The Future of the Commercial District

Zoning Update


The Planning Commission closed their public hearing on the draft Commercial District Zoning Regulations. They took no action on the draft zoning and will revisit the draft at a yet to be determined date.

The Planning Commission received an email from a Valleys Edge resident ahead of their October 8 meeting.


The Planning Commission received a written letter from Randy Clark at the September 8 pubic hearing for the draft zoning. Below is his letter with responses in RED from the PC chair.

They also received a letter from several Commerciale District land owners at the September 8 Hearing.


On June 16, 2020 the PC received a letter from Ned Dubois and several other Commercial district property owners. Below is that letter, a response to that letter from the PC chair as well as some associated email correspondence.

During the July 2 Selectboard meeting, the June 16 letter was discussed and Selectboard chair, Catherine McMains was read. That can be found in the Selectboard meeting beginning on line 49.

During the July 7 PC meeting an in person meeting was discussed. Below are the minutes with that conversation highlighted in yellow.

During their August 18 meeting, there was discussion with David Villenenuve about meeting on his property. Below are those minutes with the conversation highlighted in yellow. It involved scheduling a walk the of Commercial District to talk about future roads in the district. The meeting minutes are also below.


Some more background in the Project

The Planning Commission wrapped up the Commercial District Master Plan in August of 2019. We have this great document (click on the image on the right to view in its entirety) that explains What is next after the Master Plan. They revised the Master Plan Document in 2020 in response to community input. Click here to view the final Master Plan and supporting documents.

The Planning Commission finished their review of Town Plan amendments. The Town Plan was before the Selectboard for a public hearings on December 5 and January 2. The Selectboard approved the Town Plan changes on January 2. See more on the Town Plan amendments by clicking here.

This flow chart explains the Commercial District planning, including the CD project as well as future implementation steps moving forward.

This graphic illustrates the elements of the Master Plan vision and is what will shape changes to the Zoning Regulations as well as town policy related to the Commercial District moving forward.


Zoning Update


The Planning Commission closed their public hearing on the draft Commercial District Zoning Regulations. They took no action on the draft zoning and will revisit the draft at a yet to be determined date.

The Planning Commission received an email from a Valleys Edge resident ahead of their October 8 meeting.


The Planning Commission received a written letter from Randy Clark at the September 8 pubic hearing for the draft zoning. Below is his letter with responses in RED from the PC chair.

They also received a letter from several Commerciale District land owners at the September 8 Hearing.


On June 16, 2020 the PC received a letter from Ned Dubois and several other Commercial district property owners. Below is that letter, a response to that letter from the PC chair as well as some associated email correspondence.

During the July 2 Selectboard meeting, the June 16 letter was discussed and Selectboard chair, Catherine McMains was read. That can be found in the Selectboard meeting beginning on line 49.

During the July 7 PC meeting an in person meeting was discussed. Below are the minutes with that conversation highlighted in yellow.

During their August 18 meeting, there was discussion with David Villenenuve about meeting on his property. Below are those minutes with the conversation highlighted in yellow. It involved scheduling a walk the of Commercial District to talk about future roads in the district. The meeting minutes are also below.


Some more background in the Project

The Planning Commission wrapped up the Commercial District Master Plan in August of 2019. We have this great document (click on the image on the right to view in its entirety) that explains What is next after the Master Plan. They revised the Master Plan Document in 2020 in response to community input. Click here to view the final Master Plan and supporting documents.

The Planning Commission finished their review of Town Plan amendments. The Town Plan was before the Selectboard for a public hearings on December 5 and January 2. The Selectboard approved the Town Plan changes on January 2. See more on the Town Plan amendments by clicking here.

This flow chart explains the Commercial District planning, including the CD project as well as future implementation steps moving forward.

This graphic illustrates the elements of the Master Plan vision and is what will shape changes to the Zoning Regulations as well as town policy related to the Commercial District moving forward.


  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Based on the a draft vision statement for the Commercial District, developed first with the CD property owners and further refined through public feedback, the Planning Commission is trying to further refine what is "Appropriate Scale" for the district.

    This is the draft vision statement:

    "A Commercial District that creates a valuable connection between Jericho Village and Riverside Village; providing a location for mixed-use development and expanded commerce at an appropriate scale for the community which preserves rural character, the natural beauty of the landscape and  distant views."

    Look at the pictures below and indicate if you think it is the right size for a building in the Commercial District. We're really asking size here, not do you like the use or how the building looks.

    Take Survey
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Based on the a draft vision statement for the Commercial District, developed first with the CD property owners and further refined through public feedback, the Planning Commission is trying to further refine what are the appropriate "Mixed Uses" for the district.

    This is the draft vision statement:

    "A Commercial District that creates a valuable connection between Jericho Village and Riverside Village; providing a location for mixed-use development and expanded commerce at an appropriate scale for the community which preserves rural character, the natural beauty of the landscape and  distant views."

    Jericho's zoning regulations currently allow an extensive list of use types.

    For this exercise, please indicate below whether or not you think a certain type of use should be in the Commercial District or not.  Also indicate if you think that the use should be allowed only in the village centers (Riverside/Underhill Flats, Jericho Center and Jericho Corners)

    For reference, the Mansfield Barn event space is 3000 sq ft exactly.

    Take Survey
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    Based on the a draft vision statement for the Commercial District, developed first with the CD property owners and further refined through public feedback, the Planning Commission is trying to further refine what is "Appropriate Scale" for the district.

    This is the draft vision statement:

    "A Commercial District that creates a valuable connection between Jericho Village and Riverside Village; providing a location for mixed-use development and expanded commerce at an appropriate scale for the community which preserves rural character, the natural beauty of the landscape and  distant views."

    There are 3 images below that show different densities of development that could take place in the Commercial District.  Each image has a description of what it is.  We would like to know from you, which one you like best, why and if you have any other comments about a different density. 

    Take Survey
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    The Planning Commission has heard the term "Mixed Use" a lot in regards to the future of the Commercial District. What is mixed use?  And does it belong in an area of town that is called the Commercial District?  Please help us out by answering a few short questions below.

    Take Survey
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    This survey is intended to begin a discussion about the purpose of the Commercial district, how it serves the community and how it implements the Community’s vision for the future. 

    The Jericho Town Plan and Zoning Regulations indicate that, at the moment, the Commercial District's role in the community is to provide a location for commercial uses that are not appropriate for Jericho's Village Centers.  As we consider the purpose of this area moving into the future, we need to consider important details such as what kinds of uses are appropriate, size of buildings, where they are located, etc.  But, before the Planning Commission tackles those specifics, we need to hear from the greater public about what you envision in this area.  What do you want this area to be?  What is its role in our Community?

    A bit more background:  Jericho is following state guidelines and national planning best practices by encouraging most new development to occur in or near the Village Centers of Riverside (the “Flats”), Jericho Center, and Jericho Corners. The Village Centers will continue to support a mix of residences and businesses, with walkable community hubs. The questions below relate to the Commercial District, the area along Route 15 that lies between the Village Centers. Please refer to the Zoning Map on the website project page – this survey is about the area in PINK.

    Please provide us with your personal thoughts by completing the sentences below:

    Take Survey
Page last updated: 19 Sep 2023, 02:44 PM