PRESS RELEASE: Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Scheduled for Saturday, July 26 in Watertown

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2025

Contact:
NVCOG
(203) 757-0535
hhw@nvcogct.gov
https://nvcogct.gov/HHW

Household Hazardous Waste and Paint Collection Scheduled for Saturday, July 26 in Watertown

Do you have paints, cleaners, and other chemicals in your home that you need to dispose of? The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) and participating municipalities will sponsor a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Paint Collection event on Saturday, July 26, 2025. The collection will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the John Trumbull Primary School, 779 Buckingham St, Oakville, CT 06779.

The collection is open to residents of the following communities: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Prospect, Seymour, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury. There is no charge to residents. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, tax bill, or other identification, is required for entry. There is no need to line up before the 8 a.m. start time. This event will be held rain or shine.

Hazardous waste consists of poisonous, flammable, and corrosive materials that are harmful to human health if not disposed of properly. The only waste that will be accepted is hazardous waste produced by households. Materials generated by a commercial enterprise or non-profit entity will not be accepted. A full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials can be viewed at nvcogct.gov/hhw.

Examples of wastes that will be accepted include: oil- and latex-based paints and stains, thermometers and thermostats containing mercury, drain and oven cleaners, upholstery cleaners, wood cleaners, strippers and varnishes, pesticides, poisons, pool and photo chemicals, automotive cleaners and fluids, gasoline and motor oil, grease and rust solvents, aerosols, and metal polishes.

Items that will not be accepted include: auto batteries, propane tanks over 1 lb., compressed gas cylinders, asbestos, smoke detectors, explosives, radioactive or medical waste, grout, joint compound, lead paint chips, and empty containers of any kind. Aerosol containers will not be accepted unless they contain a non-paint chemical. Empty aerosols that contain food products can be recycled. Full or partially full spray paint, full or partially full food products, and empty chemical aerosol containers can be placed in the trash. The contractor reserves the right to reject additional materials.

Up to 50 lbs. of residential waste will be accepted per vehicle. Residents should leave materials in the original container whenever possible. If you think you might exceed this limit, send an email with your name, address, and type of waste to hhw@nvcogct.gov at least one week in advance of the collection. When arriving at the collection site, residents must remain in their cars at all times. Trained waste handlers will remove materials from the cars. All liquid-based products, including gasoline and motor oil should arrive in a sealed container. For safety reasons, containers used to transport hazardous materials will not be returned. Residents are advised to use containers that do not need to be returned and ensure they are securely sealed.

Unacceptable materials will be returned or left in the vehicle and information, if known, will be provided on how to dispose of them. For further information, please contact hhw@nvcogct.gov or call (203) 757-0535.

PRESS RELEASE: Governor Lamont Announces State Grants for Assessment and Remediation of 23 Blighted Properties

Click here to access the press release from the office of Governor Ned Lamont

06/12/2025

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that he is releasing $18.8 million in state grants that will be used for the assessment and remediation of 227 acres of contaminated land across Connecticut. The funding will support 23 properties in 19 towns and cities, helping cover the costs of cleaning up these parcels so they can be redeveloped and returned to productive use.

The grants are being released through the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program. This round of funding is projected to attract $218 million in private investment and facilitate the creation of 450 housing units. Approximately 52% of the total funding will be allocated to distressed municipalities.

“Old, polluted, blighted properties that have sat vacant for decades do nothing to stimulate our economy, grow jobs, and support housing growth,” Governor Lamont said. “With these grants, we are partnering with towns and developers to take unused, lifeless properties and bring them back from the dead, rejuvenating land that can be used for so much more and can bring value back to these neighborhoods.”

“Our brownfield redevelopment efforts continue to produce great results, not only for the communities that can now capitalize on new opportunities for growth and vibrancy but also for the residents who directly benefit from the new end uses for these reclaimed properties, whether it be housing, parks, commercial space, or community centers,” DECD Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe said.

The grants announced today under this funding round include:

  • Ansonia: $200,000 grant to the city for the assessment of the 4.21-acre site located at 35 and 65 Main Street, the former Farrel Ansonia Facility that has been vacant since 2018. These assessment activities will enable the city to determine the best use for the site.
  • Bridgeport: $200,000 planning grant to the Connecticut Metropolitan Council of Governments (MetroCOG) for planning activities on the western bank of the Yellow Mill Channel along Waterview Avenue. These planning activities will enable MetroCOG and the city to advance a comprehensive plan for development of a Waterfront Pathway.
  • Danbury: $200,000 grant to the city for the environmental assessment of the former Fairfield County Courthouse. This assessment will enable future reuse of the building as municipal office space in the historic district.
  • Danbury: $200,000 grant to the city for assessment activities at 13 Barnum Court, which was formerly used for hat manufacturing. The assessment work will help identify potential end uses and developers to cleanup and reuse the site.
  • Derby: $200,000 grant to the city to further evaluate site conditions and planning activities for the O’Sullivan’s Island (OSI) property at Caroline Street, a 17.25-acre peninsula of land located south of the downtown commercial district at the confluence of the Housatonic and Naugatuck Rivers. The former regional fire training center is now part of the Naugatuck River Greenway and accessible to the public as a park. The assessment and planning activities will enable the city to further investigate the site to address previously identified contamination and open up the property for additional recreational activities.
  • East Lyme: $200,000 grant to the town to conduct assessment activities at 278 Main Street. These assessment activities will help to identify contamination and evaluate the cost of remedial action.
  • Hartford: $4,000,000 grant to the city for the demolition and abatement of the existing structure at the 2.95-acre site at 150 Windsor Street. Remediation of this strategic downtown property will open the site to future development opportunities.
  • Monroe: $100,000 grant to the town to complete assessment activities at the 7.74-acre site of the former Saint Jude School located at 709 Monroe Turnpike. The town is proposing to adaptively reuse the building for use as a community center and town offices.
  • Naugatuck: $200,000 grant to the borough for assessment work on the 36.2-acre site that was formerly a Hershey & Peter Paul Cadbury manufacturing site. This assessment will enable the site to be returned to productive use after 18 years of vacancy.
  • New Britain: $2,000,000 grant to the city for abatement and clean-up activities at the New Britain Business Park located at 221 South Street. The 54.91-acre site has historically been a commercial and industrial park and was home to the New Britain Machine Company. These cleanup activities will facilitate the adaptive reuse of 123,000 square feet of existing building space, providing new manufacturing, R&D, warehousing/distribution, and office spaces to meet local and regional market demands.
  • New Haven: $880,000 grant to the city for the remediation of the 1.13-acre vacant lot located at 275 South Orange Street. The site was formerly a portion of the New Haven Coliseum and is currently used for parking. The remediation will enable the construction of phase 1B of a multi-use development that will include 7,159 square feet of amenity and retail space and 120 residential units.
  • New Haven: $947,500 grant to the city for the demolition and abatement of blighted buildings and excavation of petroleum-impacted soil at 185, 212, and 213 Front Street. The 1.34-acre site, located along the Quinnipiac River, has a history of industrial use, including a coal yard, fuel tank farm, and metalworking shop. The remediation will pave the way for the construction of 70 residential units, retail spaces, and a 29,000 square foot green space and boardwalk to improve pedestrian access.
  • New Milford: $150,000 grant to the New Milford Economic Development Corporation for assessment activities at the Former East Street School, a 4.63-acre site located at 50 East Street. These assessment activities will enable the repurposing of the historical former school into a Cultural Center for the Arts and Community Hub, which could include affordable living spaces for creative professionals.
  • Norwich: $100,000 grant to the Norwich Community Development Corporation (NCDC) for the assessment of the former Norwich State Hospital, located at 628 and 705 Laurel Hill Road. The funding will enable the NCDC to complete a Phase III ESA, along with a conceptual remedial action plan, structural assessment, hazardous building materials assessment, and estimates of remediation, abatement, and cleanup costs. The NCDC is looking to renovate the property in concert with the neighboring Preston Riverwalk Development.
  • Redding: $200,000 grant to the town to conduct assessment activities at 19 North Main Street, which will help identify contamination at the former wastewater treatment facility of the Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill and inform redevelopment efforts.
  • Shelton: $2,975,500 remediation grant to the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments for groundwater and soil cleanup, excavation, and disposal at 113 and 125 Canal Street, sites that were previously used for electroplating and other industrial operations. These remediation efforts will enable the development of two mixed-use complexes with a total of more than 120 residential units, retail space, and a parking garage. In addition, the walkway along the Housatonic River to Veterans Memorial Park will be extended.
  • Stonington: $177,000 grant to the town to conduct assessment activities at the Former Campbell Grain Facility, a 1.86-acre project site located at 27 West Broad Street and 15 Cogswell Street in Stonington. These assessment activities will help identify the level of contamination and the cost of a remedial action plan.
  • Torrington: $600,000 grant to the city for the abatement and demolition of the remaining buildings (buildings 21 and 24) at the 9.39-acre site located at 70 North Main Street. The proposed grant funds will be used for the remaining abatement and demolition. Upon completion, conceptual plans include construction of new commercial/industrial/light manufacturing buildings with a possible installation of a fuel-cell to generate necessary site power.
  • Torrington: $200,000 grant to the New Colony Development Corporation for the completion of assessment and planning activities at 100 Franklin Drive. The funding will enable the city to identify and partner with a potential developer to repurpose the former manufacturing site for potentially residential development.
  • West Hartford: $200,000 grant to the town for assessment activities of the Former AC Petersen Ice Cream Production Facility, a 1.02-acre site located at 240 Park Road. The assessment and subsequential cleanup will allow the building’s existing businesses, including the Playhouse on Park, a performing arts theater, to expand into the environmentally affected areas which have been unused or underused for several decades.
  • West Hartford: $688,000 grant to the town for demolition and remediation of the 1.21-acre site located at 579 New Park Avenue. The remediation activities will enable the construction of a mixed-use/TOD project consisting of 70 residential units.
  • Winchester: $200,000 planning grant to the Northwest Hills Council of Governments to examine a stretch/corridor of vacant and blighted industrial properties along the Mad River. Funds will be used to address potentially contaminated structures and create a comprehensive plan.
  • Windsor Locks: $4,000,000 grant to the town for abatement, demolition, and remediation activities at 255 Main Street, which is adjacent to the proposed location of the new train station. The cleanup activities will enable the construction of the first phase of a 120-unit mixed-use/TOD development.

For more information on Connecticut’s Brownfield Remediation and Development Program, visit www.ctbrownfields.gov.

PRESS RELEASE: NVCOG To Receive $2 Million in EPA Brownfield Grants to Advance Regional Revitalization

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2025

Contact:
Ricardo Rodriguez
Brownfields Program Director
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-982-0797
Rrodriguez@nvcogct.gov

NVCOG To Receive $2 Million in EPA Brownfield Grants to Advance Regional Revitalization

(Waterbury, CT) – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) will receive $2 million in supplemental funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to further its mission of transforming contaminated and underutilized properties into thriving community assets. This funding is part of EPA’s FY 2025 Brownfields Grant Program, which allocated over $267 million to communities across the nation to support the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites.

This new funding will expand NVCOG’s successful Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program, allowing the agency to provide additional sub grants and low-interest loans to municipalities and developers across its Regional Brownfields Partnership (RBP). The RBP encompasses 25 cities and towns in west-central Connecticut, working together to meet the collective redevelopment challenges that brownfields present in the region.

This latest grant underscores the EPA’s recognition of NVCOG as a high-performing RLF recipient, capable of effectively utilizing funds to achieve significant environmental and economic outcomes. Including this year’s award, NVCOG has now received a total of $16.8 million in Brownfield’s funding from the EPA through multiple award cycles.
Since 2005, NVCOG’s RLF program has supported 44 projects, leveraging $90 million in non-federal investments.

“This funding is a testament to the success of our Brownfields program and the collaborative efforts of our regional partners,” said Rick Dunne, Executive Director of NVCOG. “With these additional resources we can accelerate the remediation of brownfield sites, paving the way for new housing, businesses, and green spaces that benefit our communities.”

For more information about NVCOG’s Brownfields program please visit https://nvcogct.gov/who-we-are/commissions-committees/regional-brownfields-partnership/.

PRESS RELEASE: NVCOG Releases Draft Unified Planning Work Program for Public Comment

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2025

Contact:
Richard Donovan
Transportation Planning Director
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-757-0535
rdonovan@nvcogct.gov

NVCOG Releases Draft Unified Planning Work Program for Public Comment

Waterbury, CT – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) has released the draft Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) for the Central Naugatuck Valley Metropolitan Planning Organization (CNVMPO), inviting public review and comment.

The UPWP identifies the planning process for the CNVMPO transportation planning department over the two-year period between July 1, 2026, and June 30, 2027. This document details the planning priorities, projects, and deliverables expected to be completed in this period. The UPWP forms the foundation of CNVMPO’s transportation planning work and will be endorsed by the CNVMPO board at adoption and following any updates.

Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are required to create a Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) that documents the metropolitan transportation planning activities to be performed in compliance with the requirements of US Code of Federal Regulations (23 CFR Part 450.308). The transportation planning tasks identified in the UPWP are funded through a combination of federal, state, and local sources.

The NVCOG encourages the public to review and participate in shaping this important document. A draft version of the document is available at https://nvcogct.gov/what-we-do/transportation-planning-2/work-program-upwp/. 

The public comment period is open from May 15, 2025, to June 30, 2025. Open office hours, during which NVCOG staff will be available to answer questions and respond to comments regarding the UPWP, will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, both virtually and at the NVCOG offices, located at 49 Leavenworth Street, Waterbury, CT 06702. Those wishing to join virtually can do so using the Zoom link at https://bit.ly/upwp-nvcog-25. Individuals with limited internet access can listen to the meeting by calling +1 929 205 6099 and entering the Meeting ID when prompted: 829 1869 3987.

Comments can also be sent via email to Rich Donovan, Transportation Planning Director, at rdonovan@nvcogct.gov, called in to the NVCOG office at (203) 757-0535, or mailed to the NVCOG’s office at the address above.

Language assistance is available. Requests for language assistance should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting by contacting Desira Blanchard, Civil Rights Officer, at dblanchard@nvcogct.gov or call 203-757-0535.

Community Planning Newsletter Spring 2025

Quarterly Updates

The NVCOG Community Planning Division published the spring edition of its quarterly newsletter. The newsletter is a resource for municipal land use staff and decision makers on all things land use policy and planning.

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PRESS RELEASE: NVCOG Releases Draft Open Space Map and Report for Public Comment

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2025 

Contact:  
Christine O’Neill 
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments 
203-489-0351 
coneill@nvcogct.gov  

NVCOG Releases Draft Open Space Map and Report for Public Comment

WATERBURY, CT – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) has published a draft Open Space Inventory map and report for public comment from May 12, 2025, to June 13, 2025. The interactive map displays every open space property across the 19-town region, with information on ownership, acreage, use, and level of legal protection, while the report provides important background and highlights key properties for each municipality. The map and report are available at nvcogct.gov/osi.

The term “open space” covers a variety of undeveloped land used for conservation, recreation, historic preservation, agriculture, or similar purposes. Understanding where open spaces are located within the region, what they are used for, and whether they are legally protected from development helps local governments and land trusts engage in well-informed planning. 

The interactive map allows users to click on any open space property in the region and access details about it. Data layers related to endangered species, farmland soils, and demographics can be overlaid on the map to identify areas of interest. 

To accompany the map, a report and guide document provides background on open space, details research methodology, lists key regional findings, and highlights each municipality with a unique two-page profile. The report has been designed to serve as a snapshot of existing conditions and a planning tool for municipal staff, commissioners, and open space advocates in the region.  

NVCOG’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping department has long maintained an online open space inventory, with data acquired from various sources through the years. A $92,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service in 2023 empowered NVCOG to perform a comprehensive, town-by-town update that involved extensive land records research to make protection determinations on each property. 

The Naugatuck Valley region contains the communities of Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Bristol, Cheshire, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Plymouth, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Watertown, Wolcott, and Woodbury. 

Public comments may be submitted to coneill@nvcogct.gov. 

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)   

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, and American Sign Language) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.   

To file a program discrimination complaint, a complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at https://www.ocio.usda.gov/document/ad-3027, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:   

(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or   

(2) Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or   

(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov.   

 

PRESS RELEASE: Watershed Based Plan Under Development for Mad River in Bristol, Waterbury, and Wolcott

For Immediate Release: Friday, May 9, 2025

Contact:
Christine O’Neill
Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
203-489-0351
coneill@nvcogct.gov

Watershed Based Plan Under Development for Mad River in Bristol, Waterbury, and Wolcott

WATERBURY, CT – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) has received a federal Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source grant funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and administered by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) to develop a Watershed Based Plan for the Mad River Watershed in partnership with the City of Bristol, the City of Waterbury, and the Town of Wolcott.

The Mad River Watershed spans over 13,000 acres in the northern Naugatuck Valley. The watershed’s northernmost point is Cedar Lake in Bristol; the river winds south through the majority of Wolcott, feeding one of its premier recreation areas, Scovill/Woodtick Reservoir; and joins the Naugatuck River in eastern Waterbury near Hamilton Park and the Brass Mill Center.

The goal of the Watershed Based Plan is to identify nonpoint source pollution – defined as water pollution that is not concentrated within a drainage system or discharged from a discrete point, like a pipe – through land use analysis, field surveys, and water sampling. Once the existing conditions have been established, implementation strategies to reduce pollution and improve water quality will be developed. The final Plan will be approved by the EPA, CT DEEP, and a Steering Committee made up of stakeholders from the three host communities.

According to the 2022 CT DEEP Integrated Water Quality Report to Congress, 3 segments of the Mad River are impaired for recreation (due to elevated levels of bacteria) as well as for aquatic life (due to unknown causes). In addition, a segment of Lilly Brook, a tributary of the Mad River, and upstream Hitchcock Lake are also both impaired for recreation. Certain portions of the watershed contain dense development with abundant impervious surfaces, which can lead to increased pollution from stormwater runoff. A Watershed Based Plan can help address these issues by identifying appropriate interventions, such as rain gardens, homeowner education, or improving riparian buffers.

“Implementation of a Watershed Based Plan is about more than just improving water quality,” says NVCOG Executive Director Rick Dunne. “It’s a catalyst for broader environmental and community benefits, from reducing flooding and restoring native habitats to deepening public awareness and stewardship of our natural resources. By aligning efforts across the communities of Waterbury, Bristol, and Wolcott, we’re creating a blueprint for long-term resilience and shared success.”

To learn more about the project, visit https://nvcogct.gov/project/madriver/ or contact coneill@nvcogct.gov with ideas and questions.

This project was funded, in part, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The funding is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or deep.accommodations@ct.gov if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.

People Behind the Plans: Community Planning Intern, Matthew Ucci

Matthew Ucci joined the NVCOG during the spring of 2025 and will be leaving his mark as a Community Planning Intern.

Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and explain your role as an intern at the NVCOG?  

My name is Matthew Ucci and I’m from Albany, New York. I recently graduated from the University of Connecticut with a B.A in Urban and Community Studies and minors in Math and GIS. I joined the NVCOG as a Community Planning Intern in February. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about regional planning, network with professionals, and contribute to meaningful projects.  

Q: What sparked your interest in land use and planning? 

My interest in planning began in middle school through my involvement in the “Future Cities” club, where students designed a futuristic city centered on clean energy and community safety. As a team, we wrote an essay, built a model, drafted a project plan, and presented our ideas to real planners from local and state government. Later, in college, my passion for planning deepened through a course called “Sustainable Cities.” There, I explored real-world projects from around the globe and learned how thoughtful planning can make sustainability a reality in communities.  

Q: Could you reflect on some of the projects or initiatives you’ve been involved in during your time as an intern? 

During my time at NVCOG, I contributed to the early planning stages of the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development. I worked closely with Savannah-Nicole (SN) Villalba and Molly Johnson, helping to sort and code through interviews with municipal staff, Commissioners and elected officials in Excel. I also assisted in drafting the Stakeholder Survey Executive Summary, honing my writing and attention to detail. Through these experiences. I’ve gained an understanding of the significant effort involved in creating regional plans and how much work it takes to gather and analyze data to shape these important initiatives. 

Q: Could you provide an example of how your work as an intern involved collaboration and connections within the region? 

Before joining the team, I had never visited the Naugatuck Valley region, and I didn’t know much about it. My work focused not only on learning the role of a planner but also on gaining insight into the region itself. One of the most rewarding experiences was shadowing the town planner in the Land Use Department at the Town of Beacon Falls. It was eye-opening to see firsthand how municipal planners address local challenges. I enjoyed interacting with their team and felt grateful for the opportunity to witness the issues they tackle on a day-to-day basis.  

Q: Can you share any standout experiences or insights from your time in this role that you believe are important to share with the audience? 

One standout experience from my time at NVCOG was the support I received from day one. When I first started, SN asked me, “What can we do to help you get the most out of your time here?” That moment showed me how invested the team was in my growth. Throughout my internship, staff have shared their knowledge, encouraged me to succeed, and provided valuable opportunities to shadow and network with planners at the municipal, regional, and state levels. The support and enthusiasm at NVCOG have made this opportunity incredibly meaningful.  

Q: As you prepare to depart, could you share some reflections on your time as an intern? How has this experience influenced your perspective on regional planning?  

I was surprised by the extent of collaboration involved, NVCOG works closely with member municipalities, the state, and residents. Municipalities also engage with neighboring towns, requiring constant coordination. I was particularly fascinated by how holistic planners need to be in their approach, considering environmental, financial, and social impacts when finding solutions. I’m excited to apply these perspectives as I continue my studies in grad school and pursue my career in planning, particularly in New York. 

Sustainability Spotlight: Purchase of Development Rights and Transfer of Development Rights

The NVCOG has developed two infographics to explain the concepts of Purchase of Development Rights (PDR) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR). Municipalities may use these legal instruments to preserve open space and farmland in communities that may be facing development pressure. The infographics are intended to assist in explaining these concepts to a broader audience.

Both programs work by decoupling the physical land of a property from the right to develop that property. That right can either be transferred to an eligible area that is more appropriate to build, generally triggering an incentive like a density bonus (TDR), or the right can be terminated by paying the landowner a one-time fee in exchange for a legal restriction to not develop the property (PDR). Each method has some flexibility to accommodate the needs of the landowner and/or prospective developer – for instance, allowing farm-related buildings to be erected on a PDR property that otherwise cannot be developed.

PDR was used to protect a portion of Gustafson Farm in Watertown in 2020, through a partnership among the landowners, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Connecticut Farmland Trust. As a result, 301 acres of this orchard and beef farm are legally protected from future development.

These programs may not be the right fit for every community. They require willing landowners, legal paperwork, many partners, and lots of time to execute. Other options for land preservation, such as deed restrictions or conservation easements, may be a better fit depending on the property. As Gustafson Farm demonstrates, however, a PDR can be a powerful option for land use planning.

Click the infographics below for a visual breakdown of how PDR and TDR can be applied in your community.

Learn more: CT Department of Agriculture

Learn more: New York State