The mission of
the Town of Pittsfield is to provide a safe, attractive and affordable community in
which to live, learn, work and play. Pittsfield will strive to offer an unexcelled
quality of life characterized by a diverse array of rewarding employment opportunities, a
superior public education system, a broad range of recreational amenities and a caring
citizenry. The Town's desirable quality of life will be made possible through a cohesive
community vision, a thriving economic base and spirited volunteer involvement.
Tomorrow's Pittsfield will be a safe, clean and
friendly place in which to live, learn, work and play. It will be a highly desirable
and attractive, well-kept town in which a diverse population can live affordably and find
rewarding employment. Neighbors in Pittsfield will know one another and look out for one
another's welfare. The citizenry as a whole will be vigilant over the town's cherished
quality of life, taking conscious steps to both nurture and protect it.
The school system will be a central focus of
community life, tied closely with positive youth programs, life-long involvement in
learning and civic affairs, and affirmative community values. The town council, SAD#53
board and MCI will work effectively as a team in providing quality education at an
affordable price.
Pittsfield will serve as a vibrant regional
employment center, with a healthy combination of industrial, service and retail
operations providing a solid economic base with which to finance household and community
needs.
Basic essentials, including groceries,
hardware and clothing, will be provided primarily by locally-owned businesses who
offer a friendly, attractive and responsive shopping opportunity within traditionally
styled buildings. The town's thriving downtown area will contain a variety of services
clustered within a comfortable walking distance, while Somerset Plaza will serve as a
vital commercial area easily accessible by vehicle.
Facilities such as the hospital, airport and rail
system will bolster Pittsfield's standing as a regional service center. Both residents and
commuters will be aware of their role in fostering a strong local economy and will do
most of their shopping in Pittsfield's stores. The town will have a clear policy
regarding the characteristics desired in new or expanded Pittsfield businesses, and play
an active role in working to develop or keep such businesses here.
Pittsfield will be noted for its beauty
-- its attractive tree-lined streets, well-maintained properties, historic buildings,
expansive in-town parks and clean bodies of water. The main entrances to Pittsfield will
provide an attractive first impression to visitors who will see that this is a town of
exceptionally high quality.
Growth will be managed carefully to
preserve the town's attractive appearance, open space, commercial viability, efficient
service delivery and productive rural lands. Residential and commercial sprawl will be
discouraged, with the density in rural Pittsfield kept low. Pittsfield's fertile rural
land will continue to support agricultural uses and wildlife habitat, preserving food
production capability, a healthy ecosystem and access to nature for future generations.
Pittsfield will be distinguished by its diverse
recreational and cultural opportunities, including those offered by its community
center, theater, library, ski area, snowmobile trails, bowling alley, golf course, river,
ponds and parks.
Residing in town will be a popular choice for those
employed here, allowing for a closely-knit community in which civic involvement is
widespread and appreciated. While holding a strong local focus, Pittsfield's residents
will also view themselves as interactive members of a global community and will seek out
opportunities for cultural and economic exchange.
Local government will be managed cost-effectively,
with public matters handled in an open, efficient, fair and caring manner. Townspeople
will be aware of town and school affairs, willingly participate in policy and spending
decisions, and feel comfortable that they are in control of their community. All residents
will both receive and feel that they receive a fair share of town services for
taxes paid.
Pittsfield will have a positive public image and
self-esteem. The community as a whole will achieve high behavioral and attitudinal
standards, which, together with a skilled police force, will deter crime and substance
abuse in the community. Young adults will take advantage of positive activities to channel
their energies constructively. The community will continue to work toward raising the
standard of living for all of its residents.
Perhaps most importantly, Pittsfield will
continue to be a place its residents are proud to call "home." |