ABOUT US
Mission Statement: “We are an alliance of concerned citizens and local businesses pursuing responsible development – development that balances economic growth with the protection of our rural landscape, historic culture, and quality of life.”


VASG GOALS
"Creating Vibrant Blackstone Valley communities through Education,
Sound Land Use Planning, Collaboration, and Action."

CREATING VIBRANT LOCAL ECONOMIES
• Encourage mixed use, pedestrian friendly development in areas accessible to major roads and already served by sewer and water.

• In response to the public vision of needed development, towns should proactively seek suitable sites and encourage the development and retention of light industry, tourism, office space, and small-scale retail. This effort will expand community resources and increase the opportunity for skilled jobs and a diversified tax base.

• Work to ensure that development proceeds at a pace appropriate to the town's needs and at an appropriate scale.

• Encourage incentives for appropriate energy-efficient municipal and business development (both existing and new) to save taxpayers money and preserve our tax base.

CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
• Encourage the establishment of public gathering places for both indoor and outdoor activities to help foster a sense of community within a city, town or village center. These might include walking and bike paths, community and senior centers, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

PROTECTING OUR NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES
• Preserve and promote natural and historical character of the Blackstone Valley region. Encourage development of sites and programs featuring the historic and natural resources of towns to expand tourism in the region.

• Ensure the preservation of open spaces and protection of our drinking water by prioritizing critical lands and aquatic areas, encouraging conservation development, and reducing the amount of impervious surfaces where possible.

FOSTERING TRANSPARENCY IN LAND-USE PLANNING AND TOWN GOVERNANCE
• Ensure citizens have rapid access to all public documents via the Internet. These would include, but are not limited to, the Comprehensive Plan, the Town Charter, the Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Regulations, and meeting agendas and minutes.

ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING OF SMART GROWTH
• Increase public awareness and understanding of smart growth.

• Ensure public officials understand land use regulations as they pertain to smart growth and assist them in their charge to comply.




How to reach us:
Chairperson: Dr. Caroly Shumway
Phone: 401-769-4598
E-mail: cashumway@aol.com