Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the town has retained the planning firm Frederick P. Clark Associates, Inc. of Rye, New York to assist in the preparation and adoption of a town "Vision 2020" plan - a comprehensive plan outlining a vision for the future of the town. The plan, which is expected to take two years to complete, will focus on the current and long-range growth and development of the town and provide a blueprint for future planning in the town.

According to Venditto, "The 'Vision 2020' plan will address demographics; residential, commercial, office and industrial development/redevelopment; recreation and parks; environmental protection, community services and facilities; transportation, parking and pedestrian network; and appearance and vitality of the residential and business districts. It will present planning analysis, a Vision Statement, goals, objectives, recommendations and implementation strategies."

"We recognize the importance of reaching out to the public to ensure that the 'Vision 2020' plan we eventually adopt is one that includes input from as many sectors of the population as possible," Town Councilwoman Bonnie Eisler said. "The more participation and information we obtain throughout the planning process, the better our chances are that the final plan will be truly reflective of the desires of the residents in the Town of Oyster Bay," Town Councilwoman Eisler said. "The timing is right for the 'Vision 2020' plan in Oyster Bay. We must act now while we can still make a meaningful impact on our future."

"'Vision 2020' is the next step in the town's efforts to properly plan for the future," said Town Councilman Leonard B. Symons, who, along with other town board members and the town's planning consultant, previously toured the town seeking input from community leaders, business organizations, civic associations, environmental groups and individual residents to update the town's zoning codes, otherwise known as recodification. "At those meetings it was noted that following recodification, a comprehensive plan would be developed. With recodification nearly complete, it is now appropriate to begin the process of establishing a comprehensive plan. The Vision 2020 Plan will incorporate a similar public outreach campaign throughout the town. In addition, public opinion surveys will be conducted as a means of reaching out to individual residents about issues and subject matters relevant to planning for the future of the town."

Venditto noted the consultant will also be completing an inventory and analysis of existing data and information, including detailed mapping of various resources in the town. The inventory and analysis will then be incorporated into a Basic Studies document which will set the foundation for the "Vision 2020" plan process.

"A vision plan, comprehensive plan, master plan, or smart growth plan mean different things to different people, but they have at their heart a concept in which we can all agree - balancing the need for growth while ensuring the quality of life we cherish on Long Island," Town Councilman Angelo A. Delligatti said.

"We have an enormous task ahead of us, but one in which we are confident will result in the development of practical strategies and recommendations to guide the town into the 21st century," Town Councilman Joe Muscarella said.

"We look forward to working together with our new consultant team to complete this important project, which will promote the health, safety and general welfare of Town of Oyster Bay residents," Town Councilman Anthony D. Macagnone noted.

"Regardless of whatever plans, zoning codes, and other tools a municipality may have in place, responsible, and orderly planning is only as good as those overseeing the process," Councilwoman Christine J. Preston explained.

"In the Town of Oyster Bay, the town board has a solid record of planning and development," Venditto concluded. "The town has approved more than 920 units of affordable housing for our growing senior citizen population, commenced the first phase of the Western Waterfront revitalization and perpetual preservation project in Oyster Bay, eliminated the unsavory adult-entertainment industry, began the process of creating a Harbor Management Plan for the Oyster Bay/Cold Spring Harbor Complex to improve water quality, and created a Coastal Management Plan for Glen Head, just to name a few accomplishments."