Groton 2035: Envisioning a Greater Groton
Welcome!
Groton is updating its Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). Why should you care?
The POCD is important because it sets forth the vision of what we want our town to look like in the future and creates a roadmap of how we can get there together. It is also a policy document used by local officials to guide their decisions, which impact our quality of life. Help us envision Groton 2035!
Chapter Summaries
Draft Chapter Summaries of the Groton 2035 document are now available. These summaries provide an early look at the content of each chapter and will be revised as they are reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission. The full draft of Groton 2035 will be available approximately two months before the public hearing, which will be scheduled for Spring 2026. You can find the Chapter Summaries on the top right of this page.
If you have questions about any chapter—or would like to share additional comments—you’re welcome to email Deb Jones at djones@groton-ct.gov
Open House Follow-Up & Surveys
Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 19th to review the draft chapters. For those who weren’t able to attend, or for anyone who wants to offer more input, we’ve added online surveys for each chapter (found below). These surveys ensure every resident has the opportunity to participate and help shape Groton 2035.
Get Involved
Groton is full of a diversity of people, stories, and traditions. Each of us is part of what makes Groton special, and we should all take ownership of the Town’s future. Everyone has a place at the table!
Welcome!
Groton is updating its Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). Why should you care?
The POCD is important because it sets forth the vision of what we want our town to look like in the future and creates a roadmap of how we can get there together. It is also a policy document used by local officials to guide their decisions, which impact our quality of life. Help us envision Groton 2035!
Chapter Summaries
Draft Chapter Summaries of the Groton 2035 document are now available. These summaries provide an early look at the content of each chapter and will be revised as they are reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Commission. The full draft of Groton 2035 will be available approximately two months before the public hearing, which will be scheduled for Spring 2026. You can find the Chapter Summaries on the top right of this page.
If you have questions about any chapter—or would like to share additional comments—you’re welcome to email Deb Jones at djones@groton-ct.gov
Open House Follow-Up & Surveys
Thank you to everyone who joined us on November 19th to review the draft chapters. For those who weren’t able to attend, or for anyone who wants to offer more input, we’ve added online surveys for each chapter (found below). These surveys ensure every resident has the opportunity to participate and help shape Groton 2035.
Get Involved
Groton is full of a diversity of people, stories, and traditions. Each of us is part of what makes Groton special, and we should all take ownership of the Town’s future. Everyone has a place at the table!
-
Take Survey
We’re seeking community input on policies and strategies related to housing, essential community services, and transportation. This short survey asks whether you support, support with changes, or do not support a series of proposed approaches for these topic areas. Your feedback will help guide how Groton grows and invests in the years ahead.
For context as you respond, you may find it helpful to refer to the Chapter 1 draft. Click here to view it.
Share Chapter 1: A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive on Facebook Share Chapter 1: A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive on Twitter Share Chapter 1: A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive on Linkedin Email Chapter 1: A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive link -
Take Survey
We’re seeking community input on policies and strategies related to protecting and enhancing Groton’s natural resources. This short survey asks whether you support, support with changes, or do not support a series of proposed approaches for this topic area. Your feedback will help guide how Groton safeguards its environment and strengthens climate resilience for future generations.
For context as you respond, you may find it helpful to refer to the Chapter 2 draft. Click here to view it.Share Chapter 2: A Place Where We Conserve and Steward our Land for the Future on Facebook Share Chapter 2: A Place Where We Conserve and Steward our Land for the Future on Twitter Share Chapter 2: A Place Where We Conserve and Steward our Land for the Future on Linkedin Email Chapter 2: A Place Where We Conserve and Steward our Land for the Future link -
Take Survey
We’re seeking community input on policies and strategies related to sustainable land use and economic development in Groton. This short survey asks whether you support, support with changes, or do not support a series of proposed approaches for this topic area. Your feedback will help guide how Groton grows its economy, revitalizes key areas, and balances opportunity with quality of life.
For context as you respond, you may find it helpful to refer to the Chapter 3 draft. Click here to view it.Share Chapter 3: A Place Where We Grow Responsibly to Meet Our Needs on Facebook Share Chapter 3: A Place Where We Grow Responsibly to Meet Our Needs on Twitter Share Chapter 3: A Place Where We Grow Responsibly to Meet Our Needs on Linkedin Email Chapter 3: A Place Where We Grow Responsibly to Meet Our Needs link -
Take Survey
We’re seeking community input on policies and strategies related to Groton’s infrastructure systems. This short survey asks whether you support, support with changes, or do not support a series of proposed approaches for this topic area. Your feedback will help guide how Groton invests in resilient, efficient, and environmentally responsible infrastructure for the future.
For context as you respond, you may find it helpful to refer to the Chapter 4 draft. Click here to view it.
Share Chapter 4: A Place Built to Last on Facebook Share Chapter 4: A Place Built to Last on Twitter Share Chapter 4: A Place Built to Last on Linkedin Email Chapter 4: A Place Built to Last link -
Take Survey
We’re seeking community input on policies and strategies that support a vibrant, connected community in Groton. This short survey asks whether you support, support with changes, or do not support a series of proposed approaches for this topic area. Your feedback will help guide how Groton invests in parks and recreation, cultural and historical resources, community spaces, and experiences that strengthen our shared identity and quality of life.
For context as you respond, you may find it helpful to refer to the Chapter 5 draft. Click here to view it.
Share Chapter 5: A Place We Celebrate and Enjoy Living Together on Facebook Share Chapter 5: A Place We Celebrate and Enjoy Living Together on Twitter Share Chapter 5: A Place We Celebrate and Enjoy Living Together on Linkedin Email Chapter 5: A Place We Celebrate and Enjoy Living Together link -
Take Survey
We’re seeking community input on policies and strategies that support effective, transparent, and accountable implementation of Groton’s POCD. This short survey asks whether you support, support with changes, or do not support a series of proposed approaches for this topic area. Your feedback will help guide how Groton strengthens communication, coordinates across departments, and builds a responsive structure for putting the plan into action.
For context as you respond, you may find it helpful to refer to the Chapter 6 draft. Click here to view it.
Share Chapter 6: A Place Where We Work Together to Get it Done on Facebook Share Chapter 6: A Place Where We Work Together to Get it Done on Twitter Share Chapter 6: A Place Where We Work Together to Get it Done on Linkedin Email Chapter 6: A Place Where We Work Together to Get it Done link
Chapter Summaries
-
Groton 2035 Introduction Summary.pdf (267 KB) (pdf)
-
Chapter 1 Summary - A Place Where Everyone Can Thrive (279 KB) (pdf)
-
Chapter 2 Summary - A Place Where We Conserve (205 KB) (pdf)
-
Chapter 3 Summary - A Place Where We Grow (263 KB) (pdf)
-
Chapter 4 Summary - A Place Built to Last (233 KB) (pdf)
-
Chapter 5 Summary - A Place We Celebrate and Enjoy Living Together (217 KB) (pdf)
-
Chapter 6 Summary - A Place Where We Work Together to Get it Done (254 KB) (pdf)
Who's Listening
-
Email jreiner@groton-ct.gov -
Email djones@groton-ct.gov -
Email dprescott@groton-ct.gov
Key Dates
-
November 24 2025
-
January 15 2026
-
August 25 2025
-
September 16 2025
-
September 23 2025
Baseline Report Documents
-
GrotonPOCD_BaselineReport (7 MB) (pdf)
-
Groton 2016 POCD Recommendations Audit (119 KB) (xlsx)
-
Groton 2035 Baseline Report Key Takeaways (645 KB) (pdf)
-
Groton Kick Off Survey Summary (917 KB) (pdf)
-
Community Org. Interview Summary (273 KB) (pdf)
-
InPerson Key Takeaways Document (1.02 MB) (pdf)
-
Virtual OpenHouse Survey Results KeyTakeaways (884 KB) (pdf)
Background Materials
-
POCD - 2016 (19.9 MB) (pdf)
-
Executive Report - Housing Study Update - 2023 (1.26 MB) (pdf)
-
Affordable Housing Plan - 2022 (12.3 MB) (pdf)
-
Parks & Recreation Master Plan - 2023 (17.4 MB) (pdf)
-
Downtown Mystic Resiliency and Sustainability Plan - 2024 (12.2 MB) (pdf)
-
Open Space Conservation Plan - 2024 (6.65 MB) (pdf)
-
Hazard Mitigation and Climate Action Plan - 2023 (792 KB) (pdf)
-
2021 Housing Market Study (2.69 MB) (pdf)
-
Future Housing Demand and Supply Study (1.94 MB) (pdf)
Our Timeline
-
Background Research
Groton 2035: Envisioning a Greater Groton has finished this stage -
Community Engagement
Groton 2035: Envisioning a Greater Groton has finished this stageCommunity engagement activities will include community listening events, town hall meetings, focus groups, forums, surveys, and collaborative projects.
-
Development of draft materials
Groton 2035: Envisioning a Greater Groton is currently at this stageEstablish goals and objectives based on the community's vision. Draft a land use plan that outlines how different areas of the community will be used (residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, etc.).
-
Finalize Draft Plans
this is an upcoming stage for Groton 2035: Envisioning a Greater GrotonDevelop an action plan that outlines specific initiatives, projects, and policies to achieve the goals of the master plan. Prioritize projects based on feasibility, community priorities, and available resources.
-
Final Town Approval process
this is an upcoming stage for Groton 2035: Envisioning a Greater GrotonFinal referrals, hearings, and adoption of the plan by the Planning and Zoning Commission
-
Submission to the State
this is an upcoming stage for Groton 2035: Envisioning a Greater GrotonNot more than 60 days after Town endorsement, a copy of the plan is sent to the Office of Policy and Management to be put on file
Important Links
Learn More about Planning - Videos
-
Click here to play video
Zoning 101
From Richland County, SC
-
Click here to play video
Why Zoning Matters
A video by the Urban Institute. Zoning is a way for communities to separate land by use or form. But from the start, zoning has separated more than just land uses. It has also separated people. As a result, we pay the cost in public health, racial and economic injustices, higher housing costs, and more.
-
Click here to play video
What makes a street Walkable?
By Peter Davies. No, adding a sidewalk to a street doesn't make it walkable.
-
Click here to play video
What is Sustainability?
By UCLA. Learn about the various ways that sustainability is defined.
-
Click here to play video
What is Economic Development?
By Winnepeg's economic development division. What is economic development? It’s a question posed to many organizations tasked with growing the economy of a city or province. There are plenty of explanations floating around but they can be quite complicated. So what better way to explain how to create a stronger city in a simple and easy way than a video using everyone’s favorite childhood medium, LEGO.

