The NVCOG is committed to knowledge sharing to support informed decision making. Education and training opportunities are thoughtfully crafted to equip land use staff and commissioners with valuable insights and skills. Delve into the offerings and embark on a journey of continuous learning with the NVCOG!
2024 Aquifer Protection Areas: Working toward Compliance Workshop Series
The NVCOG and CT DEEP are hosting the Aquifer Protection Areas: Moving Towards Compliance Workshop Series to provide municipal land use staff with helpful techniques for program compliance. The virtual monthly series of events will run until July 2024, and each session is scheduled from 9 AM to 10 AM. To participate, register on Zoom.
Previous Sessions
This comprehensive resource was developed in collaboration with the NVCOG and CT DEEP for the 2024 APA Workshop Series. The folder equips staff with essential tools and guidance on the Aquifer Protection Area program. It provides templates, examples, and resources tailored to areas of compliance, from regulations adoption to inspections and more.
Learn about aquifer basics, program overview, municipal responsibilities, and next steps for achieving compliance. This presentation was led by Kim Czapla, Supervising Environmental Analyst at CTDEEP.
Watch the live recording of the presentation.
Learn about best practices for aquifer protection area program implementation from registrations, to inspections and enforcement. This presentation was led by Alexis Cherichetti, Senior Environmental Officer and Assistant Director of Planning & Zoning for the City of Norwalk.
Watch the live recording of the presentation.
Learn tips and strategies for creating and maintaining your aquifer protection area website. This presentation was led by Melissa Mostowy, Environmental Analyst for CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Watch the live recording of the presentation.
Learn, review and discuss the procedure for Aquifer Protection Area municipal registrations. This presentation was led by Melissa Fahenstock, technical lead for the Municipal Aquifer Protection Area Program at CT DEEP.
Watch the live recording of the meeting.
Land Use Education Sessions
Municipal land use staff, including planners, zoning enforcement officers, and administrators, come together for the land use education sessions. These gatherings focus on in-depth discussions and exploration of land use concepts and strategies that address the needs of the region.
Previous Sessions
The NVCOG was pleased to host Mike Glidden, CFM, CZEO, Town Planner for the Town of Cheshire, for a Land Use Coffee Hour on Short-Term Rentals.
Previously the Director of Planning and Community Development for the Town of Simsbury, Mike was instrumental in the adoption of the Town’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance. Simsbury’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance serves as a helpful template for municipalities throughout the State struggling with the regulation of short-term rental properties. The ordinance, zoning regulations, presentation slides, and recording of Mike’s presentation can be found below.
Town of Simsbury Short-Term Rental Ordinance 2021 (PDF)
Town of Simsbury Zoning Regulations 2023 (PDF)
Watch the live recording of the event.
NVCOG partnered with the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) to host a Housing Lunch and Learn event. The event was held on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the NVCOG offices.
This Lunch & Learn covered the new CHFA State Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) and discussed data specific to the Naugatuck Valley planning region.
Professionals involved in housing-related fields, housing advocates, land use staff, planners, and community stakeholders, and anyone interested in housing issues are encouraged to attend.
Watch the live recording of the event.
NVCOG hosted a hybrid event on May 10, 2023, at the NVCOG offices. The event featured the guest presenter Becky A. Bradley, AICP, Executive Director of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, who shared invaluable insights on how their region planned for increased warehousing and distribution uses. In Becky’s presentation, she shared data, insights on the economic impact, and a comprehensive freight management guide.
Watch the live recording of the event.
2023 Sec. 8-4c Land Use Commissioner Training
The NVCOG hosted two successful land use training sessions in September 2023 for commissioners from the planning region and beyond to comply with CGS Section 8-4c. The sessions equipped Planning, Zoning, Planning and Zoning and Zoning Board of Appeals Commissioners in the Naugatuck Valley Region with tools and insights for navigating complex land-use decisions and provided a platform for networking and idea exchange.
Previous Sessions
Partners
A special thanks to our partners!
- City of Waterbury
- Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity (LCCHO)
- UConn Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR)
Live Recording
Watch the live recording of the September 30, 2023, Land Use Commissioner Training.
PDF Slides
Download the topic-specific PDF slides for each presenter.
Additional Resources
- 10 Actions to Grow Your Town’s Affordable Housing Supply
- Join CLEAR’s Land Use Academy training and equip yourself with practical handouts to enhance your learning.
Partners
A special thanks to our partners!
- City of Ansonia
- Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaption (CIRCA)
- CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
- Partnership for Strong Communities (PSC)
- State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
Live Recording
Watch the live recording of the September 21, 2023, Land Use Commissioner Training.
PDF Slides
Download the topic-specific PDF slides for each presenter.