The Town of Clayton proudly adopted its updated Downtown Master Plan on September 16, 2024. This comprehensive plan serves as a blueprint for shaping the future of downtown Clayton, focusing on sustainable growth, enhanced transportation and mobility, urban design improvements, and strategic land use. Developed through extensive community engagement and detailed analysis of existing conditions, the plan reflects the values and vision of the Town and its residents. With actionable recommendations and a commitment to preserving Clayton's unique character, the Downtown Master Plan ensures a vibrant and thriving downtown for years to come.

WHY DID WE UPDATE THE PLAN?

Growth is no longer confined to major metropolitan areas and their fringes. Evolving perceptions of where businesses should locate to remain competitive have increased demand for small communities within a reasonable drive to metropolitan centers to revitalize and prepare for growth. The Town of Clayton, with its strong core character, small-town charm, and affordability, has emerged as a prime candidate for such growth and redevelopment.

The updated Downtown Master Plan refines the vision and implementation strategy originally outlined in 2010, ensuring that Clayton is well-prepared to manage growth while preserving the unique character and values that make downtown special. Many of the questions raised in the 2010 plan remain relevant, and where progress has been made, those achievements have been recognized, with successful methods identified for replication. By reinforcing our strengths and addressing weaknesses, the updated plan positions the Town of Clayton for a sustainable and vibrant future.

With the Downtown Master Plan now updated and the Clayton 2045 Comprehensive Growth Plan in place, the Town is well-positioned to capitalize on trends favoring urban living and a vibrant downtown core. The plan focuses on enhancing what already exists in meaningful ways, ensuring Clayton remains a highly desirable place to live, work, and visit. With thoughtful implementation, Clayton can solidify its position as the most sought-after destination in the area. The updated plan establishes a vision for downtown vitality that reflects the values and aspirations of the Town and its residents.

Grounded in a realistic understanding of dynamic factors, the updated plan moves Clayton's vision from possibility to probability. The plan is built with confidence that its recommended actions are achievable. By analyzing existing conditions, cultural resources, market trends, and current and future policies, opportunities and constraints have been identified. Comprehensive public engagement informed the priorities and direction of the updated plan, ensuring the action items align with the community's vision and will bring it to life.

WHAT WAS THE PROCESS FOR UPDATING THE PLAN?

PROJECT INITIATION, INVENTORY + ANALYSIS

Town staff collaborated with consultants to create a comprehensive inventory and assessment of downtown's existing conditions. This included a review of policy and regulatory documents, such as the 2010 Downtown Master Plan, the 2045 Comprehensive Plan, and the new Unified Development Code. The goal was to evaluate what had been successful, identify areas for improvement, and understand the visions for downtown Clayton that had already begun to take shape. The team also conducted early studies examining transportation, traffic, parking, land use, zoning, real estate and market factors, as well as historic and cultural resources. These findings formed the foundation for the updated Downtown Master Plan, ensuring that it integrates these elements into a cohesive strategy for the future.

COMMUNITY + STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

Throughout the development of the updated plan, the Town engaged the community and key stakeholders to create a shared vision for downtown Clayton. Town staff and stakeholders participated in interviews to identify issues and opportunities, while members of the public provided valuable feedback through various engagement opportunities. This outreach included a pop-up booth at the 2022 Harvest Festival, an online survey with robust participation, and a public meeting and workshop in February 2023. During the workshop, participants reviewed results from earlier phases and explored potential redevelopment or enhancement ideas for key downtown sites. These collaborative efforts ensured the updated plan reflects the community’s vision and preferences, guiding its priorities and action steps.

THE DOWNTOWN MASTER PLAN + ADOPTION

After receiving extensive public input and integrating feedback from earlier phases, the consultants and the Town completed a comprehensive Downtown Master Plan. The updated plan addresses key areas, including land development and land use, transportation and mobility, urban design, and public infrastructure, and provides actionable recommendations for new regulatory requirements. During the development process, the team worked closely with staff to review and refine the plan, ensuring it was thorough and equipped the Town with the necessary policy and regulatory tools for success. The final plan was presented to the Planning Board and Town Council, culminating in its formal adoption on September 16, 2024.