Promoting better public policy and private
investment thru high quality research.

HVCEO maintains a vigorous research program. The resulting publications are listed below.

This activity addresses priority planning and management issues, documenting impacts and costs before decisions are made.

Contact Jon Chew with questions or comments on publications.

UPCOMING 2010-2013

156. PLANNED: BETHEL ROUTES 6, 53, 58 AND 302 ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN
An update of Bethel's Route 6 access management plan and its extension to the remaining state roadways in the municipality.

155. PLANNED: COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Prepared to meet CT DECD regional planning requirements for state and federal economic development grants.

154. PLANNED: REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN 2011-2040
This update places the Regional Transportation Plan in conformance with the latest federal statutes. The document qualifies the Region for federal transportation funding. Latest date for HVCEO reendorsement is 5/13/2011.

153. PLANNED: RAIL FREIGHT IN THE REGION
This study will be prepared to ducment rail freight usage and future options.

152. PLANNED: TRANSPORTATION
PLAN FOR NEWTOWN ROAD IN DANBURY
This study will be prepared by a consultant to HVCEO and serve as a base for federal grants and local land use approvals.

151. PLANNED: I-84 CLOSURE DIVERSION PLAN
This study will be completed in cooperation with CT DEMHS, CT DOT, COGCNV and local emergency management officials. It will serve as the guide during I-84 traffic emergencies. Diversion plans for other expressways in Connecticut are available from this CRCOG Diversion Plans page.

150. PLANNED: FEASIBILITY OF A TRANSPORTATION
CENTER AT THE BRANCHVILLE STATION
To assist Ridgefield in developing a transit center and parking garage at its railroad station. This report will be work product 3 of 3 from a multi-phased transportation study being conducted by consultant FHI, Inc. and prepared in cooperation with SWRPA.

149. PLANNED: ROUTE 7 DRIVEWAY MANAGEMENT
PLANS FOR DANBURY, REDDING AND RIDGEFIELD
Updates the HVCEO's 1996 Route 7 Access Management Plan for these communities. The municipal updates are again being prepared for use as site plan standards to be referenced in municipal zoning regulations.

These reports will together constitute work product 2 of 3 from a multi-phased transportation study being conducted by consultant FHI, Inc. and prepared in cooperation with SWRPA.

148. IN PROGRESS: REDDING, RIDGEFIELD AND WILTON
EXISTING ROUTE 7 TRANSPORTATION AND LAND USE STUDY
A guide to future transportation investments on the existing roadway, accompanied by land use recommendations for adjacent properties. This report will be work product 2 of 3 from a multi-phased transportation study being conducted by consultant FHI, Inc. and prepared in cooperation with SWRPA.

147. IN PROGRESS: SHERMAN NATURAL HAZARDS MITIGATION PLAN
In preparation to enable Sherman to receive FEMA hazard mitigation grants.

COMPLETED 2006-2010

146. 6/2010 REGIONAL MUTUAL AID AGREEMENT
FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RECOVERY
This landmark regional agreement was prepared at the request of member towns to facilitate emergency response.

Area leaders sign emergency
mutual aid agreement, June 17, 2010

145. 4/2010 THE GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE
OF CONNECTICUT'S REGIONAL PLANNING
This research report on Connecticut's regional boundary issues was prepared by HVCEO in cooperation with the CT Association of Regional Planning Organizations. See also the HVCEO response of 6/2010.

144. 3/2010 BETHEL RAILROAD STATION
TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT STUDY
This topical report is to assist Bethel is developing a transit oriented development center at its railroad station. See also Concept Map 1, Concept Map 2 and Concept Map 3.

See also the 2010 CT DOT Transit Oriented Development Overview.

143. 3/2010 NEWTOWN ROUTES 25,
202 AND 816 ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN
An updated and expanded driveway management plan for use by the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission.

142. 3/2010 HART BUS SERVICE PLAN 2010
This analysis of and plan for the regional HART bus system updates earlier editions cited below. A comparison of cost-effectiveness with comparable systems is included.

141. 10/2009: I-84 UPDATE AND TOLL PLAZA IMPACT STUDY
A review of impacts of potential I-84 tolls on traffic and quality of life in Greater Danbury. Prepared as input to the debate on reestablishing tolls on expressways in Connecticut.

140. 6/2009: REGIONAL PLAN OF
CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
This extensive update of the Regional Plan will place the region in compliance with new state statutes and serve as a guide for the updating of municipal plans of conservation and development.

139. 5/2009: CENTRAL NEW MILFORD
PEDESTRIAN LOOP CONCEPT PLAN
A recommended pedestrian walkway from Bridge Street south to Lanesville Road, east across the Housatonic River and then back north to New Milford Center.

138. 4/2009: BROOKFIELD ROUTE 202 "COMPLETE
STREETS" BUS STOP AND PEDESTRIAN PLAN
To assist Brookfield with its input to Conn DOT's planned improvement of the Route 202 commercial corridor, maps and texts have been prepared identifying needed bus stop and pedestrian amenities.

137. 12/2008: REGIONAL HOUSING MARKET ASSESSMENT
This substantial research and narrative report provides each community with fresh perspective on its affordable housing needs. A housing database for use in grant applications has been prepared, innovations within the Region and beyond are summarized, and recommendations are made for municipal plans of development.

136. 9/2008: OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS OF SWEETHART
ELDERLY AND DISABLED TRANSIT SERVICES
This SweetHART system efficiency study was prepared for HVCEO by the staff of HART.

135. 8/2008: NEW FAIRFIELD TRAFFIC ISSUES REPORT
Traffic safety plans for a) the New Fairfield High School driveway at Gillotti Road and b) the intersection of Beaver Bog Road with Route 37.

134. 8/2008: CLASSIC WATER RESOURCE RESEARCH
These documents are reproduced by HVCEO due to their enduring value to municipal planning and development. First is the U.S. Geological Survey's 1920 Drainage and Glaciation in the Danbury Region. And second, the 1971 Drainage and Glacial History of the Still River Valley, also by the U.S. Geological Survey.

133. 6/2008: HISTORY OF PUBLIC BUS SERVICE IN GREATER DANBURY
This report provides an understanding of HART's historical roots and systematic development over decades. Perspective on past funding decisions helps to facilitate wise investment in future growth of regional transit.

132. 6/2008: NEW MILFORD ROUTES 7 AND 202 ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN
This important traffic safety planning tool is an update of the HVCEO driveway management plan adopted in 1997 by the New Milford Zoning Commission. This update was approved as a standard within the New Milford Zoning Regulations.

131. 4/2008: BRIDGEWATER CENTER PEDESTRIAN PLAN
A guide for pedestrian improvements in rural Bridgewater Center (18.0 MB).

130. 4/2008: DANBURY HOSPITAL "H" EMERGENCY SIGN PLAN
A plan that identifies best ambulance routes, sign attrition, locations for new signs, costs and responsibilities. In 2007 Danbury installed the H signs on its local roads as recommended by this plan.

129. 12/2007: EXPANDING BUS TRANSIT
TO BRIDGEPORT AND WATERBURY
Prepared for HVCEO by the staff of HART, this interregional bus plan will be the template for bus service growth to Bridgeport and Waterbury.

128. 6/2007: STILL RIVER GREENWAY PLAN FOR
NORTHERN BROOKFIELD AND SOUTHERN NEW MILFORD
This recreational planning report provides a planned alignment for the Still River Greenway. The Greenway can now be constructed in accordance with this plan.

127. 4/2007: DANBURY HOSPITAL AND WCSU TRAFFIC PLAN
A study to enhance traffic flow near regional institutions in the City of Danbury.

126. 4/2007: REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN 2007-2035
This update places the Regional Transportation Plan in conformance with revised federal statutes.

125. 2/2007 SHERMAN CENTER PEDESTRIAN PLAN
A pedestrian and enhancement plan for Sherman Center.

124. 11/2006 HARLEM LINE SHUTTLE BUS STUDY
A review of current HART commuter shuttles from Danbury and Ridgefield to rail services in New York State, and a proposal for adding service from New Fairfield to the Southeast, N.Y.rail station. The New Fairfield service was then initiated in May of 2009.

123. 10/2006 PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY MUTUAL AID PLAN
This plan includes a regional public health mutual aid agreement signed by all ten chief elected officials in the Region.

122. 10/2006 WATER SUPPLY WATERSHED
PROTECTION ZONE FOR BETHEL
Recommendations for zoning revisions to protect Bethel's water supply watersheds, adopted by the Bethel Planning and Zoning Commission in 2009.

121. 9/2006 RIVER TRAIL MANAGEMENT PLAN
A regional guide for coordinating the planning, design and funding of paddling facilities and riverside trails along the Still River and Housatonic River.

120. 8/2006: QUEEN STREET AREA TRAFFIC PLAN
This traffic and pedestrian plan for the center of Newtown serves as input to local traffic decisions.

119. 1/2006 WATER SUPPLY CONNECTIONS TO DANBURY
A review of potential supply connections to facilitate intermunicipal water supply planning.

118. 1/2006 HAZARD ANNEXES FOR LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANS
For adoption into local emergency plans, extending current annexes to address unique response procedures for flood, hurricane, dam failure, lethal chemical, tornado, etc.

2001 TO 2005
117. 10/2005 BETHEL, CT TRAFFIC ISSUES
This overview of the Town of Bethel's traffic issues helps shape the direction of future investment in local traffic improvements.

116a. 10/2005 HART FIXED ROUTE EFFICIENCY STUDY
This analysis of routes in the HART system includes performance comparisons with earlier years. Similar analyses were undertaken in 1997, 1994, and 1992.

116. 10/2005 NEW FAIRFIELD CENTER BEAUTIFICATION STUDY
HVCEO has completed an update of Bulletin # 98 below. This plan and its detailed drawings (2.7MB) set the framework for pedestrian and beautification investments in New Fairfield Center.

115. 6/2005 RIDGEFIELD ROUTE 35 TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN
A 20 year update of HVCEO's 1985 Route 35 Traffic Improvement Plan. The 2005 Route 35 Plan is now a guide for town officials as they manage adjacent development and traffic issues. In particular, the curb cut plan therein (3.1MB) will serve the Planning and Zoning Commission as it guides driveway development along Route 35.

114. 3/2005 ANALYSIS OF OPEN SPACE CONSERVATION SUBDIVISIONS
This 2003 report was authored by a consultant to the Newtown Planning and Zoning Commission who is now an HVCEO employee. The full text of this timely research is posted here (1.44 MB) by permission of the Town of Newtown. Appendix A includes valuable perspective on sewerage treatment options.

113. 2/2005 STATUS OF DIGITAL PARCEL MAPS AND
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE REGION
Here is provided a detailed town by town update on the continuing development of this important municipal management resource. The goal is for each town to make faster progress by seeing clearly where it stands in relation to its neighbors, also the borrowing of successful ideas.

112. 12/2004 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS FIELD GUIDE
This is a laminated pocket size and easy to use summary of the local Emergency Operations Plan, with ten versions tailored to the ten municipalities.

111. 9/2004 TRAFFIC PLANNING FOR CENTRAL NEW MILFORD
A report providing an overview of the complex traffic needs of Central New Milford, including an update on pending and future traffic improvement projects.

110. 9/2004 WATER SUPPLY RESOURCE INVENTORY
This update provides technical background on the area's vital water supply aquifers and watersheds, and is designed to support municipal plans of conservation and development.

109. 5/2004 COMMUTING PATTERNS FROM GREATER DANBURY
This report provides an update on commuter patterns, 1970-2000. These statistics are valuable for transportation planning as well as for understanding the structure of the regional economy.

108. 3/2004 TRAFFIC SIGNAL COORDINATION FOR GREATER DANBURY
A determination of signal coordination potential along nineteen roadways in eight municipalities. The document includes a Traffic Signal Coordination Handbook as well as detailed coordination plans for Backus Avenue in Danbury and Bridge Street in New Milford.

107. 2/2004 2004-2030 REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
PLAN FOR THE GREATER DANBURY AREA
The Regional Transportation Plan is the heart of the Region's federally mandated transportation planning and project funding process.

106. 3/2003 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PLAN
FOR QUEEN STREET IN NEWTOWN, CT
Requested by the Newtown Police Commission, the detailed maps and text in this plan define pedestrian safety improvements warranted for this busy roadway in central Newtown.

105. 10/2002 CASINO TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY
This research documents the devastating traffic impact if a casino were ever forced upon Danbury. A summary of conclusions is available.

104. 11/2001 GEORGETOWN (REDDING) BEAUTIFICATION AND TRAFFIC PLAN
This plan for streetscape beautification was adopted as an amendment to the Redding Plan of Conservation and Development. It is used as a guide for development of the Georgetown neighborhood and has attracted state beautification grant funds.

103. 4/2001 BETHEL ROUTE 53 TRAFFIC STUDY
A guide for safety and capacity improvements, the data in this report helps to set conditions for local development submissions and any proposed Conn DOT revisions to Route 53. This information has been incorporated into a Route 53 traffic report.

1996 TO 2000
102. 9/2000 INTERSTATE 84 CORRIDOR TRAFFIC STUDY
By Conn DOT, in cooperation with HVCEO, this research defines how I-84 will need to be upgraded to meet state and regional needs in the future.

See the maps of improvements for each exit.

See the text for each chapter: Cover Page ; Contents ; Chapter 1 ;
Chapter 2 ; Chapter 3 ; Chapter 4 ; Chapter 5 ; Chapter 6 ; Chapter 7 ; Appendix

101. 9/2000 RT 7 CORRIDOR TRAVEL OPTIONS PLAN
The rail passenger plan for the Region, the basic elements of which are now posted on the Rail Resources section of this web site. The plan was prepared in cooperation with and jointly adopted by the South Western Regional Planning Agency. A summary of the original plan is available. This plan recommended a Danbury to Norwalk bus route now in operation.

100. 1/2000 SPECIAL PROJECT REVIEW FEES
A guide for the Bethel, CT Planning and Zoning Commission on how to charge applicants for the municipal review costs stemming from unusually large development proposals. Successfully implemented in Bethel, this text is a relevant model for other communities.

99. 2/1999 1999 DATA BOOK 
HVCEO maintains the demographic statistical data base for each community. No longer published in hard copy, this frequently requested information has been transferred to the Area Info section of this web site.

98. 10/1998 NEW FAIRFIELD CENTER BEAUTIFICATION PLAN 
This streetscape beautification plan was adopted as an amendment to the New Fairfield Plan of Conservation and Development. It has attracted federal beautification grant funds and set conditions for shopping center redevelopment. See 2005 update.

97. 10/1998 BUS TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 
This federally required document is the guide for the Housatonic Area Regional Transit District's bus fleet replacements and service development. It is updated periodically as part of HVCEO's regional transportation planning program. The updated HART bus plan edition of 2003 is available on this web site.

96. 3/1998 TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR BRIDGE STREET IN NEW MILFORD
This is a traffic evaluation focused on a congested artery. The cost-benefit of providing a new Housatonic River bridge to the north, to divert traffic from Bridge Street, was measured and found to be low.

95. 10/1997 NEW MILFORD ROUTE 7 ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The maps in this detailed driveway and curb cut management plan were incorporated into the New Milford Zoning Regulations as a technical standard for conditions upon development approvals.

94. 9/1997 I-84 EXIT 9 HAWLEYVILLE (NEWTOWN) STUDY 
This innovative plan provides coordination of local zoning and transportation for the Exit 9 interchange area. The results were incorporated into the Town of Newtown Zoning Regulations and Bulletin 102 above.

This planning process received an award for excellence from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Planning Association.

93. 6/1997 BETHEL ROUTE 6 ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN 
The maps in this detailed driveway and curb cut management plan were incorporated into the Bethel Zoning Regulations as a technical standard for conditions upon development approvals.

92. 4/1997 REGIONAL GROWTH GUIDE MAP
As required by State Statute Chapter 127, Section 8-35a, this advisory regional growth plan for the Housatonic Valley provides regional perspective for the ten municipal development plans. It is also an easy to understand statement of growth intent for viewing by investors.

91. 12/1996 1997 DATA BOOK  
This information is now found at the Area Info section of this web site.

90. 10/1996 ROUTE 7 DRIVEWAY MANAGEMENT
PLAN FOR RIDGEFIELD, REDDING AND DANBURY 
The maps in this driveway and curb cut management plan were incorporated into both the Ridgefield and Redding Zoning Regulations as technical standards for conditions upon development approvals.

89. 10/1996 REGIONAL BICYCLE PLAN 
The plan provides policy and standards for bicycle route development in the Region. See bike route map.

88. 8/1996 SURVEY OF MUNICIPAL PERMIT FEES
Compendium of the fees charged by local land use commissions as of 1996. 

87. 6/1996 PASSENGER RAIL SERVICE TO NEW MILFORD 
The results of this study were incorporated into the Rail Resources section of this web site.

86. 2/1996 DANBURY AND NEW FAIRFIELD ROUTE 37 TRAFFIC PLAN 
Both the traffic recommendations for Route 37 in Danbury and for Route 37 in New Fairfield are available on this web site.

1991 TO 1995
85. 12/1995 ROUTE 25 ACCESS MANAGEMENT PLAN 
The maps in this driveway and curb cut management plan were incorporated into the Newtown Zoning Regulations as a technical standard for conditions upon development approvals.

84. 10/1995 PICKETT DISTRICT ROAD (NEW MILFORD) TRAFFIC PLAN 
A review of traffic issues off of Route 7 south of New Milford Center.

83. 10/1995 BOARDMAN ROAD TRAFFIC PLAN
A review of traffic issues relevant to Boardman Road north of New Milford Center.

82. 10/1995 HART MARKET RESEARCH STUDY 
A study of existing and potential bus rider characteristics, used to refine bus routing and scheduling.

81. 1/1995 1995 DATA BOOK
Superseded by later editions, now incorporated within Area Info on this web site.

80. 12/1994 DANBURY-BROOKFIELD FEDERAL ROAD TRAFFIC PLAN 
The traffic recommendations for Federal Road in Danbury are available on this web site.

79. 10/1994 SWEETHART OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS 
A landmark report for systems management, a survey of elderly and disabled SweetHart bus rider preferences is presented, also a statistical analysis of usage patterns, developed in order to refine bus routing and scheduling. See also the 2008 update of this study.

78. 10/1994 I-84 EXITS 5 & 6 TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT PLAN 
Current recommendations for Exit 5 on Danbury's Route 39 and Exit 6 on Danbury's Route 37 are available on this web site.

78A. 4/1994 AN ECONOMIC STRATEGY FOR THE REGION
A report on the regional economy and its issues, in detail, for the Housatonic Valley Economic Development Partnership.  

77. 12/1993 1994 DATA BOOK
Updated periodically.  

76. 12/1993 BUS TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Updated periodically.  

75. 11/1993 NEW FAIRFIELD AND
N EWTOWN BUS SERVICE EXTENSION PLANS 
Designs for fixed route HART bus services to Newtown and for New Fairfield.

74. 11/1993 REGIONAL WATER RESOURCES AND SUPPLIES 
This research summarizes water supply resources by municipality.

73. 7/1993 BETHEL AND NEWTOWN ROUTE 6 TRAFFIC PLAN
The recommendations for Route 6 in Newtown are available on this web site.

72. 4/1993 GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS PLAN 
An introduction to this topic for municipal officials. See the Map Center page for cartographic resources available from HVCEO.

71. 11/1992 1993 DATA BOOK  
Updated periodically.
 
70. 10/1992 RAIL TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 
Base data for rail service policies.

69. 9/1992 SEWER SERVICE IN THE REGION 
This status report on sewers by municipality was prepared to facilitate intermunicipal sewer planning. The material gathered has been referenced in municipal plans of conservation and development.

68. 9/1992 NEW MILFORD'S ROUTE 7 BYPASS
Planning study for the Lanesville Road to Grove Street connector, incorporated into project design.

66. 10/1991 1992 DATA BOOK 
Updated periodically.

67. 4/1992 LOCAL TRAFFIC ACTION PLANS 
Much of this material is now available at the Transportation Resource Center section of this web site.

65. 10/1991 HART FARE STRUCTURE STUDY
Research to maximize the equity of the HART fare structure. 

64. 6/1991 BROOKFIELD-NEW MILFORD ROUTE 7 PLAN 
HVCEO input to the Route 7 policy debate as of 1991.

63. 3/1991 LAND USE MAP AS OF 1990 
This regional land use map.

62. 1/1991 USING ZONING POWER IN THE 1990'S 
Comparison of local techniques and suggestions for innovation.

1986 TO 1990
61. 10/1990 BUS TRANSIT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 
Updated periodically by federal requirement.

60. 3/1990 PLANNING WITH THE PAST 
Atlas of sensitive archaeological sites in each municipality, still valid.

59. 12/1989 DANBURY WATERSHED PROTECTION PLAN 
The results of this study were incorporated as an overlay zone into the Danbury Zoning Regulations.

58. 10/1989 DANBURY MAIN STREET TRAFFIC PLAN 
The results of this study were incorporated into streetscape and signalization improvements completed for Danbury's Main Street. The remaining needs of Main Street are found on the Danbury - Route 53 section of this web site.

57. 10/1989 HART PULSE POINT PLAN 
Based upon this study the HART Pulse Point was relocated out of the center of Danbury a short distance northerly to Kennedy Park.

56. 2/1989 ACTION PLAN FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REDUCTION
The state highway safety data gathered here is still updated by HVCEO. Call to request the accident rates for your section of state roadway.

55. 12/1988 EXPANDING HART BUS SERVICE 
This research was utilized to improve HART bus routing and scheduling.

54. 2/1988 REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
The need for affordable housing in each of the ten municipalities was quantified. The other fourteen regional planning organizations in Connecticut completed similar studies at the same time, thus a statewide data base was created.

Total units needed to relieve vacancy deficiency and inadequate conditions as of 2/1988: Bethel 536, Bridgewater 39, Brookfield 283, Danbury 4,119, New Fairfield 229, New Milford 1,041, Newtown 474, Redding 93, Ridgefield 634, Sherman 38, Region 7,486. These town by town affordable housing need estimates were updated in 2008.

53. 10/1987 BETHEL CENTER TRAFFIC PLAN 
Research as to traffic issues and solutions for Bethel Center.

51. 10/1987 1987 DATA BOOK 
Updated periodically.
 
50. 6/1987 USING THE SPECIAL PERMIT 
Expert advice on use of this zoning technique.

49. 6/1987 THE FUTURE OF I-84 
Policies from this research were incorporated into the Regional Transportation Plan.

48. 4/1987 PREPARING FOR HAZARDOUS MATERIAL SPILLS 
An aid for the preparation of local hazardous material spill plans.

47. 12/1986 WATER QUALITY BASICS FOR THE LAND USE COMMISSION
Increasingly, water quality issues have found their way into the land use planning and permitting processes. This educational booklet on understanding local water quality is available on this web site and remains relevant today.

46. 12/1986 BETHEL RAIL STATION RELOCATION STUDY 
Based upon this study the Bethel Railroad Station was moved northerly to a more suitable location.

45. 10/1986 REGIONAL BUS TRANSIT PLAN 
Updated periodically.

44. 6/1986 BUS SERVICE TO THE DANBURY MALL 
This study designed the bus service now linking Downtown Danbury with the Danbury Fair Mall.

43. 6/1986 PUBLIC TRANSIT IMPROVEMENTS FOR DANBURY 
This plan refined the proposal for relocating the Danbury Railroad Station, since completed.

42. 6/1986 NEW DIRECTIONS FOR WATER SUPPLY PLANNING
This research was completed as a prelude to state mandated planning by the Housatonic Water Utility Coordinating Committee. 

1981 TO 1985
41. 10/1985 SPECIAL TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS
A recommended zoning method by which adjacent properties would fund roadway capacity.  

40. 10/1985 MILL PLAIN ROAD TRAFFIC STUDY 
This research created a curb cut management plan. Current recommendations for Mill Plain Road are available on the Danbury-Route 6 section of this web site.

39. 10/1985 IMPLEMENTING RESOURCE RECOVERY 
This study led directly to the creation of the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority.

38. 6/1985 RESOURCE RECOVERY FEASIBILITY STUDY
A review of options for managing solid waste in the Region. 

37. 6/1985 WATER RESOURCE ATLAS 
Maps at 11 x 17 identifying key water resource variables, some now web formatted.

36. 2/1985 HART DATA BASE AND ROUTING STUDY 
Updated periodically.

35. 2/1985 ROUTE 7 NORTH TRAFFIC STUDY
This technical report directed the use of $2 million for road improvements made available by the General Assembly. The old New Milford Traffic Circle was redesigned and an environmental impact assessment was initiated for the Brookfield - New Milford corridor. 

34. 8/1984 TRAFFIC FLOW NEEDS FOR ROUTE 202 IN BROOKFIELD
Traffic recommendations were used in roadway upgrading, and the Region's first ever driveway and curb cut plan was adopted by the Brookfield Zoning Commission.

33. 8/1984 COMMUTER TRAVEL PATTERNS 
This key travel pattern data is updated each decade and is available on this web site.

32. 6/1984 POLICIES FOR BUS MAINTENANCE 
Updated periodically.

31. 6/1984 ADVICE FROM AN EXPERT ON ZONING 
A record of a public presentation sponsored by the Council.
 
30. 6/1984 TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR NEW MILFORD'S BOARDMAN ROAD
Traffic review for this economic development area. 

29. 2/1984 HOW TO LIMIT TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN YOUR COMMUNITY
This report was honored by the Federal Highway Administration by being reproduced in large quantities as a model for nationwide distribution. The FHWA continues to offer this still relevant report in pdf. format on its national web site.

28. 10/1983 GROWTH FORECASTS FOR MUNICIPALITIES 
Population projections.

27. 9/1983 REGIONAL SEPTAGE STUDY 
As a result of this 1983 study, in 1988 septage disposal was regionalized in Danbury for the towns of Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, New Fairfield, Newtown and Redding. This system remains in operation today. See the resulting 1984 intermunicipal agreement.

26. 8/1983 TRAFFIC FLOW IMPROVEMENT FOR RIDGEBURY
For the first time the cross-border traffic issues of the Danbury and Ridgefield sections of Ridgebury were analyzed as a single unit. 

25. 8/1983 THE UNTAPPED MARKET FOR RAIL SERVICE
An early review of rail passenger potential. 

24. 6/1983 AN EVALUATION OF HART BUS SERVICE
Updated periodically. 

23. 12/1982 RESOURCES FOR DECISION MAKING AT HVCEO 
A catalog of HVCEO library holdings as of 1982.

22. 11/1982 1980 CENSUS DATA SUMMARY 
Updated periodically.

21. 7/1982 TRAFFIC FLOW STUDY FOR ROUTE 7 SOUTH
This work, together with an adjacent SWRPA study to the south, served as the guide for the expenditure of $10 million in Route 7 upgrade funds made available from the General Assembly. Also, it led to the widening from 2 to 4 lanes of a segment of Route 7 in Ridgefield north of Route 35. 

20. 4/1982 TRAFFIC STUDY FOR THE BETHEL-
BROOKFIELD-DANBURY BORDER AREA 
An analysis of traffic circulation options in this tri-town area.

19. 4/1982 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN RIDGEFIELD
Options for extending HART bus service from Danbury to Ridgefield. 

18. 6/1982 HVCEO AGENDA FOR ACTION: THE TIP 
The Transportation Improvement Program remains an important planning tool today. A summary of active projects is available.

17. 6/1982 TRAFFIC FLOW IMPROVEMENTS FOR ROUTE 25 IN NEWTOWN
Current traffic recommendations for Route 25 in Newtown are available on this web site.

16. 12/1981 PLANNING FOR PARKING
Standards for parking space and parking lot development for use in zoning regulations. 

15. 9/1981 MANAGEMENT STUDY FOR LAKE MAMANASCO IN RIDGEFIELD
An early water quality projection methodology for Ridgefield's scenic Lake Mamanasco. 

14. 6/1981 TRAFFIC VOLUME TRENDS 
Documentation of changes in traffic volume trends.

13. 5/1981 A STATUS REPORT ON RETAIL GROWTH 
This regional economic forecast was completed on an emergency basis to determine regional impact of, and regional policy towards, the proposed Danbury Fair Mall.

12. 2/1981 RESOURCES FOR LOWER COST HOUSING 
A review of affordable housing programs, now updated on this web site.

11. 1/1981 ZONING FOR LOWER COST HOUSING 
Model zoning techniques for developing lower cost housing.

1976 TO 1980
10. 10/1980 GROWTH CAPACITY WITHIN LOCAL ZONING 
A measure of the maximum population potential within each municipality.

9. 8/1979 PROJECTION OF POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT 

8. 4/1979 INDUSTRIAL GROWTH AND WATER QUALITY 

7. 5/1979 EROSION & SEDIMENT SOURCE INVENTORY 

6. 7/1979 WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

6A. 3/1979 A TRANSIT ADVERTISING AND MARKETING PROGRAM FOR HART
This research recommended a name change to "Housatonic Area Regional Transit District (HART)" from the then current "Danbury-Bethel Transit District." A complete marketing program for the revamped bus system was included.

5. 7/1979 A POLICY FOR GROUNDWATER PROTECTION
This is the source of stratified drift aquifer maps for the Region, prepared under the guidance of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Connecticut DEP. The aquifer maps are now referenced in the zoning regulations of Brookfield, Newtown and Ridgefield. The maps and strategy remain valid today and are available on this web site.

5A. 7/1978 NEWTOWN'S POOTATUCK AQUIFER
A detailed water supply study using the U. S. Geological Survey as the consultant, used by Newtown for groundwater development.

4. 3/1978 FREQUENTLY USED STATISTICS 

3. 12/1977 CENSUS DATA BY ENUMERATION DISTRICT 

2. 8/1977 TRANSPORTATION GUIDE 

1. 7/1977 REGIONAL ECONOMIC TRENDS 

(1976 AND EARLIER PLANNING REPORTS
BELOW WERE NOT IN A NUMBERED SERIES)

11/1976 20 YEAR SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN
First effort at resource recovery.

7/1976 SHEPAUG RIVER FOR WATER SUPPLY
Engineering evaluation for water supply.

8/1975  OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN
A detailed inventory of open space by municipality, coupled with as assessment of future open space needs.

1971 TO 1975
7/1974  UNION WAGE COMPARISON REPORT
Updated annually since 1974, but as part of municipal collective bargaining strategy this research remains exempt from Freedom of Information Commission public access rules.

5/1974  WATER MANAGEMENT STUDY: PHASE TWO
Additional details on water supply issues, utilized for water systems planning during the seventies by governments and water companies.

1973-1974  NAVIGATION OF THE HOUSATONIC RIVER IN THE 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
This important research by Professor Christopher Collier was neither funded nor endorsed by HVCEO at the time of original publication. However in 2008 it was agreed that such landmark research was important to our area and so is now available on this web site.

10/1973  POPULATION, HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION
A demographic and transportation overview as of 1973.

12/1972  HOUSING IN THE REGION
Detailed housing statistics, many of which remain part of the housing statistics data base.

4/1972  WATER MANAGEMENT STUDY: PHASE ONE
Overview of water supply issues, utilized for water systems planning during the seventies by governments and water companies.

2/1971  THE REGIONAL PLAN
The first regional plan of 1971, updated in 1981 and then again in 1997. The 1997 version was completed updated in 2009, including a revised Growth Guide Map.