A VISION FOR PORTLAND
Incentives will be created and adaptive reuse strategies instituted to preserve Portland's character while making it more energy efficient. Town policies will promote preservation as a community revitalization tool. The historic re-sources listed in The History and Architecture of Portland will serve as the in-ventory of resources to be preserved. Commercial development of the Elmcrest property will result in Village Dis-trict "place making," complement existing businesses and strengthen eco-nomic development. Design improvement of both state and town roads will make them safer and more accessible for motorists, pedestrians (including those with mobility chal-lenges), cyclists and transit users. Improvements will promote the economy and have a positive impact on the health and well being of individuals.
Development of the Air Line Trail and a Town Park on Route 17, along with increased protection of open space in partnership with State and non-profit groups will enhance recreation opportunities, protect and preserve rural wild-life assets and safeguard our lakes, ponds, streams and Connecticut River.
This Vision Statement serves as a keystone for implementation and accom plishment of the 2016-2026 Plan of Conservation and Development. It repre-sents the "Spirit" of Portland's citizens.....The Elmcrest Campus Advisory
Committee , •Air Line Trail Steering Committee, •Complete Streets Group,
·Middlesex Land Trust,•Park and Recreation Commission, •Brownstone Quorum, •Portland Historical Society, and •Meshomasic Hiking Club.
Page 3.
Key Strategies
The recommendations related to each of these strategic themes are presented below: Focusing On Priority Issues
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Strengthen The Town Center A. 1 Strengthen the Town...
E. Establish The Air Line Trail E.1.Establish The Air Line Trail
regional greenway. The corridor already ex-tends from East Hampton Center east to Pomfret and Thompson and there are efforts underway to
extend it west into Portland.
The Town has been working on this trail extension for some time and the Plan recommends that the trail be established and extended to the Town
Center.
Establish the Air Line Rail Trail.
Additional recommendations related to trails in Portland are contained in the "Addressing Community Needs" section of the POCD.
Policies:
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Establish the Air Line Trail in Portland.
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Establish connections from the Air Line Trail to the Town Center.
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Establish connections from the Air Line Trail to Middletown and Glastonbury
Action Items
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Extend the Air Line Trail to the Town Center.
CASE STUDY - Air Line Trail The Air Line Trail is a former rail corridor in Eastern Connecticut being converted to a recreational trail. The trail has several sections: •East Hampton to Windham (22 miles),•Windham to Putnam (21 miles)•A Thompson extension (6.6 miles) •A Colchester spur (3.6 miles)
Portland is working to extend the trail from East Hampton into Portland. Some of the challenges include fractured ownership (parts of the trail ended up in private ownership after the rail service ceased and grade/drainage issues.