budgetary limitations, however, it has not damage to public roads, bridges and culverts is often been possible to pave any gravel roads in recent caused or exacerbated by improperly constructed or years. Further, it may not be in the town’s long-term maintained private infrastructure. The town also has financial interest to increase its paved road mileage, an interest in ensuring that no new access onto an given the likelihood that the cost of petroleum- existing public road creates a traffic hazard. based products like asphalt will continue to increase over the next several decades. Traffic. Traffic flow on the state highways in Hart- ford has changed over the past 30 years. The greatest Hartford has a recognized need for an expansion of increase in traffic has occurred on the short section its highway garage facility in order to accommodate of Route 40 between the Route 149 intersections its existing equipment and provide covered sand and where traffic has doubled since the late-1980s to an salt storage. Additional acreage adjacent to the cur- average of 5,500 vehicle trips per day. The greater in- rent site will need to be acquired to undertake this crease in traffic on this road segment is likely due to project and negotiations with the adjoining property local trips to destinations in this part of town such as owner have been opened. the school and Stewart’s.

Figure 14: Traffic Counts

Highway Section Start Section End Mileage 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 Rt. 40 County Rt. 44, N. Argyle Rt. 196, S. Hartford 6.38 1,040 1,030 1,170 1,000 990 1,450 1,400 1,400 1,050 1,050 Rt. 40 Rt. 196 Jct., S. Hartford Rt. 149 (west), Hartford 1.27 4,820 4,770 3,700 4,950 4,880 4,790 3,800 3,700 4,150 Rt. 40 Rt. 149 (west), Hartford Rt. 149 (east), Hartford 0.35 5,430 5,370 4,290 4,850 4,810 4,720 4,150 4,030 4,400 Rt. 40 Rt. 149 (east), Hartford Rt. 22, Granville 6.83 620 620 1,020 680 950 930 920 900 900 Rt. 149 Rt. 4, Kingsbury Rt. 40, Hartford 6.20 1,410 1,140 1,450 1,110 1,000 985 970 1,350 1,350 1,320 Rt. 149 Rt. 40, Hartford Rt. 22, Granville 7.55 2,880 3,940 3,280 3,850 3,060 3,005 2,940 4,050 4,000 3,920 Rt. 196 Cty. Rt. 43, Adamsville Rt. 40, Hartford 4.25 3,010 2,970 2,940 3,200 3,160 3,100 2,700 2,650 2,610 2,900 Source: NYS Department of Transportation, AADTs

14 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community

The traffic data suggests that the number of people Pedestrians and Bicyclists. The state highways in living to the east and north who commute through Hartford have been designated as bicycle corridors Hartford has declined in recent years, leading to less in the regional Bike and Pedestrian Plan prepared traffic on Route 40 north of the Route 149 intersec- by the Adirondack / Glens Falls Transportation tion and on Route 149 east of the Route 40 intersec- Council (A/GFTC). The plan calls for any future tion. improvements to designated routes to improve the roadway’s usefulness and safety as a bicycle travel Regional Transportation Resources. Despite be- route. ing an outlying rural community, Hartford is located relatively close to significant regional transportation Interconnected multi-use path systems are being de- corridors. The Champlain Canal and the rail line veloped in nearby communities, building upon the (currently owned by CP Rail) run along Hartford’s Canalway Trail System, which could be extended western boundary, both crossing into the far north- into Hartford in the future. The Canal Corporation’s western corner of the town. There is passenger rail long-range goal for the Canalway Trail System is to service on the Amtrak Adirondack line, with daily create a cross-state network of multi-use trails that stops in each direction at the Fort Edward station. will span nearly 500 miles across upstate New York, Additionally, Hartford is located around 20 miles paralleling major portions of the 524-mile New east of the nearest interchange on Interstate 87 (Exit York State Canal System. 17).

Transit. Public transportation is not available in References Hartford, although there is a regional transit system 1. Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan; A/GFTC, 2001. that serves the nearby communities of Fort Edward, Hudson Falls and the greater Glens Falls area.

Human service agencies in the area provide transportation for their clients and have been working in recent years to coordinate those services more ef- fectively. As documented in Chapter 2.1, changing demographics will likely increase demand for transportation services in future decades, particularly to meet the needs of elderly residents who can no longer drive.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 15 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community

Figure 15: Hartford Road Map

FORT ANN

Baldwin Corners Rd

Warren Rd 17

Hall Rd Gibbs Rd

GRANVILLE Wright Rd Wright 149 Rd Wright

149 Townsend

KINGSBURY Rd Dick Hill Rd

196 North Rd

40 Blood St

Shine Hill Rd Lily PondBurch Rd Rd

Washburn Coach Rd Hill Rd

Pope Hill

McDougall Rd Rd McDougall McDougall Rd ARGYLE

HEBRON Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Prepared by PlaceSense, 14 Jan 2010

16 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community 3.2 Infrastructure & Energy

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Water and Wastewater. The Town of Hartford 1. There are limited public services available does not have either municipal water or wastewater in Hartford. treatment systems. This limits the town’s ability to attract medium- to large-scale businesses or to pro- 2. High-speed internet and cell phone service mote a more compact development pattern in and remain difficult or more expensive to around existing settlements. obtain in some areas of town.

Energy. National Grid supplies electricity in Hart- ford. Three-phase power is available within a limited Public Opinion area of town along the Route 40 corridor. Utility gas 1. 68% of survey respondents thought that service is not available in town, but the service terri- providing high-speed internet service tory of National Grid’s natural gas utility extends to throughout town was important. the communities just east of Hartford. 2. 58% of survey respondents thought that There is no utility-scale generation of power, trans- providing cell phone service throughout mission lines or substations located in town. How- town was important. ever, several landowners have installed small-scale, 3. 47% of survey respondents thought that renewable energy systems. regulating telecommunications towers was important. Energy consumption is an essential component of 4. 33% of survey respondents thought that our modern way of life; it has and will continue to regulating wind turbines was important. influence land use and development patterns. With increasing volatility in energy prices and with increased public awareness of the impact of energy use fer high-speed internet access via DSL. Verizon has on society and the environment, energy conserva- a central district office at the intersection of Route tion is becoming an increasingly important factor in 40 and Route 30, but it has not upgraded its lines many personal and community decisions. and equipment to provide DSL service. The company has indicated that service could be provided If they are sustained over time, higher energy costs to some areas of town if customers were willing to will likely result in changes to our daily lives such as pay the costs of needed improvements. Those costs living closer to where we work, using services that will likely remain prohibitive for residential or small are conveniently located, seeking transportation al- business customers. ternatives, living in more efficient homes, and buy- ing more efficient appliances. While largely a global, Time Warner Cable offers digital television, tele- federal and state issue, town policy can influence en- phone and high-speed internet service over cable ergy consumption through building codes, site plan to a limited area of town along the Route 196 and review, municipal fleet and facility management, and Route 40 corridors. The company has told residents land use planning. not currently served that it only plans to extend its service along corridors with at least 20 connections Communications. Verizon provides land-line per mile, which indicates that large areas of Hartford phone service in Hartford, but currently does not of- will likely remain unserved.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 17 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community

of this plan, Washington County was exploring options to provide high-speed internet access and other communication options to its rural residents.

Cell phone service is available in town through several providers, although service remains somewhat spotty particularly in the hillier areas of town. There are no telecommunications towers located in Hart- ford, although there is a tower just east of the town line off Big Burch Hill Road in Hebron.

Infrastructure and Rural Character. Hartford’s The only option for high-speed internet service cur- rural and scenic character is highly valued by town rently available to most town residents is satellite, residents. However, most residents also want access which remains expensive and slower than the broad- to state-of-the-art technologies and are support- band service provided over DSL or cable. ive of alternative energy generation. While natural conditions make Hartford an unlikely site for large- This lack of access to high-speed internet service is scale wind farms, the town should be prepared for a limiting factor for the town’s economic develop- proposals for communication towers or other highly ment plans, and poses a challenge for existing small visible infrastructure. There are opportunities to businesses and residents working from home. High- balance protection of community character with the speed access is also becoming an increasingly impor- provision of necessary infrastructure through careful tant consideration for people purchasing a home or siting and design. property on which to build a home. As of the writing

18 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community 3.3 Community Resources

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Town Government. Hartford’s town office is lo- 1. Hartford’s expenses have increased in cated in a shared facility with the highway depart- recent years resulting in a higher tax ment. The office provides space for administrative burden on property owners. functions (e.g. town supervisor, town clerk, assessor, codes officer, etc.), town court and the town histo- 2. Hartford Central School’s enrollment has rian. There is little room for expanded storage, office been declining while school budgets have or meeting space, although recent renovations have been increasing over the past decade. resulted in more efficient use of the space available. 3. Open and agricultural land is a “fiscal winner” for Hartford, paying more in taxes Town government expenses have been increasing in than it demands in services while each recent years, placing a higher tax burden on property home pays less than the cost of providing owners. More than two-thirds of town revenues are municipal and educational services to its raised through the property tax. In 2008, the town inhabitants. tax rate was $6.77 per $1,000 of assessed value resulting in a tax bill of $900 on the median single- family home (assessed at $132,450). The amount There are several factors driving increased municipal raised by taxes has risen 70 percent between 1996 expenses: costs of road maintenance as described in and 2008 after adjusting for inflation. Chapter 3.1, higher public safety costs as described below, and growth in general administration and employee-related costs. Much of the recent growth

Figure 16: Comparison of Municipal Expenditures 1996 $10,441 $9,349 $50,445 2008 Other Debt Service $42,679 Other Debt Service Public General General Safety Government Government $38,085 $53,271 Employee Public Bene ts Safety $152,446 $38,967 Employee $133,246 Bene ts $101,471

Transportation Transportation $354,461 $568,281

Source: NYS Office of the State Comptroller

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 19 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community

or expand facilities and services. This points to the Public Opinion need to carefully plan capital expenditures to main- 1. 88% of survey respondents thought that tain a stable and affordable tax rate. maintaining a high-quality, local K-12 school system was important. Fire Department. The Hartford Volunteer Fire 2. 68% of survey respondents thought Company, which formed in 1927, provides fire pro- that providing recreational activities for tection and emergency response in the town. In children was important. 2000, the company initiated a First Response Team to respond to medical emergencies. The fire com- 3. 63% of survey respondents supported pany responds to 10 to 20 calls each month, a large the town undertaking an energy audit of percentage of which are automobile accidents. public buildings and working to improve their energy efficiency. The Hartford Volunteer Fire Company is a 501(c3) 4. 56% of survey respondents thought that organization, rather than part of town government improving municipal and government or an incorporated fire district. The Town of Hart- services was important. ford and the fire company annually negotiate a con- 5. 41% of survey respondents thought that tract for emergency response services and in 2009 reducing services in order to lower taxes the town raised $126,000 from property taxes to pay was important. for the services of the fire company. The annual cost of that contract nearly quadrupled between 1999 and 2009 after adjusting for inflation. have been beyond of the control of the town (e.g., higher energy prices, insurance rates, contributions The fire company constructed a new building in for retirement and other employee benefits, etc.), but 2007 at the intersection of Route 149 and Route a portion has been the result of decisions to improve

Figure 17: Comparison of Budget Amounts Raised by Taxes in Hartford (in 2009$) $1,000,000 Fire Department Highway Department General Fund $800,000

$600,000

$400,000

$200,000

1989 1994 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

20 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community

40. In addition to storage for vehicles and equip- and offices. All the windows to the building, which ment, the firehouse includes a large meeting room includes the elementary school, were replaced. New with complete kitchen and sanitary facilities. This lights, lockers, a fire alarm system and security cam- multi-function facility was designed to provide fire eras were added. More lights were put up in the company storage, training and meeting space, host parking lot. community and private events, and serve as an emergency shelter.

In 2009, Hartford Volunteer Fire Company was awarded a $176,368 grant from U.S. Department of Homeland Security for the purchase of a new fire tanker to replace two older trucks.

As with other all-volunteer departments in rural communities, Hartford’s fire company has been experiencing increased difficulty providing coverage during regular work hours, as many of its volunteers work out-of-town and/or are unable to leave their jobs to respond to a call. This issue, coupled with the extensive training requirements and changing demographics, are anticipated to continue to pose challenges for small, volunteer departments like Hartford’s. If these trends continue, the department may have to move towards paid personnel to pro- Most notable, however, is the construction of an al- vide adequate response over the long term. ternative energy plant. Hartford Central School is the first public school in New York State to implement wood chip gasification technology to heat its facilities. The district expects to save up to 70 percent on its annual fuel oil costs. In 2008, the district paid $150,000 for oil; chips to provide the same heat would have cost $45,000.

In addition, by burning wood chips purchased close to home instead of foreign fossil fuels, the district will reduce its carbon footprint and support the local economy. Local farmers will use the system’s by- Hartford Central School. The Hartford Cen- product – called potash – for fertilizer. The district tral School serves students from pre-kindergarten estimates that the plant will burn 1,600 tons of lo- through grade 12 from a nearly 85,000 square foot cally sourced wood chips each year. facility located just outside Hartford village on Route 149. Hartford Central School’s enrollment declined by around 100 students during the 2000s. This decline As of the writing of this plan, the school is complet- reflects the end of the “echo baby boom” that resulting a $15.7 million building project, which included ed in peak enrollments in the early- to mid-1990s. construction of a six-classroom wing in the high Without changes to the town’s demographic profile, school, while renovating the gym, kitchen, hallways the number of students at Hartford Central School

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 21 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 3. Our Community

Figure 18: Enrollment Trends and Projections Figure 19: Hartford Central School Statistics

700 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 600 pre-K 0 36 39 0 23 32 21 23 38 28 K 44 38 40 45 42 36 43 39 31 42 500 1 53 44 43 40 41 40 31 43 34 30 2 45 57 61 32 46 42 37 35 42 33 400 3 51 52 51 48 33 42 43 37 33 41

1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 3003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19 2019-20 4 42 38 43 58 45 31 40 49 36 32 Source: NYS District Report Card and PlaceSense Projections 5 55 45 45 48 64 47 32 42 47 35 6 55 61 64 40 45 60 55 34 40 44 is expected to continue to decline for several more years before stabilizing at around 440 students. 7 49 55 53 46 44 49 59 50 35 41 8 58 43 50 65 54 42 48 60 50 31 While the number of students has been decreasing, 9 56 58 58 50 59 50 43 48 57 56 the cost of education has been increasing. Between 10 45 47 40 43 49 52 54 42 47 53 1996 and 2008, the school’s total expenditures have 11 35 41 44 46 41 47 47 44 38 44 increased by 44 percent after adjusting for infla- 12 34 33 33 38 47 33 47 48 41 37 tion. Per pupil spending rose 33 percent between Ungraded 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 1999 and 2008 after adjusting for inflation. Similar K-6 345 335 347 311 316 298 281 279 263 257 to town government, the school district has expe- 7-12 277 277 278 288 294 273 298 292 269 264 rienced growth in transportation and personnel- 622 612 625 599 610 571 579 571 532 521 related costs, most of which were driven by factors Total beyond local control. Ave Class 19 19 20 19 20 17 22 18 17 Size (1-6) Teachers 47 42 54 52 52 54 51 50 50 In 2008, the school district raised nearly $2.3 million from property taxes, which represented 24 Staff 21 38 21 29 25 23 23 17 24 percent of its revenues and a tax burden of around Source: NYS District Report Card $2,400 on the median valued home in Hartford. For each enrolled student in 2008, the school district needed to bring in more than $4,000 dollars in taxes. Clearly, the taxes on most of the town’s homes would not cover the cost of even one student. Unless there are changes to the school funding system, a major residential development in town - particularly one that appealed to families with children - would substantially increase education costs and would result in higher school taxes for all property owners.

22 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land 4.1 Agriculture

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Land Base. Hartford is an agricultural commu- 1. Dairying is the dominate agricultural nity in an agricultural county. More than half of activity, and industry in general, in the town’s land area is in active agriculture. Accord- Hartford, but it is a business that is facing ing to the Washington County’s 1996 Agricultural increasing challenges. and Farmland Protection Plan, there was a total of 15,045 acres in agricultural use on 51 farms (54 2. Diversification will help strengthen the percent of Hartford’s land area). As of the writing town’s agricultural economy by reducing of this plan, there were approximately 11,000 acres reliance on a single product, milk. in agricultural use on 23 dairy and around 17 non- 3. Agriculture is a “fiscal winner” for the Town dairy farms (see Figure *). of Hartford as farmland generates more in tax revenue than it requires in services. There are 800 acres of land in Hartford with prime 4. Agricultural use has created the rural agricultural soils as defined by the NRCS and 9,500 and scenic character that residents value, acres with soils classified as important farmland and that continues to attract people to soils. Approximately 21,600 acres of land in Hart- Hartford. ford have been designated by the county as an Ag- ricultural District (78 percent of Hartford’s land area). Maintaining an adequate land base in each of the county’s rural towns is critical to the health of the Many elements contribute to the success of the agri- county’s largest industry – agriculture. If it can be cultural sector in Hartford and Washington County. maintained, the largely intact land base available for In addition to natural resources like climate and agricultural use suggests that farming should be able soils, the farm base in the county has remained large to remain viable in Hartford, especially if the agri- enough to support a competitive infrastructure. cultural land base can also be conserved in nearby However, the ongoing loss of farms and farmland communities as well. threatens the economic viability of the agricultural sector as a whole – farms and associated agri-busi- Dairy Farms. Dairying has been the principal nesses. type of farming carried out in town for more than a century and it remains the dominant agricultural The economic stability of some of the town’s farms activity with 23 dairy farms operating in town. Re- also raises concerns about the future use of their gional trends in the dairy industry have been visible lands. If continuing to farm is no longer an economi- in Hartford – farm consolidation with fewer, larger cally viable option, landowners may choose to sell farms, increased mechanization leading to reduc- their land for development. As of the writing of this tions in the number of farm workers, and economic plan, the town lacks the local land use controls that boom-and-bust cycles linked to milk prices. might be used to conserve open space in the face of such development, so that the land base may be As of the writing of this plan, the dairy industry is available for productive use in the future. facing severe challenges from low milk prices (which are currently below the cost of production) and high Land is a finite resource and farmland, once lost to input costs (feed, energy, etc.). The federal milk pric- development, is seldom returned to productive use. ing structure that establishes the wholesale price paid

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 23 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

to farmers is disconnected from the cost of produc- Public Opinion tion and from the retail price of dairy products pur- 1. 89% of survey respondents agreed that chased by consumers. The wholesale price of milk Hartford should encourage production and during the past 20 years has ranged from more than sale of local foods. $22 per hundredweight to nearly $12 after adjusting 2. 85% of survey respondents thought that for inflation. A price of $18 per hundredweight is preserving working farm and forest land considered healthy for farmers. was important. 3. 82% of survey respondents agreed that Another challenge for dairy farmers is the volatility Hartford should support and enforce the of milk prices, which have changed more than 12 town’s right-to-farm law. percent on average from one year to the next during 4. 81% of survey respondents agreed that the past two decades. Faced with unpredictable and Hartford should encourage agri-tourism. substantial fluctuations in their income, dairy farm- 5. 80% of survey respondents agreed ers have difficultly planning for the long-term future that Hartford should encourage local of their businesses. processing/manufacture of value-added agricultural products. Despite these challenges, dairying will likely remain 6. 79% of survey respondents agreed that a cornerstone of the town’s agricultural industry for Hartford should encourage agricultural many years to come. However, some changes to the support businesses. status quo, such as greater diversification of the types 7. 77% of survey respondents agreed that of agricultural activities occurring in town or on-site Hartford should educate new residents value-added processing of farm products will likely about what to expect when living in an be necessary for agriculture to remain economi- agricultural community. cally viable over the long term. Hartford’s, and the 8. 74% of survey respondents wanted to see county’s, agricultural infrastructure remains largely more non-dairy farms in Hartford. designed to support dairy farming. It will take time and investment to diversify the town’s agricultural 9. 73% of survey respondents wanted to economy and reduce dependence on a single prod- see more agricultural tourism, sales and recreation businesses in Hartford. uct, milk. 10. 72% of survey respondents wanted to see Diversified Agricultural Economy.While there has more agricultural support businesses in been less diversity in the type of farming occurring Hartford. in Hartford than in the county as a whole, the town’s 11. 72% of survey respondents agreed that agricultural economy has been diversifying in recent Hartford should support diversification of years. In addition to dairy farms, there were four the town’s agricultural economy. horse farms, nine beef farms, two vegetable farms, 12. 69% of survey respondents agreed an orchard, three sheep farms, five maple produc- that Hartford should designate a local ers, two bee operations and a tree farm operating in agricultural district and seek to keep those Hartford as of the writing of this plan. There were lands in agriculture. also around 50 properties used solely for growing 13. 69% of survey respondents agreed that hay, or which were rented out to other farmers to Hartford should identify high-value grow hay or other crops. farmland to help prioritize preservation efforts. Agricultural Statistics. While it is clear that agri- 14. 58% of survey respondents wanted to see culture is the principal economic activity occurring more dairy farms in Hartford. in Hartford, it is difficult to document the economic

24 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 20: Agricultural Profile Total Farms Farms by Acreage (2007) Farms by Sales (2007) Direct to Farming Principal in thousands of dollars Consumer Occupation of 1997 2002 2007 <50 50-999 1,000+ <50 50-249 250+ Sales Operator (2007) 12838 (Hartford) 11 16 16 1 14 1 9 6 1 15 94% 12827 (Fort Ann) 70 74 67 23 41 3 48 5 14 35 52% 12832 (Granville) 66 76 73 21 51 1 50 9 14 8 38 52% 12809 (Argyle) 84 92 80 33 47 0 61 12 7 10 47 59% 12865 (Salem) 47 69 59 20 36 3 46 7 6 12 24 41% 5 Zip Code Area 278 327 295 98 189 8 214 39 42 159 54% Washington County 738 887 843 252 565 26 111 625 107 419 50%

2007 Total Beef Milk Corn Maple Farms Cattle Cows Chickens Horses Hogs Sheep Hay Silage Syrup Orchards Vegetables 12838 (Hartford) 16 5 3 1 1 2 1 12827 (Fort Ann) 67 10 22 6 23 3 5 12832 (Granville) 73 8 19 8 24 2 3 36 20 8 2 3 12809 (Argyle) 80 19 14 8 30 10 2 42 15 5 2 5 12865 (Salem) 59 7 9 10 20 3 5 27 9 6 2 8 5 Zip Code Area 295 49 67 33 98 20 16 Washington County 843 Source: USDA Census of Agriculture

Figure 21: Milk Prices and Income 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 Ave. Gross Income per Farmer $231,460 $219,454 $221,468 $253,594 $282,924 $251,116 $260,423 $338,788 $283,983 $408,785 Ave. Uniform Price (100 lb.) $21.21 $19.76 $18.71 $19.02 $19.61 $14.85 $14.22 $18.06 $13.74 Ave. Uniform Price (1 gal.) $1.89 $1.67 $1.61 $1.68 $1.66 $1.31 $1.21 $1.52 $1.16 Ave. Retail Price (1 gal.) $3.42 $3.34 $3.31 $2.97 $2.77 $2.93 $2.54 $3.26 Source: NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets (adjusted to 2008$ using the CPI) impact of agriculture at the town level. The Agri- declined in Washington County and the cultural Census does not report data for towns, but five zip code area that includes Hartford does provide information by zip code. Unfortunate- between 2002 and 2007. ly, Hartford’s farmland is divided among multiple zip codes. What trends can be ascertained from the The umber n of small farms (less than 50 Agricultural Census include: acres) has continued to increase, supporting anecdotal evidence that agriculture is be- The growth in the number of farms that coming increasingly diversified in the area. began in the late 1980s has not been sustained in recent years. The number of farms

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 25 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Agricultural Businesses. In addition to farms, agri- Rural character can also attract new residents, and culture also includes support businesses such as pro- even businesses, who appreciate natural resources cessors, vehicle and equipment dealers, farm supply and open space and are seeking the quality of life retailers, fuel distributors, veterinarians, etc. Of the provided by communities like Hartford. local businesses identified in Chapter * of this plan, a significant number rely on area farmers as their pri- Environmental Quality. Farms and forests provide mary customers. Agriculture produces much higher working landscapes that preserve and enhance envi- economic multipliers than most other economic sec- ronmental quality. The open space created through tors as farmers spend more of their income locally on agriculture supports a variety of outdoor recreation supplies, services and labor. activities including hunting, fishing, bird watch- ing, snowmobiling, etc. These activities sustain the Fiscal Impact. Farms and farmland are “fiscal win- town’s rural way of life and have potential for attract- ners” for the Town of Hartford as they generate more ing tourism. in tax revenue than they require in services. This is true despite the preferential assessment afforded by the state’s Agricultural District Law and is also true of conserved farmland in neighboring communities.

Rural Character. Hartford’s farmland and its careful stewardship by generations of farmers have created the rural and scenic character that is highly valued by town residents. This rural and scenic character is critical to the town’s quality of life and sense of place, and has potential benefits for attracting tourism.

26 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 22: Farm and Cultivated Land Map

FORT ANN

26 58 33 56 23 11 4 10 42 40 41 29 57 12

34 2 18 35 27 55 17 7 32 27 37 48 54 31 13 59 36 64 9 48

60 GRANVILLE 19 18 149 61 28 3 62 39 27 23 14 45 30 6 149 15 40 6 KINGSBURY 9 44 1 196 49 25 17 50 20 43 17 33 16 40

46 21 53 33 52 30 63 47 5 24 21 8

38 ARGYLE 51 22 cultivated land farm parcel HEBRON Miles

0 0.5 1 2 Prepared by PlaceSense, 14 Jan 2010

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 27 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 23: Agricultural Soils and District Map

FORT ANN

17 GRANVILLE 149

149 KINGSBURY

196

ARGYLE

prime soils HEBRON prime soils if drained soils of statewide importance Miles washington county agricultural district 0 0.5 1 2 Prepared by PlaceSense, 14 Jan 2010

28 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land 4.2 Historic & Scenic Resources

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Historical Overview. The Provincial Patent 1. Hartford has retained much of its historic (26,000 acres), later renamed the Town of Hart- settlement pattern and many of its historic ford, was granted to 26 commissioned officers of the buildings due to the relatively slow pace of New York Infantry who were veterans of the French change the town has experienced over the and Indian War on May 2, 1764. The Provincial past 150 years. Patent was included in the Town of Westfield and comprised the present towns of Putnam, Fort Ann, 2. Hartford has potential to attract heritage Dresden and a portion of Kingsbury, besides the and agricultural-based tourism given present Hartford. Archibald Campbell directed the existing resources like the Town Museum survey of the grant into 104 lots, each containing ap- and Civil War Enlistment Center and the proximately 300 acres. Log Village Grist Mill, but these resources are currently underutilized. Settlement was delayed within the patent for more 3. The town’s scenic character is dependent than a decade during the time of conflict between upon its agricultural pattern of land use, the colonists and the British government. In July of which ensures that views from many 1777 during the Revolutionary War, General St. vantage points throughout town are Clair and his troops passed through Hartford as pastoral and dominated by undeveloped they marched to join up with General Schuyler at farm fields and forests. Development, if Fort Edward after being forced to evacuate Fort Ti- not carefully designed and located, could conderoga. significantly alter the scenic character of those views. Settlement was rapid after the revolution as many soldiers arrived with their families to take advantage of the rich land and abundant game and waterways Public Opinion they had observed during their military service. 1. 87% of survey respondents thought that These settlers were mainly from the New England preserving the town’s historic assets was colonies and of English and Scots descent. important. Governor DeWitt Clinton had a role in the town’s 2. 72% of survey respondents agreed that early settlement, as he had come into possession of Hartford should designate a rural historic some of lands granted to the original patentees. He district that recognizes the value of historic visited several times and gave a plot of land to the farmhouses, barns and other outbuildings, town for a church and cemetery before selling all of and the scenic character of the town’s rural his Hartford landholdings in 1790. landscape. 3. 66% of survey respondents thought that Hartford’s agricultural heritage began with its ear- protecting scenic roadside and ridge line ly settlers clearing land and building rudimentary views was important buildings from the felled logs. Year-by-year the clearings were enlarged and field added to field. Potash and pearl ash from the harvested trees was the main source of income for these first residents. The town’s

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 29 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

trees. Merino sheep, raised for their wool, become a dominant feature of the agricultural landscape in Hartford and helped to clear even more land for productive use.

It was not until after the Civil War that herds of sheep were replaced by dairy cows. At first milk was turned into cheese – a product that could be shipped and stored – at local factories. With the arrival of the railroad, raw milk could be shipped and the mak- early farms were subsistence operations and there ing of cheese ceased. For a period in the late-1800s, was little extra for sale or trade. potatoes were a major commodity grown in town as well. In 1793, the patent had enough residents to be set off from Westfield and the Town of Hartford re- ceived its name in March of 1793. The adoption of the name was likely influenced by the ties many early residents had to Connecticut.

By 1800 the town had assumed a settled appearance. Besides the clearings where farming was carried on, trading centers were being established in several locations around the town and small local industries were springing up. By 1800, roads were constructed linking the forming villages and mill sites, as well as early farms. Schools, churches and post offices were established in the town’s centers by the early-1800s as well. Museum and Civil War Enlistment Center. The Hartford Town Museum and Howard Hanna Me- Hartford Village and South Hartford grew up near morial Civil War Enlistment Center are located in the water power furnished by East Creek. At East two buildings near the center of Hartford village. Hartford the water power was meager, but was put They represent the history of rural life during the to use by settlers to operate grist and saw mills. The 1800s in upstate New York and the participation of most prominent mill site was near the geographic Hartford citizens in the Civil War. center of town on the large bend in East Creek – a site now known as Moone Hole. While there is no The museum is housed in the former Liddle or Eli- visible evidence of that mill remaining, the fact that sha Straight house, which dates back to the early a number of town roads radiate from this site speak 1800s and is reported to be the oldest remaining to its role in the town’s early development. house in Hartford village. The museum acquires, catalogs and displays the history of Hartford in or- As more land was cleared and roads established to der to better understand the industry and way of life connect Hartford farms to regional markets, agricul- that once existed in the town. ture began to thrive. Many types of grain were grown – oats, rye, wheat and flax. A variety of livestock In the Civil War Enlistment Center, the men of was raised for meat, milk, wool and even feathers. Hartford enlisted in Company E of the 123rd Regi- Orchards were planted with apples and other fruit ment of New York State Volunteers. The building is

30 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land the only Civil War Enlistment Center remaining in Around one-quarter of the town’s homes were built New York State and now interprets the story of the before 1940 and most of those date to the first half 3,000-mile, three-year journey Hartford’s soldiers of the 19th century. made in the service of their country. The center’s collection concentrates on the soldiers, their equip- Three sites in town have been placed on the National ment, stories and the battles in which they partici- Register of Historic Places: Brown’s Tavern in South pated. The Enlistment Center is in need of a major Hartford, the Hartford Baptist Church and Cem- restoration project to include a new foundation for etery in Hartford village, and the Elisha Straight the structure. Preliminary assessment indicate that House in Hartford village. Other historic buildings the project would cost $60,000 to $100,000. or sites in Hartford include: the Grange Hall, Ma- sonic Temple, Hartford Post Office, George Brayton House, the old military road, several old quarries, several historic schoolhouses, the Craig fountain, and the bridge by Moone Hole.

There are 17 named cemeteries located in Hartford, but only one remains in active use. There are several small, family burial plots located on farmsteads throughout town. The grave sites of early Hartford residents document the history of the families that migrated westward during the 1800s and are important resource for not only for town historians, but for genealogical researchers from across the country.

Log Village Grist Mill. In the 1970s, Floyd Har- Hartford’s historic buildings and farmsteads are a wood purchased a farm on Big Creek in East Hart- direct link to the early settlers that cleared the forest ford, which had been the site of a mill originally built and created much of what exists in Hartford today. by Hezekiah Mann in 1810 and which had operated The pace of change since those first few decades af- into the early-1900s. Mr. Harwood restored the ter the town’s formation has been relatively slow, as grist mill and returned it to operation in 1977. He attested to by the fact that there are more than 10 continued to operate the grist mill, cider mill and a farms in Hartford that have been operated by the house museum from his property though 2007. same families for more than a century. The direct connection to the past provided by historic struc- As of the writing of this plan, the farm, intact with all of its historic structures, artifacts and records, had just been sold. Townspeople are hopeful that the new owner will continue to operate this unique resource as a local history and agricultural heritage attraction.

Historic Homes, Farms & Community Buildings. While there has not been a detailed inventory of Hartford’s historic structures, there are many buildings in town that speak to the town’s early history and rural heritage. It is estimated that more than 350 structures were built in Hartford before 1875.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 31 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land tures, farmsteads and land ownership patterns is a Scenic Resources. Hartford has a pastoral land- critical component of the town’s rural character. scape characterized by cultivated fields, forested hills and long-distance vistas. The terrain offers numer- Cultural Resources. A number of religious, civic ous vantage points with excellent views. While a for- and other membership or volunteer organizations mal scenic assessment has not been completed, town help create a sense of community among Hartford residents have identified a number of locations with residents. Three churches hold services in town: exceptional views including: Rowe Hill Road, Sky- the Hartford Yoked Parish with Baptist and Con- view Meadows, Route 196 near Shine Hill Road, gregational worshipers meets in Hartford village, as and Route 149 near County Route 17. Hartford’s does the Hartford United Methodist Church con- scenic resources are a critical element of the town’s gregation, which is housed in a structure built for, rural character and are important assets with respect but never used as, the Washington County Court to attracting visitors and new residents. House, while members of St. Philip’s Mission of St. Ann’s Church meet in South Hartford. The views offered by the hillsides in the southeastern corner of town has made this section of Hart- The Order of the Eastern Star and Accepted Ma- ford a popular location for residential development sons have lodges in Hartford. There are a number of in recent decades. While there are concerns with organizations and programs for youth including Boy ensuring adequate emergency access and protecting Scouts, Girl Scouts and the 4-H Club. The Fish and environmental quality, townspeople generally agree Game Club and local snowmobile club offer mem- that continued development of homes in this area bers outdoor recreation opportunities. The Hart- sited to take advantage of the scenic views across the ford Historical Society operates the Town Museum valley would be more beneficial to the town than de- and continues its efforts to document, preserve and velopment of new homes on the farmland below. interpret the town’s history.

These and other formal and informal groups are References essential to maintaining the connection between 1. The Story of Hartford: A History. Brayton and neighbors that is an important element of the town’s Norton, 1929 rural character. 2. The Log Village Grist Mill. Floyd Harwood.

32 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land 4.3 Natural Resources

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Climate. Hartford’s climate is characterized by 1. Agriculture, Hartford’s primary industry, a wide temperature range, heavy winter snowfall is dependent the climate, soils and and a moderately heavy annual precipitation total. general quality of the town’s environment. While there has not been any long-term collection Similarly, many of Hartford’s other of climate data in Hartford, measurements taken at economic development opportunities are weather stations in Whitehall and Glens Falls pro- related to the town’s natural resources. vide a general picture of the area climate. Elevation, terrain and land cover can create micro-climates that 2. Hartford’s rural character is strongly result in noticeable differences in weather conditions connected to the town’s natural resources in specific locations, however. and environmental quality.

Average annual precipitation is in the 36 to 40 inch- range, while the average annual snowfall is about Public Opinion 66 inches. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed 1. 93% of survey respondents thought that through the year. Average monthly temperatures preventing air, water and soil pollution was range from around 20° F in January to 70° F in July, important. however a few days with temperatures below zero or 2. 83% of survey respondents thought that above 90° F occur most years. The growing season protecting wetlands, wildlife habitat and averages 155 days, with the last killing frost typically other natural resources was important. occurring around the first week of May and the first killing frost occurring around the first week of Oc- tober. Air Quality. Hartford enjoys the relatively good air quality typical of most rural communities. While Hartford’s primary industry, agriculture, is depen- Washington County is included in the Capital Re- dent on the climate to provide adequate precipitation gion ozone non-attainment area, impaired air quality and suitable growing conditions for crops. While cli- is generally focused in the more developed portions matic conditions have never been completely static, of the region and particularly in areas characterized it is now recognized that the rate at which the cli- by traffic congestion. Ozone can be transported by mate is changing has greatly increased over historic wind, which is why such a large area of non-attain- norms. This increased rate of climate change has ment has been delineated. been linked to human activities associated with in- dustrialization that have altered the composition of Even in rural settings, there can be localized areas the atmosphere. of reduced air quality related to pollution generated by idling vehicles, motorized equipment, industrial In recent years, climate change has started becoming activities, etc. High ozone levels can impact human more evident with increases in average temperatures health and even slightly increased levels can affect leading to changes in precipitation patterns and the those with particular sensitivity such as people with intensity of storms. In future decades, more signifi- lung disease, asthma, the elderly, children, or those cant changes that will affect agricultural practices participating in strenuous outdoor activities. Poor and the town’s environment in general should be an- air quality also affects plant and animal life, and so ticipated.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 33 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land has the potential to impact agriculture and the en- Soils. The Natural Resource Conservation Service vironment. (NRCS) maintains county soil maps that provide extensive information about Hartford’s soils. Elevation and Terrain. Hartford straddles two ecological zones, the Central Hudson Valley and The patterns discussed in relation to landform and Taconic Foothills, which are clearly distinguishable geology are also visible in the town’s soils. East of by landform. West of Route 40, the terrain is rela- Route 40, most soils are in the Nassau association tively level interspersed with gentle, rolling hills, as is with Bernardston soils common in the narrow val- characteristic of the Central Hudson Valley. A sharp leys between the hills. In the valley, most soils are in ridgeline rises east of Route 40 with steep hills be- the Farmington association, or are Vergennes silts or yond - the western foothills of the Taconic Range. clays.

Elevation in Hartford ranges from 140 feet above sea The agricultural value of Hartford’s soils is discussed level at the Champlain Canal and along Big Creek at in Chapter 4.1 of this plan. The soil survey provides the Kingsbury town line to 1,280 feet atop the hill more than information on productivity, however, it west of Halls Pond Road just north of the Hebron indicates areas where soils are wet or prone to flood- town line. ing, places more susceptible to erosion, the capability of soils to treat septic waste, support roads, buildings or other development. While not accurate to the level of an individual property, the soil maps provide a general picture of locations well and poorly suited for a variety of land uses.

Groundwater. Hartford’s groundwater resources are not well documented or understood. Geologic and soils data has provided an indication of areas of greater groundwater potential and likely recharge areas including lands abutting the Champlain Canal, a large area in the vicinity of South Hartford, and Geology. The differences between the Central Hud- several smaller areas near County Route 30. son Valley and Taconic Foothills are also expressed in Hartford’s geology. In the valley, the underlying Virtually all homes in Hartford draw water from on- bedrock is composed of shales, slates, limestones and site drilled wells. While there is no municipal water dolomites, while the rocks underlying the hills east supply in Hartford, there are several systems classi- of Route 40 are primarily mudstone and quartzite. fied as public water supplies due to the number of people they serve such as Hartford Central School’s The surface materials in the valley west of Route 40 water system. There are some protections in state are primarily silt and clay, fine materials that were law for the wells that supply these systems and rules deposited when the land was under water at the for periodic water testing and operating procedures. end of the last ice age. In the higher elevations, the surface material is primarily till, material of variable Private wells, however, are not typically tested reg- texture that was left behind as the glacier’s retreated, ularly and therefore it is less likely that a pollution with outcroppings of bedrock. problem will be quickly identified. Careful location of land uses with the potential to pollute groundwater sources can significantly reduce the likeli-

34 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land hood that an unintended spill or release could reach drinking water supplies.

Streams and Ponds. The central portion of Hart- ford is within the watershed of Big Creek, which originates from a series of tributaries in the higher elevations on the eastern side of town and in neighboring Granville and Hebron. The creek flows westward through the center of town, collecting water from several small tributaries in the valley, before forms of pollution from run-off, stabilizing stream emptying into the Champlain Canal just across the banks, providing shade that prevents increases in Kingsbury line. The New York State Department water temperature, and creating habitat and travel of Environmental Conservation (DEC) assessment corridors for wildlife and aquatic species. The effec- of this watershed indicates concerns related to sedi- tiveness of riparian buffers is recognized by the vari- mentation and silt, but additional study is needed to ous incentive programs available to landowners, and determine the level of impact or impairment. farmers in particular, from the USDA’s Natural Re- sources Conservation Service and others to preserve The northern section of town is part of the Winchell or plant woody vegetation along streams. Creek watershed, which drains northward into Fort Ann before joining Wood Creek and flowing into the Hartford’s landscape is dotted with ponds, some Champlain Canal. The DEC has classified this wa- of which are natural and many of which were con- tershed as impaired due to insufficient oxygen levels structed to supply water to livestock and for other in the water to support aquatic life. This condition is farming uses. No assessment has been made of the caused by high nutrient levels in the run-off and/or water quality of these ponds. The largest is the 20- effluent that flows into the watershed’s streams. acre Lily Pond in the southeastern part of town. Dead Creek originates in the higher elevations in the Several ponds have been created by damming extreme southeastern corner of Hartford and is part streams and the DEC has identified four dams in of the Black Creek watershed, which drains south- Hartford. All of these dams are privately owned and ward and ultimately flows into the Hudson River. As have not been classified as posing any hazard. Hart- of 2007, the DEC had not identified any water qual- ford’s ponds are important environmental, scenic, ity impairments in this watershed. historic and recreational assets. The water quality impairments in both Big Creek Wetlands. The National Wetland Inventory maps and Winchell Creek are related to run-off and show around 2,000 acres of wetlands in Hartford. stream bank erosion, which the DEC has linked to There are three large wetland areas in Hartford: agricultural activities within the watershed. While nearly 300-acres of the Tamarack Swamp east of the extent to which various land uses contribute to Route 40, the largest portion of which is located in the problem in these watersheds has not been spe- Argyle; a roughly 160-acre wetland at the north end cifically studied, all land uses, including agriculture, of town off Starbuck Lane, which likely continues can reduce their impacts on water quality. into Fort Ann; and the approximately 135-acre Ce- dar Swamp south of Baldwin Corners Road. Retaining or establishing vegetated buffers along the streams and minor tributaries that feed them have Wetlands provide important environmental services numerous water quality and other environmental including: storage of stormwater and snowmelt, in- benefits including: absorbing nutrients and other filtration and filtering of surface water and wildlife

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 35 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land habitat. Wetlands were historically undervalued and Outdoor Recreation. Access to outdoor recreation many were drained or filled to be use for agriculture is a fundamental element of Hartford’s rural charac- or development, their critical role in maintaining en- ter that can be lost as land is subdivided and devel- vironmental quality is now generally recognized and oped. Currently there are few formal, public outdoor wetlands are now largely protected from develop- recreation opportunities in town, but many residents ment at the federal and state level. have access to open farmland and forest - for hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, horseback Flood Hazards. Hartford has no regulatory flood- riding snowmobiling, etc. - through the generosity plains as determined by the Federal Emergency of neighboring landowners who allow such activities Management Agency (FEMA). However, soil maps on their land. indicate small areas, primarily adjacent to streams and creeks, that may be prone to periodic, seasonal The formal outdoor recreation areas in Hartford in- flooding. clude: the ball fields and playground at the Hartford Central School and state lands along the Champlain Given the town’s terrain, flood-related hazards in Canal. Hartford also has a privately-operated golf Hartford would more likely be caused by fluvial ero- course (open to the public for a fee) and a preserve sion along small streams than inundation with flood- owned and operated by the Hartford Fish and Game water. Fluvial erosion occurs when a stream, swollen Club. There is a local snowmobile club that main- with water from a heavy storm or rapid snowmelt, tains a system of trails. moves horizontally and may even cut a new stream channel. Town history tells of several floods in the early-1800s that caused extensive damage to mills References and other infrastructure along Hartford’s streams. 1. NOWdata (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Online Weather Data) Flooding at that time was exacerbated by the nearly complete clearing of the upland forests and the associated sedimentation of stream channels. Currently, flood hazards are becoming an increasing concern due to the greater intensity storms related to climate change, and the effects of development on natural drainage rates and patterns.

36 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 24: Water Resources Map

FORT ANN

17 GRANVILLE 149

149 KINGSBURY

196

ARGYLE

aquifers hydric soils HEBRON wetlands frequently ooded soils Miles occasionally ooded soils 0 0.5 1 2 Prepared by PlaceSense, 14 Jan 2010

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 37 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 25: Slope Map (to be added)

38 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land 4.4 Land Use & Character

Facts & Discussion Key Issues Current Land Use. As described in Chapter 4.1, 1. Hartford does not have the tools in place the predominate land use in Hartford is agriculture. to adequately control the rate, density and More than half of the town’s land area is in active location of development in a manner that agriculture with approximately 11,000 acres in ag- would ensure the protection of agricultural ricultural use on 23 dairy and around 17 non-dairy land and rural character. farms. The town also has significant acreage devoted to other resource-based uses including extraction, 2. Hartford needs to achieve a balance forestry and maple sugaring. between protecting landowners’ rights to use and profit from their property with There are four traditional settlement areas in Hart- the goal of maintaining the town’s rural ford: Hartford village, the historic town center, lifestyle and agricultural economy. which includes civic buildings, a number of businesses and around 50 homes; the hamlet of South in Hartford is governed by external factors, primar- Hartford, which is a primarily a residential settle- ily the regional economy and housing market, indi- ment of around 20 homes; East Hartford, a tiny vidual landowners’ decisions to sell or develop their hamlet centered around a former mill site on East property, and the ability of the land to support devel- Creek; and Adamsville, a tiny residential hamlet in opment (e.g., septic systems and wells). the western part of town.

While the rate of residential development appears to Over the past several decades, much of the town’s have slowed during this decade, Hartford was add- residential development has occurred on frontage ing new homes at a substantially higher rate than lots, subdivided off one or two lots at a time with county and state averages during the 1980s and ‘90s the exception of the larger developments in the area and still continues to grow more rapidly by compari- around Gilchrist Hill and Skyview Meadows. son. The current slow-down in development is more likely due to the current economic downturn and Residential Development Trends. Over the past should not be expected to continue once the regional 20 years, approximately 225 new homes have been economy rebounds. Due to the availability of devel- built in Hartford. The median size of a new residen- opable land and proximity to regional employment tial lot subdivided over that same period was nearly centers, Hartford should expect past development four acres. trends to continue to the extent that there is demand for new homes in the region and the town’s rural life- If residential development continues at a rate simi- style remains attractive to new residents. lar to what was experienced in the 1980s and ‘90s, Hartford could expect to nearly double the number Build-Out Analysis. A build-out analysis is a tech- of homes in town by 2030. Further, if the average nique for exploring future development patterns lot size continues to be around four acres, more than based on a given set of assumptions. A series of such 3,000 acres would need to be converted to residen- analyzes were prepared for Hartford in conjunction tial lots to accommodate those homes. with this plan. Given the town’s current lack of land use controls, the amount and location of residential development

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 39 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

The baseline analysis showed that if all the develop- Public Opinion able land in Hartford (about 22,500 acres, which 1. 88% of survey respondents thought excludes public property, wetlands, surface waters that maintaining a rural way of life was and steep slopes) were to be converted to residen- important. tial lots at a density of one dwelling for every four 2. 75% of survey respondents supported the acres (similar to recent trends), the result would be reuse of existing farm structures that are around 5,000 additional homes constructed in town, no longer actively used for agriculture for other purposes. about three-quarters of which could be developed on lots with frontage on existing roads. Clearly, that 3. 64% of survey respondents supported revising the town’s subdivision law to level of residential development would destroy the strongly encourage new homes to be town’s rural character and agricultural economy. located off productive farmland. 4. 60% of survey respondents thought that An overall density of one home per 10 acres is com- preventing residential developments of monly considered the maximum level that can be 50+ homes was important. built without adversely impacting a community’s 5. 51% of survey respondents thought that rural character and agricultural economy. If the development should be regulated so that overall density of development in Hartford was kept what one person does with his or her to a maximum of one home per 10 acres, the result land does not adversely affect adjoining would be around 1,900 new homes. property owners, and 28% thought that development should be regulated so that what one person does with his or her land If those 1,900 homes were developed on 10-acre lots, does not adversely affect the common however, the town’s agricultural land base would be- good of the town. come fragmented and reduce its suitability for agri- 6. 50% of survey respondents supported cultural production. If homes were built on smaller using local laws to strongly discourage the lots (1/2 to 2 acres) and the overall density remained conversion of farmland to non-agricultural low (not more than one home per 10 acres), growth uses. and development could be accommodated in a man- 7. 49% of survey respondents supported ner that would minimize impact on agricultural conservation of farmland through the land. purchase of development rights. 8. 44% of survey respondents thought Planning Areas. Hartford’s overall policy concern- that preventing large-scale commercial ing future land use shall be to maintain the rural development was important. character and scenic resources of the town, and 9. 44% of survey respondents supported provide sufficient space in appropriate locations for using local laws to strongly encourage forest and agriculture, residential, recreational, com- clustering of new homes onto smaller mercial, and industrial development. For the pur- lots in order to preserve larger tracts of productive farmland. poses of describing desired future land use in the town, the following planning areas as shown in Fig- 10. 39% of survey respondents supported using local laws to require new buildings ure *, have been delineated: to be compatible in scale and design to historic farm and residential buildings in 1. The Hamlet Planning Area encompasses the town. historic limits of three of the town’s traditional 11. 35% of survey respondents thought that settlement areas, Hartford, South Hartford and existing regulation of development should East Hartford, as well as the adjoining lands continue, and 31% thought that existing that have experienced significant residential de- regulations should be strengthened. velopment over the past several decades.

40 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 26: Workshop 2 Planning Exercise

Development Pattern During a planning workshop held in February of 2008 in Hartford, attendees were asked to place 100 orange pins on a map to represent the most appropriate locations in town for future residential development. As shown here, more pins were placed in the southern and eastern sides of town. There was also a preference for grouping new homes together in small clusters rather than dotting homes all around town. There was a general consensus to avoid placing homes on the best farmland and support for homes on the southeastern ridges and hillsides overlooking the valley. These maps and the resulting discussion were a starting point for the land use plan presented in this chapter.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 41 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 27: Build Out Analysis (to be added)

42 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

The purpose of this area is to support the role ditional employment opportunities within the of Hartford’s hamlets as the focus of social and town. Commercial and industrial uses, particu- economic activities in the town and to provide larly retail activities, which do not fulfill local opportunities for residential, commercial and needs or are lucrative only for non-residents, other compatible development that serves the should be discouraged. Any commercial or in- needs of the town. dustrial development should be appropriately scaled so as not to create traffic congestion, pol- Future development in this planning area lution or other undesirable effects detrimental should occur in a manner that maintains the to the town’s rural character. traditional, social and physical character of the hamlets including their historic, cultural and 2. TheUp land Residential Planning Area is com- scenic resources. Any new development within prised of more than 4,000 acres of largely for- this area, particularly within the bounds of the ested uplands. There has been some recent resi- historic settlement areas, should respect tradi- dential development in this area, which includes tional densities, setbacks, building scale and many locations that afford excellent views out massing, and architectural integrity. Civic uses over the valley below. currently located in this area should not be relo- cated to outlying areas. Town residents support continued residential growth at moderate to high densities in this This planning area is suitable for the highest area of town, including year-round and vacation residential development within the town and a homes located to take advantage of the available significant portion of new homes built in town views. An overall density of one home for every should be located here. An overall density of one two to five acres of land would be appropriate home per acre, or a density similar to adjacent in this area. historic development, would be appropriate. Opportunities should also be sought within this While hillside development is preferred as a area to provide housing options other than de- means to conserve farmland, there are concerns tached single family homes, particularly senior related to erosion, stormwater run-off and ad- housing and rental units. equate access that need to be addressed when homes will be built on steeper upland terrain. Commercial uses and other activities providing The town should promote use of cluster devel- the residents of Hartford with needed goods, opment and conservation subdivision practices services and employment should also be en- to allow for new housing while also protecting couraged to locate within this planning area, environmental quality and rural character. specifically within the existing business district in Hartford village or along Route 40. It is de- 3. The Valley Residential Planning Area includes sirable for this type of development to locate in around 3,000 acres in the southwestern corner a designated and limited area rather than lin- of town, which is a mix of open and wooded ing the edges of the main highways throughout land. Given the amount of subdivision and resi- town. dential development that has already occurred and convenient access to state highways, this Any commercial or industrial development pro- planning area includes land that would be suit- posed for Hartford should be in keeping with able for future rural residential development at the rural character of the town. The purpose of low to moderate densities. commercial development should be to serve the needs of Hartford’s residents and to provide ad-

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 43 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

The town envisions maintaining an overall den- the overall residential density of the area very sity of one home for every five to ten acres in this low. The town envisions that an overall density area, while encouraging development patterns of one home for every 10 to 20 acres could be that would preserve productive farmland. This accommodated while preserving a large percent- would include promoting use of cluster devel- age of the productive farmland in this area. The opment and conservation subdivision practices, town should encourage new non-farm residen- like placing homes along the edges of fields and tial lots to be kept as small as possible (based meadows, to allow for new housing while also on the amount of land needed to accommodate maintaining open space and rural character. water and septic systems) so as to minimize the loss of agricultural lands. 4. The Agricultural Planning Area includes more than 14,000 acres and the majority of the town’s It is Hartford’s vision to limit the conversion of most productive agricultural lands. In agricul- agricultural land to non-farm uses, and specifi- ture lies the social, historic and scenic charac- cally to allow not more than 10 percent of the ter of the town and the fundamental strength land in this area to be subdivided into non-farm and stability of the local and regional economy. residential lots. The town will promote use of Agricultural land represents a vulnerable and clustering or conservation subdivisions and irreplaceable resource that must not be wasted; careful siting of new homes to achieve its goals once it is developed, it will likely be lost forever. for protecting agricultural lands in this planning area. The Agricultural Planning Area includes mostly lands where agriculture is the predominant ac- 5. The Rural Planning Area encompasses nearly tivity. This area’s most important land use activ- 4,500 acres of land, a large percentage of which ity should be supported by all other land uses. is forested. This area also includes several large No land use activity should be allowed that wetland complexes, as well as a small amount of would be detrimental to agriculture. Depending frontage on the Champlain Canal. More than upon the character of the particular location, 1,200 acres of land within this area is owned by land in the Agricultural Planning Area may be Jointa Galusha and is part of a permitted extrac- suitable for agricultural and forestry uses, in- tion operation. cluding agriculturally-based commercial or industrial enterprises, low-intensity outdoor rec- Given these constraints, the amount of land reation, residences, particularly those housing suitable and available for residential develop- farm operators, farm workers and their families, ment within this area is limited and the overall and small-scale home businesses. density should remain very low. An overall residential density of one home for every 10 to 20 Currently, the Agricultural Planning Area is acres would be appropriate in this area. sparsely populated with around 175 homes or a density of about one residence per 80 acres. Depending upon the character of the particu- Hartford recognizes that maintaining a large lar location, land in the Rural Planning Area percentage of the land in this area in agricultur- may be suitable for agricultural and forestry al use will be necessary to sustain a viable farm uses, resource extraction, renewable energy re- economy in Hartford. lated uses, low-intensity outdoor recreation, and small-scale home businesses. Therefore, it is the town’s goal to guide non-agricultural uses, including non-farm residences, While there may be opportunities for rural away from these productive lands and to keep enterprises, including small-scale, environmen-

44 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

Figure 28: Planning Areas Map

FORT ANN

40 5

17 GRANVILLE 149 4

149 KINGSBURY 2 196 1

3 30 2 4 ARGYLE

Planning Areas 1 - Hamlet HEBRON 2 - Upland Residential 3 - Valley Residential Miles 4 - Agricultural 5 - Rural 0 0.5 1 2 Prepared by PlaceSense, 14 Jan 2010

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 45 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 4. Our Land

tally-friendly industry, particularly if related to agriculture or the existing extraction operation, such uses should be sufficiently buffered from existing residences and sensitive environmental areas, and have adequate access to the state highway.

The town should seek opportunities for im- proved recreational access to the Champlain Canal and ensure that Hartford is considered in and benefits from plans to make this a multi- modal transportation and recreation corridor for area residents and visitors. Cluster Development Cluster development is a planning technique that encourages the grouping of new homes on smaller lots in rural areas in order to preserve larger tracts of undeveloped land, as shown in these illustrations from Randall Arendt’s book, “Dealing with Change in the Connecticut River Valley.” This type of development pattern could be implemented in Hartford to accommodate new homes while preserving farmland.

46 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 5. Our Future 5.1 Goals and Strategies

Housing Transportation Goal 1. Maintain Hartford’s traditional settlement pat- Goal 5. Provide a safe and economical transportation net- tern of higher-density hamlets surrounded by work. lower-density rural lands. Strategy A. Limit any further expansion to the town road Goal 2. Provide housing that will support a diverse popu- network. lation. Strategy B. Approve all new road cuts onto town roads and Strategy A. Encourage development of housing designed ensure driveways and private roads are built to to meet the needs of Hartford’s growing elder basic standards in order to protect public safety, population. environmental quality and public infrastructure. Strategy C. Prohibit construction of new dwellings on land Economy that does not have adequate frontage on a public or private road. Goal 3. Maintain a viable agricultural economy within the town and conserve an adequate land base to sup- Goal 6. Maintain the town’s road network in a manner port future generations of farmers. consistent with traffic volume and the town’s rural character. Strategy A. Expand the production, processing, and marketing of food and fiber and other natural resources and agricultural products in Hartford. Infrastructure & Energy Strategy B. Continue to exempt agricultural businesses that Goal 7. Have affordable access to state-of-the art commu- are limited to direct farm-to-market sales from nications technology throughout the town. the town’s site plan review law. Goal 8. Reduce the use of and dependence on non-renew- Strategy C. Explore opportunities for the county’s Industrial able energy sources. Development Agency to invest and support agri- Strategy A. Promote energy efficiency and conservation. cultural businesses in town. Strategy B. Reduce energy costs as a proportion of municipal Strategy D. Promote agricultural business development so expenditures through implementation of cost- that the same incentives are available to farms effective energy conservation measures and use and agri-businesses as are available to busi- of renewable energy sources in town buildings, nesses in other sectors. vehicles and equipment. Strategy E. Use the town website as a marketing tool for lo- Strategy C. Use the town’s subdivision and site plan review cal farms and related businesses. laws to encourage energy efficient lot layout, Goal 4. Diversify Hartford’s tax base and provide a variety site design and building construction. of job opportunities. Strategy D. Promote educational opportunities that further Strategy A. Support small-scale commercial or light indus- energy awareness for school students, local of- trial development in designated locations that ficials and town residents. minimize adverse environmental and fiscal im- Goal 9. Utilize local renewable, green energy resources. pacts on the town. Strategy A. Research opportunities for renewable energy Strategy B. Allow for home businesses to the extent that generation that would be compatible with op- such activities do not adversely affect neighbors’ quality of life.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 47 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 5. Our Future

erations and that could reduce energy costs on Strategy A. Support continued volunteerism in local govern- farms. ment and provision of services. Strategy B. Give preference to capital projects involving the Community Resources maintenance and upgrade of existing facilities necessary to maintain current levels of service Goal 10. Ensure adequate public facilities and services to over capital projects designed to provide new maintain a rural lifestyle for residents and visitors. or expanded services, unless such projects are Strategy A. Provide opportunities for meaningful citizen clearly tied to the goals and strategies set forth participation in all facets of local government. in this plan. Strategy B. Avoid building infrastructure that will facilitate Strategy C. Provide up-to-date information to farmers and conversion of farmland to non-agricultural uses. farmland owners regarding tax relief programs. Goal 11. Increase community support and awareness of Goal 13. Continue to provide emergency services with pri- agriculture, and cultivate an appreciation of the marily volunteer staffing. many roles agriculture plays in the town. Goal 14. Provide educational services to meet the needs of Strategy A. Continue to include representatives from agri- Hartford’s children. cultural enterprises on all town committees and Strategy A. Promote agricultural education through Hart- boards. ford Central School, the community college, Strategy B. Establish an Agricultural Advisory Committee to youth programs such as 4-H or Future Farmers of provide information to the Town Board, Planning America, and similar programs. Board and others with regard to agricultural-related issues. The committee should be part of a larger umbrella task force that would coordinate Agriculture on agricultural issues including the right-to- Goal 15. Sustain a viable agricultural economy and agricul- farm law and educational programs. tural land base. Strategy C. Invite the town’s farmers to a lunchtime meeting Strategy A. Enforce the town’s right-to-farm law. periodically to discuss agriculture-related issues with elected representatives and officials, and to Strategy B. Support efforts and programs to conserve pro- provide information or training. ductive farmland, and seek funding for implementation of agriculture and farmland protec- Strategy D. Create an agriculture page on the town website tion efforts. highlighting the benefits that farming provides the town, and distributing useful information for Strategy C. Encourage agricultural landowners to partici- farmers and landowners. pate in programs intended to conserve farmland through property tax reductions; and distribute Strategy E. Maintain copies of brochures and other informa- the New York State Department of Agriculture tion at the town office related to tax relief pro- and Markets’ publication “Farms for the Future: grams for farmland, land trusts and land conser- An Overview of New York’s Farmland Protection vation programs, right-to-farm law, etc. Programs” at the town office and on the town website. Strategy F. Implement the provisions of the town’s right- to-farm law that provide for locally-based me- Strategy D. Discourage development on productive farm- diation of neighbor disputes, and that require a land and prime or important agricultural soils Real Estate Disclosure Notice whenever property where alternative locations exist. is purchased in town. Strategy E. Avoid siting buildings in cultivated fields and Goal 12. Maintain a stable tax levy and avoid significant meadows wherever possible. fluctuations in annual capital expenditures.

48 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 5. Our Future

Strategy F. Continue planning efforts by preparing and Strategy A. Encourage the careful design and placement of adopting an Agriculture and Farmland Protec- new development to be located within scenic tion Plan to be incorporated into this Compre- viewsheds or in highly visible locations. hensive Plan as an appendix. Strategy B. Use the town’s site plan review law to require Strategy G. Ask county and/or state to maintain up-to-date screening and landscaping to preserve scenic and easily accessible economic, land use and roads and vistas. other relevant data to help the town understand the contributions of agriculture to the local economy and the fiscal condition of the town. Natural Resources Goal 22. Preserve and protect those areas that are most Strategy H. Explore the feasibility of alternative agricultural valuable for agricultural use, as well as wildlife opportunities such as aquaculture, horticulture, habitat, scenic vistas, and areas that are environ- viniculture, biomass production, methane cap- mentally sensitive such as wetlands, ridges, steep ture for energy production, etc. slopes and streams. Goal 16. Protect and enhance farm and forest productivity Strategy A. Guide development away from areas character- through use of sound management practices. ized by significant environmental constraints Goal 17. Increase local food production and access to local- and/or sensitive environmental resources are ly-grown or produced foods. located. Strategy A. Promote value-added farming, CSAs (commu- Strategy B. Use the town’s subdivision law to minimize dis- nity supported agriculture), niche farming and turbance of environmentally sensitive features agri-tourism opportunities in Hartford. by designating where development may occur on newly created lots.

Historic and Scenic Resources Goal 23. Maintain and enhance the quality and health of the town’s environment. Goal 18. Preserve Hartford’s heritage for current and future generations. Strategy A. Prevent pollution or overuse of ground and surface water resources. Strategy A. Support efforts to protect and preserve items and artifacts of historic significance to Hartford. Strategy B. Discourage land use activities, other than accepted agricultural practices, resulting in the Strategy B. Support the ongoing efforts of the town’s histor- loss of wetland storage capacity or reduction in ical society, including the acquisition and display their environmental quality. of items of historic significance. Strategy C. Encourage maintenance of vegetated buffers Strategy C. Promote the continued use of historic buildings along streams and ponds, and keep new build- and discourage their abandonment or demoli- ings a safe distance away from streams to mini- tion. mize flood hazards. Goal 19. Make possible the preservation of buildings, sites and district of historic value. Land Use and Character Strategy A. Support designation and protection of historic Goal 24. Maintain Hartford’s rural character and agricul- buildings including agricultural structures. tural way of life. Goal 20. Maintain Hartford’s historic settlement pattern of Strategy A. Respect the rights of individual property owners small hamlets surrounded by farmland and rural while balancing the public’s values and interests. countryside. Strategy B. Balance property owners’ rights to reasonable Goal 21. Maintain the scenic character of Hartford’s land- use of their land with overall public health, scape, particularly as viewed from public roads. safety, and welfare.

Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 49 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010) Section 5. Our Future

Strategy C. Preserve agriculture as a critical land use that creates the town’s rural character, scenic beauty and quality of life. Strategy D. Use the town’s subdivision law to prevent “cookie-cutter” or “suburban” residential developments that are not consistent with the town’s rural character. Strategy E. Use the town’s site plan review law to limit outdoor lighting associated new commercial and residential development in order to protect rural character and conserve energy. Goal 25. Reinforce traditional settlement patterns and focus growth in designated areas. Goal 26. Adopt and revise local laws as necessary to implement the goals and strategies of this plan. Strategy A. Review the definitions of agricultural and farm- related terms in the town’s local laws and revise as necessary to ensure consistency between the various laws, and between town and state law.

50 Hartford, New York • Comprehensive Plan • 2010 to 2030 Draft for Public Comment (14 Jan 2010)