People Behind the Plans: Lori Rotella, Naugatuck Town Planner and Wetlands Enforcement Officer

Q: What is your professional role and what is your interest in participating with the NVRPOCD Steering Committee? 

Since 2017, I’ve been the Town Planner and Wetlands Enforcement Officer for Naugatuck, after working in the Land Use Office starting in 2015. Before that, I was a full-time Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty 2000 for many years, starting in 2001. I was eager to join the NVRPOCD Steering Committee because I strongly believe in working together. I’ve found that actively participating and collaborating, much like I did to learn real estate quickly, is the best way to gain knowledge and make a real impact. I see this as a great chance to connect with regional planning experts, learn more efficiently, understand our common objectives better, and truly help the committee. 

Q: What does the Naugatuck Valley Region mean to you?

The Naugatuck Valley is deeply tied to my family’s history and my own. I’ve lived here most of my life, including the last 34 years in a Naugatuck home my family has owned since 1921. Raising my sons here as the fifth generation in that house really shows how connected my family is to this area. I also have fond memories of downtown Waterbury’s past, especially Holland Hughes, a store that was a true community hub. It sold everything from clothes to appliances and even let people pay bills, which really showed the Valley’s strong community spirit and self-reliance back then. For me, the Naugatuck Valley is my family’s story. 

Q: Why is the RPOCD important to you? 

I find the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development (RPOCD) to be a vital tool. It’s basically a step-by-step guide for how a region intends to use its land, keep its environment healthy, and boost its economy. Here in the Naugatuck Valley, this plan is especially helpful because it helps our towns work together on development. This leads to balanced growth, protects our natural resources, and makes our residents’ lives better. All in all, it’s vital for building a strong and well-organized future for our area. 

Q: Can you share any standout experiences or insights from your time on the Steering Committee? 

While there isn’t one “standout” moment, I’ve found it really insightful to see how the Regional Plan of Conservation and Development (RPOCD) process differs from my experience with Naugatuck’s town plan. Working on the Steering Committee has given me a new perspective. I’ve seen a broader approach to planning that I believe would have significantly improved how my town’s plan was developed. This regional perspective offers valuable lessons in collaboration and long-term vision, which I now see as crucial for effective planning at any level. It’s truly a valuable learning experience that highlights the benefits of a wider, more integrated approach. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about the regional plan?  

I’m genuinely excited about this Regional Plan of Conservation and Development! It’s the very first one since our regional planning agencies merged. This means the Valley Council of Governments, the Council of Governments of the Central Naugatuck Valley, and the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency consolidated in 2025. This combined group gives the region a stronger, more unified voice. It helps the towns work together better and create a shared goal, even though each town is unique. We expect this teamwork to lead to smarter growth, better protection for our natural spaces, and a more lasting future for the whole Naugatuck Valley. It’s a truly exciting time for planning in our area! 

Q: Outside of your role, do you have any personal interests or hobbies that inspire your perspective on the regional plan?  

I really like going to plays at local theaters. I find the buildings, especially old ones, very interesting; they help define a town and bring people together. Exploring new restaurants also shows me how strong and diverse the local economy is. These hobbies highlight the vibrant, welcoming places I believe the Regional Plan should create—places people want to be.