Community Corner
Southington Looking to Make the Jump to CRCOG
Legislators have passed laws calling for further restructuring and reorganization of regional planning agencies and Southington is looking to make the jump to a more Hartford-based organization.
Southington’s partnership with the Central Connecticut Regional Planning Agency may soon be coming to end – but it does not mean the town is walking away from the benefits of being part of a regional planning agency.
Members of the Town Council have unanimously approved resolution from Southington Town Manager Garry Brumback seeking an opportunity to join the Connecticut Regional Council of Governments as part of a state consolidation under a recently enacted legislation.
Brumback said the town has seen a lot of value as part of CCPRA, but believes the town would stand to benefit as much if not more by partnering with an organization that already has like-towns and is located right in the Hartford area.
“I believe will be transitional pains, but would be there either way,” Brumback said. “We have the opportunity to take part in picking the projects that are most important to us and continue creating relationships now, and there is no reason we can’t pick up at the capital region.”
“We will approach (the Office of Policy and Management) to argue for retention of both organizations, but at the same time make our desires known that as a town, we believe it is in our best interest to go to CRCOG.”
The move comes after a new October restructuring. With membership in CCRPA and CRCOG crossing over early maps, the state has reached out to towns for their opinion.
Southington council members were unanimous in their support of Brumback’s proposed response, saying they felt whatever would help Southington get the most bang for the buck and provide support with the constant legislative change would prove beneficial.
Sam Gold, representing the Council of Governments of Central Naugatuck Valley, pitched to the council the benefits of joining their organization instead, but the efforts fell short after members of the council reviewed information.
“Joining CRCOG is the best opportunity for Southington at this time,” Brumback said.
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