Planning board revises town communication and comprehensive plan

The Newfield Planning Board sat down July 5 at its monthly meeting to discuss plans for the town.

A prevalent topic at the meeting was concern about Newfield residents’ lack of knowledge about happenings that are of importance to the community. The board explored ways to improve communication with town residents.

Brenda Lapp, chair of the Newfield Planning Board committee, noted that the planning board is looking for a way to improve communications between the town of Newfield and its citizens. 

“We’re in this interesting place with communication within the town. … The paid newspapers that are local don’t really cover all of what’s happening in the town,” Lapp said.

To address the problem, a subcommittee for communications met this week to discuss ways the town can improve communication.

One issue is that the town is hampered from sending out updates via email due to legal restrictions regarding spam. However, one proposed solution is to send out a one-time mailing to inform residents about how they can stay up to date with town happenings. 

“We can’t just sign people up for a newsletter they didn’t ask to receive,” Lapp said. “What we could do is do a one-time mailing and say, ‘Hey, we have not subscribed you to anything, but here is a way to get some information about what’s happening in the town.’”

The planning board is not entirely sure where the communication problem originates, whether it be a lack of internet connection or a lack of knowledge about where to find town information. Board members are still exploring possible solutions. 

“I don’t really know why there seems to be this lack of communication in the town, but there is – and we need to find a way to get better,” Lapp said. “I don’t think anybody really knows what the silver bullet for that is.”

The planning board is meeting with the subcommittee for communications to discuss possible solutions and consider feedback provided by Newfield residents. Solutions will be discussed at the next planning board meeting in August.

The planning board is also looking to update the 2013 Newfield Comprehensive Plan. The comprehensive plan aims to improve the Town of Newfield based on what developments the community wants to see happen in the town. The plan, which includes various developments, can be viewed on the Town of Newfield’s website.

The planning board is looking for participants and volunteers to assist in updating the comprehensive plan. They also want to create subcommittee meetings, possibly in September, to update the plan.

“The comprehensive plan is 10 years old. Things have changed, and new laws have been enacted that need to be accounted for,” Lapp said. 

For more information, visit the Town of Newfield’s website or sign up for town announcements also found on the website.

Newfield Notes appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

Mortal Combine to perform at Mill Park

The Newfield Music Series at Mill Park will hold a concert tonight, July 12, at 6:00 p.m. A variety of food vendors will be available during the performance byMortal Combine.

Town board to meet

The Newfield Town Board will have its monthly meeting at the town hall from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Thursday, July 13.

Happenings at the library

Lego Night will be held at Newfield Public Library from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 13. Legos and refreshments will be provided.

Yoga For Beginners will be held at Newfield Public Library Saturday, July 15 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. The event will be hosted by Phyllis KuanYin Chi and is suitable for beginners and those with mobility issues. Bring a mat or blanket.

NPL Family Storytime will be held at Newfield Public Library Tuesday, July 18 from 10:30-11:15 a.m. The event includes stories, songs and more for infants through age 5.