A comprehensive plan is a guiding, policy document for a town. It serves as a roadmap for the community by: - setting the benchmark of current conditions in the town; - determining goals, objectives, and a vision based on those current conditions; and - establishing actions to attain and support the goals, objectives, and vision. According to NYS Town Law, "'town comprehensive plan' means the materials, written and/orgraphic, including but not limited to maps, charts, studies, resolutions, reports and other descriptive material that identify the goals, objectives, principles, guidelines, policies, standards, devices and instruments for the immediate and long-range protection, enhancement, growth and development of the town located outside the limits of any incorporated village or city."

1. The development and enactment of a town comprehensive plan which can be readily identified, and is available for use by the public, is in the best interest of the people of each town. 2. Significant decisions and actions affecting the immediate and long-range protection, enhancement, growth and development of local communities are made by local governments. 3. The town comprehensive plan is a means to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the town and to give due consideration to the needs of the people of the region of which the town is a part. 4. The comprehensive plan fosters cooperation among governmental agencies planning and implementing capital projects and municipalities that may be directly affected thereby.

The town comprehensive plan may include the following topics at the level of detail adapted to the special requirements of the town: (a) General statements of goals, objectives, principles, policies, and standards upon which proposals for the immediate and long-range enhancement, growth and development of the town are based. (b) Consideration of regional needs and the official plans of other government units and agencies within the region. (c) The existing and proposed location and intensity of land uses. (d) Consideration of agricultural uses, historic and cultural resources, coastal and natural resources and sensitive environmental areas. (e) Consideration of population, demographic and socio-economic trends and future projections. (f) The location and types of transportation facilities. (g) Existing and proposed general location of public and private utilities and infrastructure. (h) Existing housing resources and future housing needs, including affordable housing. (i) The present and future general location of educational and cultural facilities, historic sites, health facilities and facilities for emergency services. (j) Existing and proposed recreation facilities and parkland. (k) The present and potential future general location of commercial and industrial facilities. (l) Specific policies and strategies for improving the local economy in coordination with other plan topics. (m) Proposed measures, programs, devices, and instruments to implement the goals and objectives of the various topics within the comprehensive plan. (n) All or part of the plan of another public agency. (o) Any and all other items which are consistent with the orderly growth and development of the town.

The town board, or by resolution of such town board, the planning board or a special board, may prepare a proposed town comprehensive plan and amendments thereto. In the event the planning board or special board is directed to prepare a proposed comprehensive plan or amendment thereto, such board shall, by resolution, recommend such proposed plan or amendment to the town board. For Conquest, the town board has contracted with Cayuga County Planning staff to help prepare and facilitate the town's Comprehensive Plan process.

Yes. The town is required by NYS law to hold a public hearing on the adoption of a comprehensive plan.

Check back on this website periodically! We will update the website with public meeting information and as the draft plan becomes available to view.