What’s included in the Plan?

Existing Plans: We’re not starting from scratch! The City has done a lot of planning over the years. The Comprehensive Plan will build on this existing work (including the current Comprehensive Plan) and pull all our best ideas into one place.
Facts and Data: We need to understand who lives in Woonsocket, how old we are, where we come from, where we work, and how we get from place to place in order to make solid decisions on housing, services, transportation needs, and other aspects of life in Woonsocket.
Needs and Desires: Beyond the numbers, we need to bring residents together to talk about the City’s future. What do you and your family and friends and neighbors need and want to live a happy and full life in Woonsocket? The Comprehensive Plan should be designed to address these needs.

Throughout the planning process over the next 18 months, our most important task will be hearing from YOU and your neighbors!

What will the Comprehensive Plan cover?

Woonsocket’s plan should cover the issues the people of Woosnocket think are most important, while being mindful of what the State of Rhode Island requires.

Traditionally, a Comprehensive Plan includes discussions on:

Public Services & Facilities

Are things like schools, police and fire, trash collection, etc. meeting our needs?

Housing

What types do we need now and in the future?

Transportation

Is it easy to get from place to place? What travel options do people have?

Land Use

Where is new development and redevelopment desired? How can we encourage development in these areas?

Natural Resources & Open Space

Are they being protected? How can we improve what we have?

Historic & Cultural Resources

What represents Woonsocket’s history and culture? How do we protect and honor that?

Economic Development

How do we help local businesses and connect residents with jobs?

Parks & Recreation

Does everyone have access to the types of recreation they need?

In recent years, more innovative plans have included:

Energy

What strategies can we pursue to become more energy efficient and produce energy from renewable sources?

Climate Change and Natural Hazards

How can we make sure that our residents and our infrastructure can adapt to increased flooding, storms, heat, and cold?

Social Services & Public Health

Do we have a community where people have access to healthy foods, opportunities for exercise, and other resources to stay physically and mentally healthy?

Special Places

What strategies should we adopt to strengthen special places in the community like a downtown area, waterfront area, or industrial park?

What’s included in the Plan?

What will the Comprehensive Plan cover?

Traditionally, a Comprehensive Plan includes discussions on:

In recent years, more innovative plans have included:

A good comprehensive plan makes sure the City looks at all these things together and understands how everything affects everything else.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE:

THE RI STATEWIDE PLANNING PROGRAM'S HANDBOOK: THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 101

COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING & LAND USE ACT

RI STATE GUIDE PLAN