Other FAQs

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Q: Why is it important to solicit feedback from all city stakeholders?

A: This plan should reflect a future that everyone in Woonsocket believes in. Different stakeholders may have different perspectives on the same issue. These perspectives need to be heard and carefully considered when determining the best direction for the City to take. We may not all agree on every individual action in the plan, but we all need to agree on the direction we’re headed.

Q: Who can participate and provide insights for the Plan? Do I need to be a resident of Woonsocket to provide feedback on the Plan? Can business owners in the City be involved in the planning process?

A: Residents of Woonsocket are the first priority for this plan, but we want to hear from all sorts of people. People who own a business here or work here or visit here are all welcome to participate.

Q: I have given my feedback many times before, but I have not seen any changes or my feedback acted upon. What are you going to do with the feedback I provide? Where can I see my ideas reflected?

A: We will be compiling responses to surveys, public meetings, and other community outreach and reporting back on what we hear. We will build the plan based on what we hear from you. Again, not every individual idea will make it into the plan, but our goal is that the average person in Woonsocket can read this plan and feel reflected in it. In some cases, what the City aspires to and what the City can achieve in the short term are not aligned due to limited staff and fiscal resources.

Q: Are there other communities you have seen or visited that Woonsocket could take cues from as it changes and grows? What were those events, infrastructure elements, or overall civic fabric that you liked that Woonsocket could learn from?

A: The project team can be on the lookout for good, relevant examples from elsewhere throughout this project.

Q: How long does this comp plan update process take?

A: It depends on the community, but most updates take between 12 and 18 months.

Q: Is this funded federally or by the City of Woonsocket?

A: The Comprehensive Plan is required by State law to be updated every 10 years. This update is being funded by Community Development Block Grant funding. This is funding that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides to the City of Woonsocket annually to be allocated towards local projects that are in the City’s interest.

Q: Who has final approval of the updated comprehensive plan?

A: The plan is first adopted by the City’s Planning Board and then the City Council must adopt it into the City’s code of ordinances. The State of Rhode Island must also approve the plan before it goes into effect.

Q: Where can I find our current comprehensive plan?

A: The current Comprehensive Plan can be found online at:

https://www.woonsocketri.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif5231/f/uploads/2012_comprehensive_plan.pdf

Q: Do the mayor and city council have to follow the comprehensive plan?

A: The City’s Zoning Ordinance is required by law to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. The City is responsible for making any necessary changes to the Zoning Ordinance so it aligns with the Comprehensive Plan. Beyond this, the plan is a guidance document for the City.

Q: Is the comprehensive plan tied to the city’s budget for funding of ideas?

A: Not legally. However, many communities do choose to use the Comprehensive Plan as a guiding document for its annual budget and/or Capital Improvement Program.