Comprehensive Plan Sub-Committee Meeting — Agenda packet

Positively applying the tools of government to serve and protect our people, strengthen our community and promote prosperity. Town of Rome Nekoosa, WI 54457 www.romewi.gov AGENDA COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SUB-COMMITTEE MEETING WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2026 3:00 PM ROME MUNICIPAL BUILDING 1156 Alpine Drive Nekoosa, WI 54457 1. Call to Order 2. Discussion and possible action – Appointment of Officers ➢ Chairperson ➢ Vice-Chairperson 3. Roll Call 4. Certify Posting of Meeting 5. Approve the Agenda 6. Citizen Comments – During the Citizen Comment period of the agenda the RTC Design Plan Sub-Committee welcomes comments from any town resident, not a member of the Sub-Committee, on any item not on the agenda. Please know that pursuant to State law the Sub-Committee cannot engage in conversation with you but may ask questions. The Sub-Committee may refer the item to staff, a standing committee or a future agenda for discussion and action. Each person wishing to speak will have up to 3 minutes to speak. Speakers are asked to submit an orange card to the Sub-Committee secretary providing their name, address and topic for discussion. a. The Sub-Committee will also take comment from the public on agenda items as called by the facilitator, but not during Citizen Comments. Please note that once the Sub-Committee begins discussion on an agenda item no further comment will be allowed from the public on that issue. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: 7. Discussion and possible action – Review of 2016 Comprehensive Plan 8. Discussion and possible action – Review of Updates from the 2022 Joint CDA and Plan Commission Sub-Committee DATES AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDA/MEETINGS 9. Next agenda items 10. Next meeting date and time ADJOURNMENT “Speak Your Peace” Commitment – A reminder that the town has adopted the Nine Tools of Civility which commits the Sub-Committee committee Members and the Public to be mindful of how we treat each other at meetings. Notification of this meeting has been posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Laws of the State of Wisconsin. The PC-RTC Sub-Committee may take action on any item on the agenda. It is possible that the members of and possibly a quorum of members of other governmental bodies of the municipality may be in attendance at the above-stated meeting to gather information; no action will be taken by any governmental body at the above-stated meeting other than the PC- RTC Sub-Committee. Please note that, upon reasonable notice, efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of disabled individuals through appropriate aids and services. For additional information or to request this service, contact Wendy Newson, Town Clerk, at 1156 Alpine Drive, Nekoosa, WI 54457, ph. 715-325-8046. Town of Rome, Wisconsin Comprehensive Plan 2016 Prepared with the assistance of: North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Rome strives to be a diverse community, offering a variety of residential living, year round recreation, and business opportunities, with an emphasis on environmental preservation. Town of Rome Board Members Phil McLaughlin Rick Bakovka Lori Djumadi Dan Gohmann Jerry Wiessinger Plan Commission Dan Gohmann Mike Baker Larry Halverson Tom Wright Ron Fregien Jason Lauby Phil McLaughlin Zoning Administrator Greg Broniec Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Table of Contents Plan Chapters Background and Demographics - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources - - - - - - - - - 9 Housing - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 25 Transportation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 33 Utilities and Community Facilities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 43 Economic Development - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 55 Land Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61 Intergovernmental Cooperation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 69 Implementation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 73 Tables Table 1: Population - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Table 2: Median Age - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2 Table 3: Educational Attainment, Persons Age 25 and Older, 2010 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3 Table 4: Total Employed Persons - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Table 5: Median Household Income - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 4 Table 6: Per Capita Income - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Table 7: Individuals Below Poverty Level - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 5 Table 8: Total Housing Units - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 26 Table 9: Housing Type, 2010 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27 Table 10: Median Home Value - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 27 Table 11: Median Gross Monthly Rent - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28 Table 12: Monthly Housing Cost >30% of Income, 2009 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 28 Table 13: Seasonal Housing Units - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 29 Table 14: Road Mileage by Jurisdiction and Functional Class - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 34 Table 15: County Employment by Sector - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 56 Table 16: Labor Force - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 57 Table 17: Resident Occupation, 2010 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 58 Table 18: Existing Land Use, 2010 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 61 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Maps Map 1: Location - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 7 Map 2: Natural Resources - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19 Map 3: Soils - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 21 Map 4: Woodlands - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 23 Map 5: Transportation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 41 Map 6: Utilities and Community Facilities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 51 Map 7: Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Routes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 53 Map 8: Existing Land Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 65 Map 9: Future Land Use - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 67 Attachments Attachment A: Public Participation Plan - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 75 Attachment B: Housing Programs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 79 Attachment C: Economic Development Programs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 83 Attachment D: Resolution and Ordinance - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 87 1 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Background The Town of Rome is located in northern Adams County, Wisconsin. The Town is bounded by Wood County to the north and the Wisconsin River to the west, the Town of Leola to the east, and the Towns of Monroe and Big Flats to the south. It is the largest town in the county in terms of geographic size, population, and valuation. Development in the Town is clustered around the three lakes, State Highway 13 and the Wisconsin River. See the Locational Reference Map. Planning Process In the fall of 2013 the Town initiated a process to update its 2004 plan. The state planning law – 66.1001 – requires that a comprehensive plan be updated every ten years. A variety of Plan Commission meetings were held over the course of 2013 and 2014 to prepare the plan. A final Plan Commission meeting was held in early 2015 to review the final draft and recommend adoption of the plan by the Town Board. A Public Hearing was held and the plan was adopted on May 26, 2016. Public Participation An important part of any planning process is public involvement. Public involvement provides the citizens of the town an opportunity to express their views, ideas, and opinions on issues that they would like addressed regarding the future development of their town. Local officials use this input to guide policies and decisions with greater awareness of the public’s desires and consensus. Chapter 1 • Background and Demographics See the adopted Public Participation Plan in Attachment A. The Town of Rome posted all Plan Commission meetings inviting the public and held a Public Hearing to collect public input. Demographics Population The Town’s population has grown slowly over the last ten years according to the U.S. Census. As displayed in Table 1, the Town experienced a 2.4 percent increase between 2000 and 2010. Meanwhile the county grew 4.8 percent over the same time period. All of the surrounding towns grew at greater rates with the Town of Leola growing at the highest rate of 16.2 percent. Public meeting. 2 Between 2000 and 2010, Adams County added 955 persons. The Town is about 13 percent of the total population of the county. Annually, the Wisconsin Department of Administration publishes population estimates for all minor civil divisions. The 2013 estimates indicate three of the four towns increased population while the County decreased in population. The Town of Rome increased its population by 21 people. If the ten - year growth trend (2000 -2010) were maintained, the Town would expect about a 2.4 percent increase in population over the next ten years. Thus, 65 additional persons would reside in the Town. However, if the Town grew at the same pace as the county it would expect about 326 additional residents. Age The Town of Rome and Adams County have an aging population, but the Town is aging at a faster rate than the county and the surrounding communities. Over the ten -year period from 2000 to 2010 the Town of Rome experienced a 14.7 percent increase in the median age to 58.5, while the median age for the county has gone up by 10.6 percent to 49.2. The Town of Big Flats experienced a 36.4 percent increase in median age resulting in a median age of 52.5. Three of the four towns now have a median age over 50 years of age and only the Town of Leola has the same median age as the County. During that same ten - year period the median age for the state increased 6.9 percent rising the median age to 38.5. The number of people aged 65 and older that live in the community make up 35 percent of the population. The numbers of persons 18 and under that live in the community make up 12 percent of the population. According to the U.S. Census in 2000, the Town of Rome’s’ median age was 38.7 and in 2010 the median age was 58.5. The increase of 19.8 years in median age is the result of more Table 1: Population Minor Civil Division 2000 2010 2013 est. 2000-2010 % Change 2000-2010 Net Change Town of Rome 2,656 2,720 2,741 2.4% 64 Town of Big Flats 946 1,018 1,023 7.6% 72 Town of Leola 265 308 307 16.2% 43 Town of Monroe 363 398 407 9.6% 35 Adams County 19,920 20,875 20,834 4.8% 955 Source: U.S. Census, DOA 2013 Estimate, NCWRPC Table 2: Median Age Minor Civil Division 1990 2000 2010 2000-2010 % Change 2000-2010 Net Change Town of Rome 46 51 58.5 14.7% 7.5 Town of Big Flats 31.4 38.5 52.5 36.4% 14 Town of Leola 37.9 45.1 49.3 9.3% 4.2 Town of Monroe 40.1 44.5 57.6 29.4% 13.1 Adams County 40.1 44.5 49.2 10.6% 4.7 State of Wisconsin 32.9 36 38.5 6.9% 2.5 Source: U.S. Census, NCWRPC Chapter 1 3 than 61 percent of the population being over 55 years of age. Display 1 shows a high number of those with ages of over 55. The display also shows the Town of Rome lacks population between the ages of 18 and 34 and has a significant population under 18, especially females. Race In 2000, 1,871 of 1,914 residents listed themselves as white, 7 as American Indian, 1 as Asian, 3 as African American, and 32 as some other race. In 2010, 2,674 of the 2,720 residents listed themselves as white, 9 as American Indian, 3 as African American, 14 as Asian, 1 as Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and 5 as some other race. Educational Level Educational levels in the 2000 Census showed that 884 had completed high school and of those 884, 205 had some college, 56 had associate degrees, 93 had bachelor degrees and 86 had graduate or professional degrees. Only those 25 years of age and older are reflected in these statistics. The 2010 Census showed that 2,549 people had completed high school and of those 2,549, 675 had some college, 261 had associate degrees, 394 had bachelor degrees and 223 had graduate or professional degrees. Table 3 provides a summary of educational attainment in the Town of Rome, Adams County, and the State. Background and Demographics Under 18 18 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 years and over Number of Persons Age Cohort Male Female Display 1: 2012 Age Cohorts Source: 2008 -2012 American Community Survey Table 3: Educational Attainment, Persons Age 25 and Older, 2010 Educational Attainment Level Town of Rome Adams County State of Wisconsin Less than 9th Grade 0.9% 3.6% 3.5% 9th to 12th Grade, no diploma 5.4% 11.3% 6.4% High School Graduate 36.5% 42.2% 33.1% Some College, no degree 24.8% 23.2% 21.3% Associates Degree 9.6% 8.0% 9.4% Bachelor’s Degree 14.5% 7.7% 17.5% Graduate or Professional 8.2% 4.1% 8.9% Source: U.S. Census, DOA 2013 Estimate, NCWRPC Under 18 18 to 24 years 25 to 34 years 35 to 44 years 45 to 54 years 55 to 64 years 65 years and over Number of Persons Age Cohort Male Female 4 The Town of Rome has a low percentage of persons without a diploma compared to the county and state. The town also has a higher percentage of residents with an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree and a graduate or professional degree than the county and is competitive with state levels. Households The number of households in the Town of Rome has grown by 66.7 percent, from 1,181 in 2000 to 1,282 in 2010. In 2010, 72.8 percent of all households were family households, a 2.2 percent decrease from 2000. Of the 1,282 households in the Town of Rome, 66 percent were married couple households, a 3 percent decrease from 2000. The average household size decreased over the ten year period from 2.25 in 2000 to 2.12 in 2010. Employment Between 2000 and 2010 the Town of Rome’s employed residents decreased 6.3 percent, from 1,096 to 1,027. Adams County increased employment 1.1 percent over the same time period. The number of unemployed residents in the Town of Rome increased 125 percent in the last ten years. In 2000, 44 people reported they were unemployed, in 2010 120 people reported they were unemployed, resulting in an 8.8 percent unemployment rate. The Town’s 8.8 percent rate is well below the Counties 2010 unemployment rate of 10.6 percent. Household Income Household incomes have decreased slightly in the Town of Rome. The 2000 median household income in the Town was $44,000, which was more Table 4: Total Employed Persons Minor Civil Division 2000 2010 2000-2010 % Change 2000-2010 Net Change Town of Rome 1,096 1,027 -6.3% -69 Town of Big Flats 370 331 -10.5% -39 Town of Leola 122 154 26.2% 32 Town of Monroe 162 151 -6.8% -11 Adams County 7,859 7,943 1.1% 84 Source: U.S. Census 2000, American Community Survey 2008 -2012 Table 5: Median Household Income Minor Civil Division 2000 2010 Adjusted* Net Change 2000-2010 % Change Town of Rome $44,000 $50,825 -$3,863 -8.8% Town of Big Flats $27,800 $36,773 $1,240 4.5% Town of Leola $36,607 $45,938 -$330 -0.9% Town of Monroe $34,500 $45,625 $1,530 4.4% Adams County $33,408 $42,781 $376 1.1% State of Wisconsin $43,791 $52,627 -$2,231 -5.1% Source: U.S. Census ACS 2008 -2012, NCWRPC. *Adjusted for Inflation Chapter 1 5 than Adams County and the State, $33,408 and $43,791 respectively. From 2000 to 2010, the Town of Rome saw a decrease in the median household income of 8.8 percent (after inflation) resulting in a median income of $50,825, which was below the State’s median income of $52,627 and above the County’s median income of $42,781. The County increased in median household income 1.1 percent over the 10 year period while the State decreased 5.1 percent. The Town of Rome’s median income is still well above the County and surrounding Towns median incomes and on pace with the State. Per capita income decreased by 8.8 percent, the same rate as household income, and decreased faster than the surrounding towns, the county, and the state. However, with a per capita income of $27,590, the Town of Rome still has a higher per capita income than the surrounding towns, the County and the State. Background and Demographics Table 6: Per Capita Income Minor Civil Division 2000 2010 Adjusted* Net Change 2000-2010 % Change Town of Rome $23.901 $27,590 -$2,113 -8.8% Town of Big Flats $14,629 $20,748 $1,756 12.0% Town of Leola $15,699 $22,881 $2,370 15.1% Town of Monroe $19,970 $23,717 -$1,241 -6.2% Adams County $17,777 $21,683 -$654 -3.7% State of Wisconsin $21,271 $27,426 $387 1.8% Source: U.S. Census ACS 2008 -2012, NCWRPC. *Adjusted for Inflation Table 7: Individuals Below Poverty Level Minor Civil Division 1999 Poverty Rate 2009 Poverty Rate Town of Rome 3.7% 1.5% Town of Big Flats 13.1% 19.0% Town of Leola 10.5% 11.0% Town of Monroe 7.3% 26.2% Adams County 10.4% 11.6% State of Wisconsin 8.7% 12.5% Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2008 -2012 The poverty rate in the Town of Rome decreased between 1999 and 2009 while the County, State and surrounding towns saw an increase in poverty. The Town of Rome decreased its poverty rate from 3.7 percent to 1.5 percent over the ten year period. Adams County increased in poverty 1.2 percent over the same time period and the State experienced a 3.8 percent increase. The Town of Monroe experienced the largest increase in poverty with an 18.9 percent increase. The Town of Rome continues to outperform both the State and County with a poverty rate that is 10.1 percent lower than the County and 11 percent lower than the State. Display 2: Per Capita Income, 2010 Source: U.S. Census ACS 2008 -2012, NCWRPC $- $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000 6 "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye wTr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJackPine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr Twin LakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek BigRoche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood Town of Rome, Adams County Map 1 Planning Area 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, NAIP 2013, Adams County Rome Adams Leola Quincy Big Flats Easton Lincoln Monroe Preston Colburn Jackson Springville RichfieldStrongs Prairie Dell Prairie New Haven New Chester Adams Friendship Wisconsin Dells Legend State Highways County Highways Local Roads Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines 9 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Natural resources, including water resources, soils, and other natural features, influence a community’s development. These physical features directly or indirectly constrain or encourage growth. BACKGROUND: Previous Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Studies Adams County Land & Water Resource Managment Plan The Land & Water Resource Management Plan provides a framework for county and local conservation efforts. Implementation of this plan helps to protect and improve the valuable water and soil natural resources in Adams County. Some of the plan’s recommendations include reducing sediment and animal waste delivery to surface waters, protection of wetlands and uplands for wildlife habitat, and maintain prime farmland by minimizing non -farm development. Adams County Farmland Preservation Plan A Farmland Preservation Plan is intended to identify productive agricultural areas for preservation. Although there are limited productive areas in the Town this program is important to agriculture efforts in the County. This plan is soon to be updated. INVENTORY & TRENDS: Natural Resources The environmental features and assets that are examined in this plan include water, wetlands, floodplains, soils, and woodlands. Protection of certain natural features is necessary for the environment and for future generations. Certain environmental features and assets have more than merely aesthetic and leisure -time activity values. They are essential to long -term preservation of life, health, and general welfare. The Town of Rome lies in the mid -latitude continental climatic zone, which is characterized by long, snowy winters and short, warm summers. Spring and fall are often short with rapid changes from summer to winter and winter to summer. Annual precipitation, throughout the area, averages about 32 inches. About one -half to two - thirds of the annual precipitation falls between May and September. Snowfalls range between 45 and 80 inches annually, with a continuous snow cover from November to early April. The Town is also part of a large sand plain covering much of central Wisconsin. This area is characterized by highly permeable sandy soils and a shallow water table. For the most part, the Town’s sandstone bedrock is covered in 50 - 100 feet of sand and the water table is 20 - 50 feet below the surface. The Town covers about 39,500 acres of land. Its topography varies, from generally flat, to gently rolling and some hilly areas. Elevation ranges from about 930 feet above sea level along Lake Petenwell and the Wisconsin River, to about 1,250 feet above sea level in the southeast corner of the Town. Some steep slope areas are scattered throughout the Town that that may hinder some types of development. See Natural Resources Map. Chapter 2 • Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources 10 Surface Water There are a variety of water resources in the Town of Rome, from the Wisconsin River to several manmade lakes. Together the river, streams, ponds, and lakes total about 5,200 acres in the Town, or 13 percent of total acres. The most significant water features within the Town are Lake Petenwell (which is an impoundment of the Wisconsin River) and the Tri -Lakes, which consist of Lake Arrowhead, Lake Camelot and Lake Sherwood. Lake Petenwell forms the western boundary of the Town of Rome. Flowing westerly into Lake Petenwell is Fourteenmile Creek, which was dammed in the 1960’s to create Lake Sherwood, followed by Lake Camelot and Lake Arrowhead in the early 1970’s. The majority of land located along Fourteenmile Creek is within a designated floodplain and/or wetland. Chester Creek is also located within the Town of Rome and is a small tributary of Lake Petenwell/Wisconsin River. Combined, the Tri -Lakes have a surface area of approximately 1,000 acres. The Tri -Lakes were originally created to attract development and recreational homes. By the late 1990’s, more than 1,800 homes had been built in the area. Currently about 4,000 homes are sited near the lakes. Additional surface water features, located in the southeast portion of the Town, include Dorro Couche Lake and Dead Horse Creek. Both are located near Dyracuse Park. These many surface water resources help replenish the groundwater as part of the hydrologic cycle. Under natural conditions, the aquifers generally receive clean water from rainfall percolating through the overlying soils. However, contamination of groundwater reserves can result from such sources as percolation of water through improperly placed or maintained landfill sites, private waste disposal located near the water table, leaks from sewer pipes, and seepage from some types of mining operations into the aquifer. Runoff from livestock yards and urban areas and improper application of agricultural pesticide or fertilizers can also add organic and chemical contaminants in locations where the water table is near the surface. Protection of these groundwater reserves Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Issues During the planning process a variety of issues were identified. Issues from the previous planning effort were also reviewed as part of this update. • Overall concern for water quality and quantity in the Town, especially in the Tri - Lakes area. • Predominantly sandy soils throughout the Town increase potential of failing septic systems. • Creation/development of sanitary sewerage districts. • Protect and preserve forest and recreation lands. • Maintain public lands. • Maintain existing agricultural lands, including cranberry bogs. • The Town is a recreation based community; actively work to maintain and expand this base. • Concern over the future use of lands owned by forest products companies; what is the intent of the owner(s). • Maintain public access to land/water located within the Town. • Protection of wetlands; increased/revised zoning control. • Proper waste disposal is a growing issue and concern - both campers and residents; water quality; septic control; cost concerns for proper disposal facilities. Chapter 2 11 is necessary to ensure adequate water to domestic, agricultural and commercial uses. If groundwater is not protected, contamination could result; thus, endangering the quality and supply of the water in the town. Wetlands Large areas of wetlands are concentrated in the Town’s southeastern quadrant. Additional wetlands are found along Fourteen Mile Creek from Lake Petenwell to Lake Arrowhead, and again along areas east of Lake Camelot. Lastly, wetlands are found in areas adjacent to Lake Petenwell and Chester Creek in the west central and northwest portions of the Town. Wetlands are defined as those areas between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is at, near, or above the land surface for a significant part of most years, and include marshes, wooded swamps, and wet meadows. Soils in these areas are usually saturated during the growing season within a few inches of the surface. The presence of wetlands in an area can limit the type of development that can occur. Wetlands perform many indispensable roles in the proper function of the hydrologic cycle, and local ecological systems. In a natural condition, they control floodwater by moderating peak flows, and some may act as groundwater recharge sites. All wetlands have valuable water purification capabilities and make significant contributions to surface and groundwater quality. They act as settling areas for inflowing streams as well as functioning in the reduction of water nutrients through uptake of these compounds into plant tissues. They also have a buffering affect on water acidity or alkalinity and are helpful in the elimination of harmful bacteria, which may be found in surface or groundwater. They serve as breeding and nesting grounds for waterfowl and many other animals that depend on aquatic habitats; they are an important recreational, education, and aesthetic resource. In many instances, wetlands serve as the combined roles of flood moderation, water purification and aquatic habitat, wetlands are important to the maintenance of downstream habitat as well. Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources Lake Arrowhead. Source: travelingted.com 12 Wetlands generally occur in areas where water stands near, at, or above the soil surface during a significant portion of most years. Vegetation is generally aquatic in nature and may vary from water lilies and rushes in marsh areas to alder and tamarack in lowland forest. Swamps, bogs, marshes, potholes, wet meadows, and sloughs are all wetlands. Surface water resources such as Lake Petenwell and “The Lakes” play an important economic role within the Town of Rome. Recreational opportunities, such as boating and fishing, provided by these resources improve quality of life locally for residents and visitors. See the Natural Resources Map. Floodplains There are limited floodplains within the Town. These are mainly located near the shoreland areas of the Towns waterways, such as Lake Petenwell/ Wisconsin River and Fourteen Mile Creek. Additional growth and development surrounding these water resources and watersheds should take into account the impact on the natural systems, and address potential pollution problems through natural resource management practices such as shoreland buffers and environmental corridor protection. Additional management practices should also be designed to control storm water runoff rates and private septic system discharge quality to help protect these water resources. Watersheds There are three watersheds that cover the Town. Most of the Town lies in the Fourteen Mile Watershed. The Big Roche -A -Cri Creek Watershed includes most of the wetlands in the southeast quadrant of the Town and a small part of the Sevenmile and Tenmile Creeks Watershed also dips into the north central area of the Town. A watershed is an area of land that drains all the streams and rainfall to a common outlet such as the outflow of a reservoir, mouth of a bay, or any point along a stream channel. The word watershed is sometimes used interchangeably with drainage basin or catchment. Ridges and hills that separate two watersheds are called the drainage divide. The watershed consists of surface water, including lakes, streams, reservoirs, and wetlands, and all the underlying ground water. Larger watersheds contain many smaller watersheds. It all depends on the outflow point; all of the land that drains water to the outflow point is the watershed for that outflow location. Soils Soils are an important natural resource. To better guide development and land use within the Town of Rome it is important to know and understand soil properties and their limitations. Soil properties affecting potential land use decisions include depth to bedrock, slope, drainage/permeability, shrink -swell potential, and flooding. Soil characteristics can vary widely across a given area, Soil Survey The Soil Survey defines the two dominant soil associations found in the Town of Rome as follows: Plainfield-Brems: Nearly level to steep, excessively to moderately well -drained soils which are underlain by sandy subsoil. The soils in this association have poor to fair potential for cultivated crops, with most areas remaining in woodlands. The potential for building site construction is good to fair, however, because of rapid permeability there is a danger of groundwater contamination it these soils are used for waste disposal. Meehan-Newson-Brems: Nearly level to gently sloping, moderately to very poorly drained soils that are underlain by sandy subsoil. This soil association is fairly suited for cultivated crops, and presents problems for both building construction and on -site sanitary facilities due to its poor drainage characteristics. Chapter 2 13 but generalizations can be made based on a soil series or association. A soil series has profiles that are almost alike, while a general soil association is made up of two or more geographically associated soils. As with most areas in Central Wisconsin, the Town of Rome has a variety of soil types within its boundaries. According to the 1984 USDA Soil Survey of Adams County, two dominant soil associations were identified within the Town: Plainfield -Brems, and Meehan -Newson -Brems. See the Soil Survey for more detailed information. Much of the Town has soils that may have some limitations for development. For construction of dwellings with basements, soils are rated for dwellings less than three stories in height built on shallow foundations on undisturbed soil. Soil suitability ratings for dwellings are determined by several factors, including a high water table, flooding, and/or shrink -swell potential. Problems that limit development on certain soils include poor filtration, slow percolation, flooding or ponding, wetness, slope, and subsidence. A “severe” limitation indicates that one or more soil properties or site features are so unfavorable or difficult to overcome that a major increase in construction effort, special design, or intensive maintenance is required. For some soils rated severe, such costly measures may not be feasible. The protection of the Tri -Lakes has become a priority with local government authorities, including the Tri -Lakes Management District, the Town of Rome, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In recent septic system evaluations most residential on -site waste systems were in compliance with code requirements. The town is also aware that several non -point sources are contributing to the nutrient loads. However, the sandy soils in the Tri -Lakes area have a low capacity to retain phosphorus that could eventually result in significant amounts entering into the lake system through the subsoil. With time, as more septic systems are installed and the phosphorus retention capacity of the soils diminishes, phosphorus input is expected to increase. See the Soils Map. Woodlands Woodlands are the predominant land cover within the Town of Rome covering nearly 24,000 acres, or approximately 60 percent of the Town. Forest cover provides many vital functions, which are diverse in nature; forested lands provide for recreational opportunities, scenic beauty, economic commodity (timber products), and wildlife habitat as well as protection of sensitive environmental areas. Tree cover is essential, especially for erosion control and to reduce effluent and nutrient flows into surface water bodies and courses. Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources Woodlands and trails at Dyracuse Park. Source: townofrome.com 14 Meteor Timber LLC owns and manages a substantial amount of land in the Town. Although the majority of their land is currently dedicated to the growth of trees for pulp production, all of it is for sale. Conversion of these areas to uses other than woodlands is both an opportunity and challenge for the Town in the future. See the Woodlands Map. Endangered Species The Natural Heritage Inventory (NHI) map provides generalized information about endangered resources (rare, or endangered species and high - quality natural communities) to the section level. The Karner Blue butterfly (KBB) (Lycaeides Melissa samuelis) has been listed as an endangered species and has been documented to populate sections within the Town of Rome. See the DNR’s NHI map for more information. Non-metallic Mining Only one non -metallic mining operation currently exists in the Town. That mine is owned and operated by Adams County. It is located on CTH O in the southeast corner of the Town. Agricultural Resources The Town currently has a limited amount of land in agriculture. There is only about 650 acres of agricultural land uses (less than 2 percent of total land in the Town). Most of the active farmland is located in the northeast quadrant of the Town, mainly row crops. There are also some cranberry bogs along the eastern boundary with the Town of Leola. About 22 acres of bogs are located in the Town. The Existing Land Use Map in Chapter 7 displays these areas. Cultural Resources There are a variety of cultural resources located within the Town. Wisconsin communities have a rich assortment of properties and structures with architectural, historical, archeological, and/ or cultural significance. These may include Indian burial mounds, buildings, or private homes. Many times, historic properties may carry some type of designation, such as a listing on a state or national historic register. Other properties may be eligible for inclusion into such historic registers. When addressing historic preservation, efforts should include all historic structures, regardless of special designation. To be listed on the state register, a property/structure must be at least 50 -years old, not significantly altered, and meet one of the following five criteria: • Made, or was associated to, a significant contribution to history • Associated with the lives of persons significant in the past • Has architectural significance • Represents a significant and distinct entity • Yields important information to history/pre - history Karner Blue Butterfly. Source: www.wpr.org Chapter 2 Cranberry marsh in Nekoosa, WI. Source: www.loopnet.com 15 According to records at the Wisconsin State Historical Society no sites or structures within the Town of Rome are located on the State Historical Register. The Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory contains data on buildings, structures, and objects that are unique to Wisconsin’s history, and is a permanent record maintained by the Wisconsin Historical Society. According to records at the Wisconsin State Historical Society no sites, structures, or objects within the Town of Rome are located on the Wisconsin Architecture and History Inventory. In order to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, properties must be of national, state, and local significance and must satisfy criteria similar to those of the State register. According to records at the Wisconsin State Historical Society no sites or structures within the Town of Rome are located on the National Historical Register. Regardless of National or State registries, the Town of Rome has various locally significant places. As an example: Dyracuse Mound (Tri -Norse Ski Jump): In 1928, Dyracuse Mound was discovered along with the possibility of a ski jump. The first ski jump tournament was held in 1932 after which the ski jump club became affiliated with the Central US Ski Association. The ski jump facility maintains a 5, 10, and 20 meter jumps along with its regulation 55 meter jump. Located off of Archer Drive, the Tri - Norse facility hosts an annual ski jump tournament each year According to the State of Wisconsin Historical Society, there are 34 known archaeological sites in the Town of Rome The majority of these sites are located along the Lake Petenwell/Wisconsin River region. Over the years many of these sites have been examined. The Town should continue to work with the State Archaeologist on identification and protection of archaeological sites, mounds, unmarked cemeteries, and cultural sites listed on the State’s Archaeological Site Inventory (ASI). Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources Dyracuse Ski Jump. Source: http://www.skisprungschanzen.com/ 16 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. GOAL 1: Preserve and enhance the natural resources that make the Town of Rome a desirable place to live, visit, and do business, while encouraging development in suitable areas. Objective 1: Ensure that the natural resource aesthetic quality of the Town is considered when planning for future development. Policy 1. Utilize zoning and other land use control measures to protect environmentally sensitive areas. Policy 2. Utilize open space, parks, drainage ways, creeks, and natural topography to define and connect neighborhoods. Objective 2: Ensure public access to the town’s surface water resources continues in the future. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Adams County, and Tri -Lakes Management District on identifying future options and locations for public access to the Town’s surface water resources. Objective 3. Main corridors into the Town of Rome provide a first impression of the Town for many visitors. It is imperative that they present a “first -class” impression. As such, the appearance is second only to the importance of safety. Priority should be given to potential project locations that are highly visible from public right -of -ways and that are located nearer to the enterance points coming into Town. Policy 1. Promote a quality physical environment by balancing the objectives of designing a safe and attractive corridor. Policy 2. Protect the residential character and the economic viability of the business interests in those areas. Policy 3. Create a positive visual image both inside and outside the right -of -way, recognizing the many roles that corridors play. Policy 4. Advance both the aesthetic and economic objectives of the Town by controlling site design and appearance of development within the Town’s Gateway Corridor in a manner that is consistent with sound eocnomic, land use, and design principals. Objective 4: Preserve and protect open space corridors, forested lands, wetlands, groundwater, and other natural resources within the Town. Policy 1. Revise and implement existing zoning restrictions and standards that protect natural resources within the Town. Such restrictions include, but are not limited to, wetland and shoreland setbacks, drainage and waterway setbacks, minimum lot sizes, and minimal buildable area. Objective 5: Protect and maintain high water quality standards within the Town, especially around the Tri -lakes area. Policy 1. Establish land use regulatory programs and controls (i.e. – wellhead Chapter 2 17 protection) that are designed to protect surface water and ground water supply. Policy 2. Restrain the entry of non -point source pollution into area water resources by encouraging nearby light manufacturing, commercial, agricultural, and residential developments to implement water runoff control measures, such as vegetation filter strips and detention settling basins. Encourage the planting of vegetation strips along waterway areas that could act as a natural filter device. Policy 3. Work with Adams County to help create stricter drainage/surface water management standards within the County’s subdivision and shoreland zoning ordinances for developments near surface water resources, which will help protect the water quality of the Town’s resources. Objective 6: Protect environmentally and natural resource sensitive areas, such as flood hazards and wetland areas, from development. Policy 1. Maintain zoning that is consistent with county shoreland protection requirements. Policy 2. Encourage realtors and developers early access to natural resources map(s). Objective 7: Promote the Town’s thousands of acres of public and private forest lands that are available to the public for outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. Policy 1. Continue to work with private and corporate landowners to allow for public recreational access of forest lands under their control. Policy 2. Work with local, county, state, and federal agencies to promote and expand access to property in the town. Objective 8: Encourage development where physical factors, such as soil capability and steep slope, will not be a detriment to the development. Policy 1. As part of the review process for new development incorporate the maps found in this plan that identify soil types, floodplains, water and wetlands, steep slopes, and wooded areas. Utilize the maps to help direct development to those areas that are suitable for development and away from the Town’s natural resources. Objective 9: Preserve and protect some of the remaining areas in the Town currently in agricultural production. Policy 1. Work with local farmers, UW - Extension, and Adams County to initiate efforts to preserve and protect ground and surface water within the Town. Objective 10: Strive to protect and enhance habitats for birds throughout the Town. Policy 1. Work with private land owners to implement sound conservation practices. Policy 2. Educate residents about birds and bird habitats. Policy 3. Encourage the Town Board to pass an annual resolution to observe and celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Policy 4. Seek designation as a “Bird City” under the Wisconsin Bird City Program. Natural, Agricultural, and Cultural Resources 18 \ \ \\ \\\\\ \\\ \\ \\\\\ \\ \\\\ \ \\ \ \\ \\ \ \\\\\\\ \\\ \\ \\ \\\ \ \ \ \\\ \\\ \ \\\\\ \\ \\\ \ \ \\\ \\ \ \\\\\\ \ \ \ \ \ \\\\ \ \\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \\ \\\\\ \ \ \\\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \ \\ \\\\\\ \\\\ \ \\\\\\ \ \\ \\\\ \\ \ \ \\\\\ \ \ \\\ \\\ \\ \ \\ \ \\\ \ \ \ \\\\\ \ \\\\\\\\\ \ \ \\ \ \ \\\\ \\ \\\ \\\ \\\ \\ \ \\ \\ \ \\\\ \\ \\ \ \ \\ \ \ \ \ \\ \ \\ \ \\ \\ \\ \\ \ \ \ \ \\ \\\\\ \\\\ \ \\\ \\ \\ \ \\ \ \\\ \\ \ \\\ \\ \ \\\ \\\ \ \ \ \ \ "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye wTr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJackPine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr Twin LakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek BigRoche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood Fourteenmile Creek Fourteenmile Creek Fourteenmile Creek Big Roche A Cri Creek Sevenmile and Tenmile Creeks Town of Rome, Adams County Map 2 Natural Resources 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, FEMA, Adams Co. Rome Adams Leola Quincy Big Flats Easton Lincoln Monroe Preston Colburn Jackson Springville RichfieldStrongs Prairie Dell Prairie New Haven New Chester Adams Friendship Wisconsin Dells Legend Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines State Highways County Highways Local Roads Water Watershed Boundaries Flood Plain Wetlands \ Wetlands < 2 Acres Steep Slopes "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye wTr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJackPine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr Twin LakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek BigRoche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood Town of Rome, Adams County Map 3 Soils 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, NRCS, Adams Co. Rome Adams Leola Quincy Big Flats Easton Lincoln Monroe Preston Colburn Jackson Springville RichfieldStrongs Prairie Dell Prairie New Haven New Chester Adams Friendship Wisconsin Dells Legend State Highways County Highways Local Roads Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines Water General Soil Type Plainfield-Brems Meehan-Newson-Brems Soils With Development Limitations "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 "·13 "ÿU 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye w Tr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJack Pine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr TwinLakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek BigRoche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood 31 363534333235 33 34 36 3132 Town of Rome, Adams County Map 4 Woodlands 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, Adams Co Legend Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines State Highways County Highways Local Roads Woodlands Water Meteor Timber LLC Plum Creek Timberlands L P Rome Adams Leola Quincy Big Flats Easton Lincoln Monroe Preston Colburn Jackson Springville RichfieldStrongs Prairie Dell Prairie New Haven New Chester Adams Friendship Wisconsin Dells 25 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Housing characteristics and trends are an important component of a comprehensive plan. The physical location of housing determines the need of many public services and facilities. BACKGROUND: Previous Housing Studies Wisconsin State Consolidated Housing Plan The Consolidated Housing Plan is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the application process required of the State in accessing formula program funds of Small Cities Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Shelter Grants, and Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS. “The Consolidated Plan provides the framework for a planning process used by States and localities to identify housing, homeless, community and economic development needs and resources, and to tailor a strategic plan for meeting those needs. ” The Consolidated Plan has five parts: 1. overview of the process; 2. description of public participation; 3. housing, homeless, community and economic development needs assessment; 4. long -term strategies to meet priority needs; and 5. an action plan. The Division of Housing and Intergovernmental Relations (DHIR) prepares the Consolidated Housing Plan, and is focused on low -income and special needs populations. Chapter 3 • Housing Housing Issues During the planning process a variety of issues were identified. Issues from the previous planning effort were also reviewed as part of this update. • The Town needs to continue providing a good housing mix (single -family, multi - family, condos, affordable housing). • Affordable housing; Allow modular/ manufactured housing but quality standards need to be included within land use controls. • As population ages, there will be an increase in senior housing needs (housing mix, assisted living, near amenities) • Additional growth pressure from the development of new golf course. • Job force/labor market; demand for housing. • Encourage in -fill and additional development to take place in areas where infrastructure already exists. • Update land use control measures. • Future needs for various types of Senior Housing. 26 INVENTORY & TRENDS Housing Units The Town of Rome increased its housing stock by 955 units from 2000 to 2010. Increasing at a rate of 40.6 percent, the Town has increased the number of housing units faster than the county and state (see Table 8). The Town of Leola experienced similar growth from 2000 to 2010 increasing its housing stock 39.5 percent, or 70 units. In 2010, the Town of Rome comprised roughly 19 percent of the housing stock in Adams County, compared to just 6.4 percent in 1990. The Town of Rome experienced the majority of its growth between 1990 and 2000 when it increased the number of units by 1,560. Roughly 92 percent of the County’s housing growth in that decade was concentrated in the Town of Rome. The Town of Rome produced roughly 30 percent of the County’s housing increase between 2000 and 2010. Overall, the Town of Rome and the surrounding towns have experienced a healthy growth of housing units between 2000 and 2010, far out pacing the state and county. The housing stock within the Town of Rome is very large given the size of its population. There are 3,306 total units and only 2,741 persons, which is less than one person per housing unit. A significant percentage of all housing units are seasonal housing. Type of Housing The Town of Rome’s housing supply is comprised mainly of single family homes and mobile homes. In 2010, over 83 percent of all housing units in the Town were single family homes (see Table 9). The percentage of single family homes greatly exceeds the surrounding communities, the county and the state. With a total of 554 units, 16.8 percent of the Town of Rome’s housing units are mobile homes. The percentage of mobile homes in the Town of Rome is fewer than the surrounding communities, with the Town of Big Flats having the largest percentage of mobile homes at 42.5 percent. The percentage of mobile homes in Adams County (25.2%) is substantially greater than the State of Wisconsin (3.7%). Roughly 70 percent of all housing units in the county and state are single family units. While the county has some multifamily housing units, only 5.2 percent of all housing in the county is duplex or multifamily housing. Duplex and multifamily housing is well below the state average. Multifamily housing options make up 18.5 percent of the state’s housing supply. The Town of Rome has a very low percentage of duplex or multifamily housing options. This raises the question regarding a need for more housing opportunities. Table 8: Total Housing Units Minor Civil Division 1990 2000 2010 2000-2010 % Change 2000-2010 Net Change Town of Rome 791 2,351 3,360 40.6% 955 Town of Big Flats 824 754 1,027 36.2% 273 Town of Leola 176 177 247 39.5% 70 Town of Monroe 359 440 574 30.5% 134 Adams County 12,418 14,123 17,384 23.1% 3,261 State of Wisconsin 2,055,774 2,321,144 2,620,401 12.9% 299,257 Source: U.S. Census 1990, 2000, American Community Survey 2008 -2012 Chapter 3 27 Value The Town of Rome experienced an 85 percent increase in home values from 2000 to 2010. The Town’s median home value of $214,000 is $78,100 more than the median value of homes in the county and $45,000 more than the state’s overall median value (see Table 10). Home values increased $98,400 in the decade, $29,700 more than the next highest increase, in the Town of Monroe. Only the Town of Leola (88.77%) had a higher percent increase than the Town of Rome. The Town of Rome, the county and surrounding communities increased median homes values at a pace faster than the state between 2000 and 2010. Of the surrounding communities, the Town of Big Flats is the only community with a home median value below $100,000 and the Town of Rome is the only community with a median home value above $200,000. Rent The median gross rent in the Town of Rome increased 27.7 percent between 2000 and 2010, 20.4 percent slower than the county’s median rent. Overall, rent increased $133.00 over the ten year period compared to an increase of $213 for the county (see Table 11). The Town of Monroe increased rent at the highest rate (237%) and had the highest net change ($711.00) resulting in the highest median rent ($1,011.00). Housing Table 9: Housing Type, 2010 Minor Civil Division Town of Rome Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Monroe Adams County State of Wisconsin Single Family 2,752 584 152 399 12,088 1,858,162 % 83.20% 56.86% 61.50% 69.50% 69.50% 70.90% Duplex - 3 - 7 123 177,240 % 0.00% 0.29% 0.00% 1.20% 0.70% 6.80% 3 to 19 Units - - - 21 645 312,521 % 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.60% 3.70% 11.90% Over 20 Units - - 2 - 140 173,934 % 0.00% 0.00% 0.80% 0.00% 0.80% 6.60% Mobile Homes 554 437 90 147 4,380 98,118 % 16.8% 42.55% 37.70% 25.60% 25.20% 3.70% Other - 3 - - 8 426 Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2008 -2012 Table 10: Median Home Value Minor Civil Division 2000 2010 2000-2010 % Change 2000-2010 Net Change Town of Rome $115,600 $214,000 85.12% $98,400 Town of Big Flats $64,500 $99,700 54.57% $35,200 Town of Leola $65,000 $122,700 88.77% $57,700 Town of Monroe $83,500 $152,200 82.28% $68,700 Adams County $83,600 $135,900 62.56% $52,300 State of Wisconsin $112,200 $169,000 50.62% $56,800 Source: U.S. Census 2000, American Community Survey 2008 -2012 28 The Town of Rome is the only town where rents did not increase more than 100 percent over the 10 year period. The low increase in rent has allowed the Town of Rome to go from the highest median rent in 2000 to the lowest median rent in 2010. In 2010, the county and towns all had median rent prices below the state. In 2010, only Adams County, the Town of Leola, and the Town of Rome have median rent prices below the state. Affordability The increase in home values and median rent has resulted in a higher percent of residents who spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. In 2009, 37 percent of home owners and 31.8 percent of renters in the Town of Rome spend more than 30 percent of their income on mortgages and rent (see Table 12). The percentage of home owners in the Town of Rome who spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing is 3.8 percent higher than the state (33.2%) and the number of renters who spend more than 30 percent of their income on rent is 16.4 percent lower than the state (48.2%). The Town of Leola has the smallest percentage of home owners who spend greater than 30 percent on housing, 32.7 percent. Table 12: Monthly Housing Cost >30% of Income, 2009 Minor Civil Division Owner Renter Town of Rome 37.0% 31.8% Town of Big Flats 41.8% 50.0% Town of Leola 32.7% 55.8% Town of Monroe 39.3% 100.0% Adams County 40.4% 44.3% State of Wisconsin 33.2% 48.2% Source: U.S. Census American Community Survey 2008 -2012 All of the residents who rent in the Town of Monroe spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. The Town of Rome has the smallest percentage of renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent, 31.8 percent. Only the Town of Leola has a lower percentage of home owners spending more than 30 percent of their income than the state and only the Town of Rome has a lower percentage of renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent than the state. Compared to the county (40.4% and 44.3%), the Town of Rome has fewer owners and renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs. Table 11: Median Gross Monthly Rent Minor Civil Division 2000 2010 2000-2010 % Change 2000-2010 Net Change Town of Rome $481 $614 27.7% $133 Town of Big Flats $388 $850 119.1% $462 Town of Leola $325 $708 117.8% $383 Town of Monroe $300 $1,011 237.0% $711 Adams County $443 $656 48.1% $213 State of Wisconsin $540 $749 38.7% $209 Source: U.S. Census 2000, American Community Survey 2008 -2012 Chapter 3 29 Seasonal Units Of the 3,306 housing units in the Town, 1,917 or 58 percent are identified as seasonal. Between 2000 and 2010, seasonal housing increased by 822 units, or about 75 percent. The rate of increase was much greater than the state’s increase (35.6%) and the county’s increase (37%) in seasonal homes. The Town of Rome now has 25 percent of the seasonal housing stock in the county, up from 19 percent in 2000. Along with the Town of Big Flats and Adams County, the Town of Rome has a very high percentage of its vacant housing stock dedicated to seasonal, recreational, and occasional uses. A listing of housing assistance programs can be found in Attachment B. Housing Table 13: Seasonal Housing Units Minor Civil Division 2000 2010 2000-2010 % Change 2000-2010 Net Change Town of Rome 1,095 1,917 75.1% 822 Town of Big Flats 362 599 65.5% 237 Town of Leola 63 82 30.2% 19 Town of Monroe 226 350 54.9% 124 Adams County 5,637 7,724 37.0% 2,087 State of Wisconsin 142,313 193,046 35.6% 50.733 Source: U.S. Census 2000 & 2010 Display 3: Seasonal Housing as Percentage of Total Housing, 2010 Source: U.S. Census ACS 2008 -2012, NCWRPC 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 30 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal: To encourage a high quality living environment in all neighborhoods and to assure an adequate supply of decent, safe, affordable, and sanitary housing. Objective 1: Encourage additional housing development to take place first in areas where housing already exists. Additional “in -fill” development could take place in these areas, still maintain acceptable densities, and provide economies for scale for the Town’s infrastructure. Policy 1. With dense housing developments occurring near surface water resources within the Town, explore the possibility of establishing municipal type facilities and services in these environmentally sensitive areas, such as water, sanitary sewer, and/or storm sewer systems. Policy 2. Enact and enforce land use controls through zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations that promote harmonious land use patterns throughout the Town, making sure proposed and adjacent uses are compatible with existing or anticipated future development. Objective 2: Expand housing opportunities in the Town to meet the needs of continued population growth, particularly seasonal, as well as aging population. Policy 1. Through the Town of Rome’s zoning ordinance, map, and other land use regulation tools, ensure that sufficient sites are available in the Town to develop new housing. Policy 2. Through the Town of Rome’s zoning ordinance, map and other land use regulation tools, ensure areas available for varied types of senior housing. Policy 3. Adopt the future Land Use Plan Map identifying where land use activities may occur. Objective 3: Encourage a range of choices in housing type, designs, and cost, including single family, affordable single -family manufactured home, and multi -family units. Policy 1. Implement land use controls that encourage a range of choices in housing types, designs, and costs, including single family, affordable single -family manufactured home (with permanent foundations), and multi -family units. Policy 2. Regulate areas and establish zoning standard within the Town where manufactured homes can be located and establish siting standards for such structures. Objective 4: Preserve and protect environmentally sensitive natural resource areas that add character and define the Rome area. Policy 1. Implement land use control measures, which protect the Town’s environmental areas from future growth and development. Policy 2. Incorporate design requirements into the land subdivision ordinance that result in the use and protection of open spaces, parks, and drainage/waterways to protect the Town’s natural resources. Chapter 3 31 Objective 5: Where appropriate, encourage the rehabilitation of substandard homes in the Town to provide decent and safe living conditions and prevent deterioration and blight. Policy 1. Participate in State and County programs, such as Community development Block Grants and Home, to provide, maintain and rehabilitate existing housing stock. Objective 6: Encourage neighborhood locations that protect residential areas from surrounding incompatible land uses. Policy 1. Establish, modify, and implement zoning district requirements that adequately buffer incompatible uses. Adopt the future Land Use Plan Map identifying where land use activities may occur. Objective 7: Discourage the concentration of rental or multi - family housing in any one part of the community. Policy 1: Establish and implement zoning district requirements and ordinances that allow for various multi -family housing options. Adopt the futuer Land Use Plan Map identifying where land use activities may occur. Housing 32 33 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Transportation is necessary for the effective movement of people and goods within and with connections outside of the Town. Transportation is also critical to development and land use. This chapter provides an inventory of the existing transportation facilities and services within the Town. BACKGROUND: Previous Transportation Studies Corridors 2020 Corridors 2020 was completed in 1989 and was designed to enhance economic development and meet Wisconsin’s mobility needs well into the future. The 3,200 -mile state highway network was comprised of two elements: a multilane backbone system and a two -lane connector system. The backbone system is a 1,650 -mile network of multilane divided highways interconnecting the major population and economic centers in the state and tying them to the national transportation network. The connector system is 1,550 miles of high - quality highways that link other significant economic and tourism centers to the backbone network. Within Adams County, STH 21 is a Corridors 2020 connector route, and the only highway in the County designated as part of the Corridors 2020 system. The Regional Comprehensive Plan: A Framework for the Future Adopted by the North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC) in 2003 the Regional Comprehensive Plan (RCP) looks at transportation in all ten counties that make up the North Central Region, including Adams. It looks at general trends within the Region and recommends how county and local government can address transportation issues. The RCP identifies a number of transportation issues including growing traffic volumes and congestion. Moderate levels of congestion are expected by the year 2020 on STH 13 in Adams/ Friendship and north of the lakes area in the Town of Rome, as well as STH 21 west of STH 13. Moderate congestion indicates that speeds and distance between vehicles are reduced, constricting traffic flow. Freedom of drivers to maneuver within the traffic stream or enter the highway is noticeably limited. Minor incidents can result in traffic jams because the traffic stream has little space to absorb disruptions. Traffic volumes continue to swell, especially in summer months due to the local tourism and seasonal housing growth. The RCP shows 72 to 77 percent increase in average daily traffic on major routes in Adams County between 1980 and 2000. The RCP addresses other modes of travel as well as highways, including bicycle transportation. The North Central Wisconsin Regional Bicycle Facilities Network Plan is incorporated in the RCP by reference. The plan envisions development of a regional system of new interconnected bicycle facilities for the ten county region. The proposed network will encompass routes on bicycle paths, bicycle lanes, paved shoulders and wide curb lanes which will link existing and potential traffic generation sites and points of interest, as outlined in the plan, to make biking a safer and more attractive transportation alternative. Chapter 4 • Transportation 34 INVENTORY & TRENDS: The transportation system in the Town includes all the state, county and local roads. The local transportation network is critical for the safe movement of people and goods, as well as to the physical development of the Town. Roads The Town of Rome road network consists of roughly 7 miles of state highway, 17 miles of county highway, and 151 miles of local roads. The road system in the Town of Rome plays a key role in development by providing both access to land and serving to move people and goods through the area. Types and intensities of landuses have a direct relationship to the traffic on roadways that serve those landuses. Intensely developed land often generates high volumes of traffic. If this traffic is not planned for, safety can be seriously impaired for both local and through traffic flows. The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has established the National Functional Classification for categorizing transportation road systems. It classifies roads according to their function along a continuum that indicates the greatest mobility/ greatest access to property. Roads that provide the greatest mobility are classified as principal arterials. Minor arterials and collectors follow in this continuum. Roads classified as local provide the greatest access to property. Within the Town of Rome, the entire segment of State Highway (STH) 13 that runs through the central portion of the Town is classified as a minor arterial. Road segments classified as minor arterials distribute traffic between collector streets Table 14: Road Mileage by Jurisdiction and Functional Class Jurisdiction Functional Classification TotalsArterial Collector Local State 6.97 9.97 County 16.87 16.87 Town 14.39 136.95 151.34 TOTALS 6.97 31.26 136.95 175.18 Source: WisDOT & NCWRPC Transportation Issues During the planning process a variety of issues were identified. Issues from the previous planning effort were also reviewed as part of this update. • Road and transportation safety are always priority issues. • Access control along STH 13 is a concern; highway access management policies; safety issues. • Areas of traffic congestion, safety and other issues include: W. Queens Way, Rome Center Drive, Apache Avenue, Apache Lane (entrance to golf course) • Increasing truck traffic on CTH D (east of STH 13). Work with County to improve. • Vision triangles at intersections along main arterials and other heavily traveled routes. • Maintenance and upgrading of road system, use PASER system for guidance. • Transit needs for the community; possible van/shuttle services. • Non -motorized transportation issues – increased walking and biking paths. Chapter 4 35 and principal arterials. STH 13 is an important north -south route running through the area. This highway links the Town of Rome to the City of Wisconsin Rapids to the north and to U.S. Highway (USH) 82 and eventually the City of Wisconsin Dells to the south. Truck traffic uses the state and county highway network throughout the Town. Farm implements use town roads along with state and county highways to travel between fields and farming facilities. CTH Z and CTH D are road segments within the Town of Rome classified as major collectors. Apache Avenue, 8th Avenue, Archer Avenue, CTH O, and Kings Way/Leisure Lane are segments in the area classified as minor collectors. Road segments classified as collectors distribute traffic between arterials and local roads. All road segments within the Town that are not classified as arterial or collector are classified as local. Average daily traffic (ADT) volumes on selected road segments within the Town of Rome are shown on the Transportation Map. Unfortunately DOT has reduced its count program, which has eliminated some count locations and established longer periods between counts. Therefore, there is limited information for comparison within the Town related to traffic count volumes. The thirteen count locations within the Town along with the most current count information are displayed on the Transportation Map. Three count location experienced major increases in traffic volumes between 1998 and 2014. The largest growth in average daily traffic (ADT) during this period occurred along CTH D, west STH 13. The volume increased over 90 percent (from 1200 ADT to 2300 ADT). Two other locations had increases over 70 percent, CTH Z north of Badger Avenue (550 ADT to 970 ADT) and Kings Way East of STH 13 (380 ADT to 650 ADT). Five other locations had increases between 5 and 42 percent. Four count locations within the Town of Rome area saw declines in traffic levels; STH 13 near County D, STH 13 North of Archer Avenue, STH 13 North of Badger Avenue, and STH 13 South of County D. Much of the traffic in the Town on a daily basis is related to where people work. In 2011, of the 868 residents traveling, 189 traveled to Wisconsin Rapids, the next most common destinations were Stevens Point (32), Appleton (28), Plover (25), Nekoosa (24), and Marshfield (23). Other cities traveled to are Eau Claire, Adams, Port Edwards, Friendship, Oshkosh and Green Bay. Of the 868 residents traveling, 53 work within the Town. Weekends and holidays also are major travel times for seasonal residents and visitors. Transportation County highway Z runs through Rome. 36 As development continues and land use changes, the cost of maintaining the road system must be increased. More traffic requires more maintenance and expansion of the local road system. The Town utilizes a WisDOT PASER computer program to maintain an inventory of its local roads and monitor conditions and improvements of its roads. Ideally, this system will enable the Town to better budget and keep track of roads that are in need of repair. Bus & Specialized Transportation No inter -community bus service is provided within the Town of Rome. The nearest community to the Town of Rome served by inter -community bus service is Stevens Point. Greyhound Lines provide bus service to this community. Van service is available through the Department on Aging to those to bring people 60 and older to meal sites and medical appointments. Air, Rail & Water Transportation Air service is not provided within the Town of Rome. The nearest airports that provide this service are Alexander Field in the City of Wisconsin Rapids (approximately 11 miles) and the Adams County Legion Field in the Village of Friendship (approximately 18 miles). The closest airport that provides commercial and air cargo services is the Central Wisconsin Airport, which is a regional airport facility located in the City of Mosinee, about 60 miles north of the Town of Rome. No railroad services are available within the Town of Rome. The nearest freight railroad lines are in the City of Wisconsin Rapids (approximately 11 miles to the north). The closest railroad line providing passenger service is Amtrak, which run along the Canadian Pacific Railway line. There are Amtrak stops in Portage, Tomah and Wisconsin Dells. There are no water transportation facilities in the area. Chapter 4 37 Transportation GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Develop and maintain a well -integrated and cost -effective transportation system within the Town of Rome that is capable of moving people and goods to, from, and within the community in a safe and efficient manner. Objective 1: Study ways to improve safety along the area’s arterial and collector routes, such as the implementation of access control strategies and additional traffic control devices and engineering along these routes. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and Adams County to study ways to reduce traffic congestion and hazards along STH 13 and the Town’s other arterials. Solutions for improving traffic flow and safety include the implementation of access control strategies, traffic control devices, and engineering along these routes. Policy 2. Work with Adams County and DOT to help reduce traffic congestion and hazards and improve safety along arterial and collector routes within the Town. Objective 2: Improve the efficiency of the Town’s road system by establishing improvement programs that ensure that roads within the system are able to handle existing and expected traffic volumes. Policy 1. Provide for new development areas within the Town identified on the Land Use Plan map by planning for the design, connection, and extension of streets and roads. Policy 2. Work with the State DOT and Adams County on safety, access, and traffic circulation issues. This includes but is not limited to STH 13, CTH D, Alpine Drive, 14th, and 15th Avenues. Objective 3: Ensure that adequate roads are provided within the growing portions of the Town to serve existing and expected levels of vehicle traffic. Policy 1. Prepare and adopt an official map ordinance reserving future street and non -motorized transportation facilities. Policy 2. Provide for new development areas within the Town identified on the Land Use Plan map by planning for the design, connection, and extension of streets. Policy 3. Incorporate street and highway design requirements that are compatible with the natural environment and features, as well as, complement existing land uses within the Town. 38 Objective 4: Improve local and through -traffic movement within the Rome area, especially along arterial routes that are heavily traveled during the summer months. Policy 1. Establish zoning requirements that regulate setback, landscaping, and signage along STH 13 and CTH D/Alpine Drive. Policy 2. Work with the State DOT and Adams County on safety, access, and traffic circulation issues. This includes but is not limited to STH 13, CTH D, Alpine Drive, 14th, and 15th Avenues. Objective 5: Ensure good traffic flow and improve safety in growth areas of the Town, make necessary improvements to roadways within these areas, including traffic control devices and engineering. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Adams County, and the surrounding towns, developers, and property owners to make necessary improvements to roadways and highways within growth areas of the Town. Solutions for ensuring good traffic flow and improve safety in these areas include installation of additional traffic control devices, expansion of the roadways, redesigning intersections, and implementing access control measures. Objective 6: Ensure that roads within the Town’s road system are able to handle existing and expected traffic volumes by continuing to assess and improve the roads. Actively participate in current road maintenance and assessments of future road needs and additional transportation services. Policy 1. The PASER system should be used by the Town on an annual basis for assessing the pavement conditions of the local street and road system, and future improvements needs. Policy 2. Address the Town’s road network and other transportation needs by developing and implementing a Capital Improvements Plan on an annual basis. Build, extend, and improve Town roads according to the schedule. Policy 3. To help finance proposed road improvement projects apply for funds under state and federal grant programs, including the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program, and Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Community development Block Grant Public Facility and Public Facility for Economic Development programs. Chapter 4 39 Goal 2: Provide an integrated, efficient and economical transportation system that affords mobility, convenience and safety and that meets the needs of all citizens, including transit -dependent and disabled citizens. Objective 7: Encourage and support the development of additional transportation services, including transit services, for the elderly and disabled residents within the Town. Policy 1. Work with Adams County and other organizations to develop additional transportation services for the elderly, disabled, and other residents in the Rome area, including possible private transportation services or regional shuttle bus service. Goal 3: Encourage neighborhood designs that support a range of transportation choices, with particular attention to non -motorized alternatives. Objective 8: Encourage the development of non -motorized transportation facilities throughout the Town. Improve and expand pedestrian walkways and non -motorized vehicle pathways linking parks, commercial, residential natural areas within the Town and also network with the non -motorized trail system of the county at large. Policy 1. Adopt an official map ordinance reserving future non -motorized transportation facilities. Policy 2. Construct a multi -use trail system encompassing the Tri -lakes region within the Town. Policy 3. Work with WisDOT to create an underpass on the north side of Apache Ave. under STH 13. Policy 4. To help finance proposed non -motorized transportation facility projects, apply for funds under state and federal grant programs, including the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Programs (TAP), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Stewardship programs, and federal programs. Objective 9: Avoid development and expansion of the Town’s transportation network into locations that would negatively impact the area’s natural resources. Policy 1. Incorporate street and highway design requirements that are compatible with the natural environment and features, as well as, complement existing land uses within the Town. Transportation 40 "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye wTr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJackPine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr Twin LakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek BigRoche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood 4900 4600 3500 3100 1000 1100 970 120 760 650 2300 2000 810 Town of Rome, Adams County Map 5 Transportation 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, WI DOT, Adams Co. Rome Adams Leola Quincy Big Flats Easton Lincoln Monroe Preston Colburn Jackson Springville RichfieldStrongs Prairie Dell Prairie New Haven New Chester Adams Friendship Wisconsin Dells Legend 2008 Traffic Counts 2004 Traffic Counts200 200 Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines State Highways County Highways Local Roads Water 43 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Utilities and community facilities, provided by either public or private entities, are critical for community development. Utilities include things such as electrical service, natural gas, telephone, and cable communications. Community facilities include local governmental buildings, libraries, educational institutions, and maintenance and storage facilities, as well as services like police and fire protection, and emergency medical services. Background Previous Studies Adams County All Hazard Mitigation Plan, 2009 This document examines general conditions in Adams County, including an inventory of utilities, community facilities and emergency services throughout the county. Risk assessment is at the heart of the All -Hazards Mitigation program. In order to mitigate the risks it’s necessary to assess their relative importance. The report looks at a series of mostly weather -related disasters; how they have affected the county in the past and how future instances are likely to affect the county and how local government should respond to such occurrences. The report concludes with suggested mitigation measures that might be taken by local governments to reduce the risk from the identified hazards. This plan is currently being updated. Adams County Outdoor Recreation Plan, 2013 Every five years Adams County develops a county - wide outdoor recreation plan (ORP), which identifies existing recreational opportunities and future recreational needs in the county. This plan lays the foundation for recreation planning in the county. Projects listed in the ORP are eligible for Chapter 5 • Utilities and Community Facilities Utilities and Community Faciltities Issues Needs of an Aging Population Median age in the Town is twenty years older when compared to the state, 58.5 to 38.5 respectively. This places special burdens on services, especially the health - care system. But there is a range of services that are needed by seniors. The quality and availability of nutrition programs, hospital care, senior & nursing home, and emergency medical services are crucial to making the area a viable retirement destination. There are a number of other policies, however, that address the problems that are particular to older residents. Transportation alternatives that allow those who can no longer drive, or choose not to, can open up opportunities for independent living and social support networks that are important to seniors and other special need populations. Supporting Recreational Tourism The Town of Rome has substantial recreational assets, including motor sports, water sports, shooting sports, silent sports, and golf. To maximize these recreational opportunities a concentrated planning and promotion effort is needed. In addition, recreational trails need to be added to the mix. Broadband Access Internet access is the key to the information economy. 44 state grant funding. There are three listed for the Town of Rome: create a town park district, expand day use are of Camelot Park with additional facilities and walking trails, and cooperate with Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation with development of their property to create non -motorized trails and related “create comfort” facilities. Inventory & Trends Water -related Assets: Drinking water The Town of Rome’s potable water supply consists of private wells as well as the municipal - owned Rome Water Utility which provides water service to most properties in the Lake Camelot Development and the Alpine Village Business Park. Waste-water Wastewater for all of the Town of Rome is handled through individual private on -site waste water treatment systems (POWTS). Stormwater Currently the only stormwater runoff facilities maintained are roadside ditches that the Town designed and built related to developing its road network. Solid Waste The Town of Rome maintains a transfer site for garbage, recycling, and brush/yard waste collection. The transfer site is located on Apache Avenue, east of 14th Ave. Adams County operates its own sanitary landfill that serves the majority of the county. Public Works Town Hall The Town Hall is centrally located in the Town at 1156 Alpine Drive. It currently consists of administrative offices, a banquet hall, conference room, a meeting area, and restrooms. The building was constructed in 1975 and updated in 2012 to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Town Hall also provides for a variety of uses for residents, including a large community room, that is used daily for scheduled activities. The Hall is available for private rentals as well. Highway Department The Highway Department maintains 151 miles of roads in the Town of Rome. The department maintains the safety and convenience of town roads by performing both general and winter maintenance. General maintenance includes the following: patching, shoulder maintenance, vegetation control, signing, and traffic control. Winter maintenance includes the application of sand and salt, plowing, and shoveling snow. Additionally, the department oversees the Transfer Site, all Town parks, Dyracuse Recreational Area, Spring Branch Cemetery, New Rome Cemetery, and the Alpine Village Business Park. Business & Industrial Parks The Alpine Village Business Park, located on STH 13 between Aniwa Ct. and Alpine Drive, is the Town of Rome’s new business center. The 240 acre park has an industrial district, a commercial/retail district, and a section set aside for senior housing. Cemeteries Two cemeteries are located within the Town of Rome, Spring Branch Cemetery on County Rd D at 10th Ave and New Rome Cemetery on County Hwy Z. Rome Town Hall. Chapter 5 45 Public Safety Police The police department for the Town of Rome is located next to the Town Hall in a separate facility built in 1988. The facility houses administrative offices and garage space for vehicles. Currently, the department employs a full -time police chief, patrol officers and other staff. The department maintains a variety of patrol vehicles, along with a patrol boat and trailer for boat patrol duties. The Rome Police Department utilizes the Adams County Sheriff’s Department for all dispatch and jail needs. Fire The Rome Fire Department is attached to the Town Hall. The station was constructed in 1975. It houses office space, along with a garage space for vehicles, equipment, and maintenance. The Rome Fire Department also maintains a storage building at the same site. At this site the department maintains a variety of vehicles, including engines, water tenders, a brush truck, and a heavy rescue truck. Other equipment includes a utility vehicle, a wild land trailer, a pontoon boat, a jon boat, and two UTVs. The Rome Fire Department also maintains a Sub - Station, Station 2, located at 1551 Apache Avenue. The sub -station was constructed in 1986 for additional fire protection and service. It currently consists of office space, a garage area, and an exercise area used by fire and police personnel. Additional equipment Is housed at this location. Water for firefighting is supplied by the Rome Water Utilities hydrant system, underground storage at Station 2, and a lake location. The department has mutual aid agreements with Adams County Fire Departments and is a member of Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) in Wood County. The department also has an automatic aid agreement with some area fire departments. Utilities and Community Facilities Overview of Alpine Village Business Park. N E S W VIENNA TRAIL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL Storm Infiltration Basin INDUSTRIAL VIENNA TRAIL LIGHT INDUSTRIAL Storm Infiltration Basin INDUSTRIAL GENEVA TRAIL PRECISION INNOVATION INC. BUSINESS ASSOCIATES COLDWELL BANKER COMM. A. COMM. A. COMM. A. COMM. A. RP CONSTR. ADVANTAGE PMBG. & HTG KEY SAVINGS BANK GAZEBO ACTIVITY AREA TRADE SHOW LOGISTICS & CONTROLS GENEVA TRAIL TIMBERLINE PRKWY BUFFER BUFFER LIGHT INDUSTRIAL OR RETIREMENT COMMUNITY ALPINE DRIVE ANIWA COURT Town of Rome’s Business Center COLD STORAGE ROME DAY CARE ACEC BUFFER GLACIER PASS MATTERHORN TRAIL COMM. A. ALPINE VILLAGE STATE HIGHWAY 1 3DEVELOPMENT SIGN COMM. A.COMM. A. PRITZL’S C-STORE STAGE COACH CAFE CLIMBERS PASS SNOW PASS SUMMIT PASS MATTERHORN TRAIL LEGEND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL RETIREMENT COMMUNITY COMMERCIAL “A” LIGHT INDUSTRIAL WITH RETAIL INDUSTRIAL EXISTING BUSINESS EXISTING ROADS FUTURE ROADS ROME SNO-BANDITS MARX HOLDINGS CNTY D 13TH AVENUE 11+ Acres 23+ Acres 8+ Acres 28+ Acres LIGHT INDUSTRIAL W/RETAIL Vacant Building 2+ Acres 32+ Acres 25+ Acres ALPINE FOODS 1 4.6+ Acres SCALE 1” = 400’ 0 100 200 300 400 SHERMALOT SKI TEAM 2+ Acres REV. 09/10/2015 46 The Town of Rome Fire Department currently has an insurance Service Organization (ISO) rating of 7 for fire protection service. ISO’s fire protection insurance is rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with “1” representing the best protection and “10” representing an unprotected community. Jail Adams County Jail was built in 1996 as an addition to the County Courthouse in Friendship. It handles all prisoners for the County, including those from the Town of Rome. Emergency Medical Service All members of the Fire Department and Police Department are required to be certified as Emergency Medical Responders (EMR). In addition, some members of the Fire and Police Departments are certified as Emergency Medical Technicians and some as Paramedics. All Fire Department vehicles and Police vehicles carry emergency medical equipment. Ambulance service is provided by the City of Nekoosa. Health -care Locally, Riverview Family Clinic, located at 1160 Rome Center Drive, maintains a medical office offering both doctor and nurse practitioner appointments as well as laboratory/X -ray diagnostic services. The clinic specializes in treatment of acute and chronic illnesses, as well as health promotion and disease prevention. Dental care is provided by Midtowne Dental at 1160 Rome Center Drive. Riverview Hospital, located in Wisconsin Rapids, is a community owned and operated health care provider under the Riverview Hospital Association. The hospital currently has a capacity of 69 beds for in -patient care, in addition to a wide range of out - patient services. The Town is also served by the Moundview Hospital, formerly known as Adams County Memorial, located in Friendship. The 25 bed hospital includes a variety of services including: 24 -hour emergency care, clinic, inpatient care, outpatient services, diagnostic testing, surgical procedures and senior services. Education, Recreation & Culture Libraries The Lester Public Library of Rome, at 1157 Rome Center Drive, serves the Town of Rome and adjacent communities. The Library provides books, digital ebooks, DVDs, online databases, public computers, 24/7 WI -FI access while offering free technology workshops and hosts programming for children, teens and adults. Community members have access to a variety of media and resources provided by the South Central Library System through the Lester Public Library. More information can be found at www.romepubliclibrary.org. Parks, Trails & Natural Areas The Town of Rome and Adams County provide a wide range of recreational activities on a year - round basis. The increase in tourism and the rapid expansion of seasonal and second homes underscore the importance of recreation. The Town also provides neighborhood and community level recreational facilities for its residents. Town Facilities: Alpine Village Business Park: This .97 acre park - like area located in the Alpine Village Business Park includes a Veterans Memorial, a large gazebo, grassy areas, park benches, and rest room facilities. Dyracuse Recreational Area: This 334 -acre motor sports park offers over ten miles of trails, a peewee track, and two motocross tracks. The park is located east of STH 13 on CTR O, and is open from April through October. Dyracuse Mound is situated within the recreational area and a lookout tower sits atop the mound. Picnic grounds, grills, tables, a shelter house, children’s playground, restrooms, and hot and cold water are provided. Twin Lakes Park: The Central Wisconsin Nature Foundation cares for the Twin Lakes Park on County Road Z, between Apache Avenue and Aniwa Court. This 45 -acre park consists of woods and wetlands bordering the Lake Petenwell flowage. Chapter 5 47 Utilities and Community Facilities Recreational Facilities The following recreational resources are found within the Town of Rome: Snowmobiling: Adams County has more than 200 miles of state -funded, groomed and marked trails. The Town of Rome has 35 miles of state and local trails, which connect local businesses and residential areas to the 22,000 mile system of trails throughout Wisconsin. The Rome Sno -Bandits Snowmobile Club maintains all of these trails. Many town roads designated as snowmobile routes to provide residents with access to the trail system. Some of the snowmobile trails are also used by ATV/UTV’s in the summer months. There has been discussion with the Adams County Trail Coordinator about expanding the snowmobile trail system to include a loop trail around Rome to the east when funds become available. Motor Sports: ATV Routes: Along with the Dyracuse Recreational Area, the Town of Rome maintains an ATV route map, listing many miles of routes open to ATV travel throughout the Town. Golf: The Lake Arrowhead Association operates two 18 -hole golf courses, the Pines and the Lakes, at 1195 Apache Lane. A new golf facility is currently under construction. Sand Valley will be a new destination golf location with up to five courses and lodging, located on a sand barren area north of Badger Avenue and east of 16th Avenue. The first course on the 1,496 -acre site is expected to open in 2017. Trap Shooting: The Wisconsin Trapshooting Association opened a new facility in the Town of Rome in 2013. The shooting complex and learning facility has 30 trap fields that offer a wide variety of trapshooting experiences, in both American and international -style trapshooting. The facility also has a large full hookup campground with plans to expand soon. Boating, Fishing, and Swimming: Public access/boat landing facilities for water recreation are located: Lake Camelot – Lake Camelot County Park (10th Avenue) Lake Sherwood – Lake Sherwood County Park (West Queensway) Lake Arrowhead – Lake Arrowhead County Park (15th Avenue) Petenwell Lake/Wisconsin River – Boat landing located on CTH Z at the Wood County Line. Chester Creek – Small boat access located at 227 CTH Z Barnum Bay Marina – Small boat access located by the Lure Inn at 1735 Archer Ln. From top down. Snowmobiling, visitadamscountywi.com; golfer; trap shooting competition; boat launch, Town of Rome photos. 48 Walden Park: This 1.58 acre park is located at the intersection of 9th Avenue and Walden Oaks Way at the east end of Lake Camelot. The park consists of a softball/baseball diamond and a grassy area with picnic tables. The Town also owns a 50 acre parcel of land on 14th Ave south of Alpine Dr that is currently undeveloped but is designated as parkland. County Facilities: Lake Arrowhead County Park: Located on the west end of the Lake Arrowhead, this 5 -acre park was previously owned by the Town of Rome and is now owned and managed by the County. Existing facilities include a shelter, restrooms, boat launch, picnic tables, grills, and play equipment. Lake Arrowhead is currently the heaviest used day -use park in Adams County. Lake Camelot County Park: Located on the south side of Lake Camelot, this 40 -acre wooded park consists of a boat landing, parking area, and an undeveloped beach. Lake Sherwood County Park: Located on HWY 13 and West Queensway, this 3 acre park consists of a boat landing, parking area, and a picnic area. Other Facilities: Roche a Cri State Park: Roughly 10 miles sorth of the Town in the Town of Preston, the park offers a range of facilities, but prominently contains pictographs of prehistoric origin. The archeological value of these pictographs mean they constitute the premier cultural asset in the county, and one of the most important resources in the state. Roche a Cri State Park has 41 rustic campsites and 5 miles of hiking trails. Schools The Town of Rome is served by the Nekoosa School District. The district has six schools: a traditional high school, middle school, and elementary school, and three other schools, the Central Wisconsin STEM Academy, Nekoosa Academy, and the Niikuusra Community School. The Town of Rome is within the Mid -State Technical College district, with nearby locations in Friendship, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Marshfield. Museums The only functioning museum in Adams County is the McGowan House in Friendship, which also houses the Adams County Historical Society. The house was built in 1889 by Dr. Washington McGowan, who practiced medicine there until his death in 1893. His descendants lived in the house until it was purchased by WDOT and moved as part of a Main Street improvement project. The museum is open to the public during summer weekends. It also houses an archive of historic documents and artifacts. Day Care Currently, there are five day -care centers/providers located in the Town of Rome. Energy & Telecommunication Electric The Adams - Columbia Electric Cooperative provides electricity to the Town of Rome. Natural Gas The Wisconsin Gas Company distributes natural gas in the Town. Telecommunication Telephone, cable television, and high speed Internet service to the Town of Rome are provided by Solarus, formerly called the Wood County Telephone Company Inc. Wireless telephone coverage in the area is delivered by most of the national providers. See the Utilities & Community Facilities Map. Nekoosa High Shchool. Source: nekoosasd.net Chapter 5 49 Utilities and Community Facilities GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Provide quality infrastructure and public services to meet existing and future demands of residents and visitors. Objective 1: Maintain and improve existing town services. Policy 1. Continue to provide law enforcement, ambulance, volunteer fire and first responder services to residents. Policy 2. Monitor infrastructure and public service needs of residents, businesses and visitors. Policy 3. Work with adjoining towns, the county, the state, and others to address those needs. Policy 4. Seek state and federal grants and other assistance when available. Objective 2: Provide infrastructure and public services that respond to the needs of an aging population, including the need for accessibility. Policy 1. Work with Adams County and community groups to identify needs. Goal 2: Enhance and develop year round recreational opportunities in the Town. Objective 1: Provide sufficient facilities to meet the outdoor recreation needs of residents and visitors, while minimizing user conflicts. Policy 1. Maximize the opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural resources within the Town through development and/or maintenance of parks, trails, and wildlife areas. Policy 2. Encourage development of a regional trail system that includes facilities for hikers, bikers, ATVs, snowmobiles, as well as the disabled and elderly. Policy 3. Consider the development of a Town level Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that ties together attractions, parks, and other natural and cultural resources. Policy 4. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Adams County, and local motorized and non -motorized recreational groups to develop a multi -use recreation trail along the Highway 13 corridor between Apache Avenue and Alpine Drive. Objective 2: Ensure public access to the Town’s surface water resources continues in the future. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Adams County, and Tri -Lakes Management Association on identifying future options and locations for public access to the Towns’ surface water resources. 50 \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\\\\\\\\ \ \ \\\\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \\ \\ \ \ \ \ d d ð B & Æc "Ý !® "Ý^_ "Ý !A B ÞÞ Y Y Y Y "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 Þ Þ ÞÞ Þ Þ 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye wTr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJackPine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr Twin LakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek BigRoche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood Walden Park Monroe Park Lake Camelot County Park Lake Sherwood County Park Dyracuse Recreational Area Lake Arrowhead County Park Town of Rome, Adams County Map 6 Utilities & Community Facilities 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, Adams Co. Rome Adams Leola Quincy Big Flats Easton Lincoln Monroe Preston Colburn Jackson Springville RichfieldStrongs Prairie Dell Prairie New Haven New Chester Adams Friendship Wisconsin Dells Legend Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines State Highways County Highways Local Roads Water Y Communication Towers Þ Public Water Supply Pipeline \ High Voltage Powerline d Substations Þ County Parks Þ Town Parks "Ý Cemetery ð Industrial Parks Æc Library !A Lookout Tower B Non-Metallic Mines ^_ Police Department !® Post Office & Transfer Station Fire Station Town Hall "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 , 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye wTr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJackPine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr Twin LakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek Big Roche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood Town of Rome, Adams County Map 7 Proposed Pedestrian & Bicycle Routes 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, Adams Co. Rome Adams Leola Quincy Big Flats Easton Lincoln Monroe Preston Colburn Jackson Springville RichfieldStrongs Prairie Dell Prairie New Haven New Chester Adams Friendship Wisconsin Dells Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines Roads County Proposed Routes Water Town Proposed Pedestrian/Bicycle Routes Town Proposed Multi-Use Trail County Proposed Facility, Legend 55 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 The economic development chapter provides an overview of the county and local economy, and identifies goals, objectives and policies to improve the local economy. Background Previous Studies Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Adams County is one of ten counties included in the North Central Wisconsin Economic Development District as designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA). The North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission is the agency that is responsible for maintaining that federal designation. As part of maintaining that designation, the NCWRPC annually prepares a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) report. The report serves to summarize and assess economic development activities of the past year and present new and modified program strategies for the upcoming year. Key components from this regional level plan include an inventory of the physical geography of the Region and its resident population. Labor, income, and employment data are reviewed as well as an in -depth analysis of the economic status of the Region. Chapter 6 • Economic Development Economic Development Issues Business & Industrial Development Year round jobs are desired by the community. There are sites that are ready for business and industrial development, but not all of these sites are capable of offering the wide range of services necessary to appeal to all types of development, as such targeting to certain types of business is required. Recreation & Tourism Many people are attracted to Rome’s recreational amenities because of its rural nature. With the addition of some new facilities there will be more demand on the areas resources. Improper management of the recreation and tourism industry could lead to the outstripping of the attraction and increase conflicts. 56 Table 15: County Employment by Sector Sector 2000 2010 Percent Change Natural Resources and Mining 143 301 110.5% Construction 127 118 -7.1% Manufacturing 380 342 -10.0% Trade, Transportation, Utilities 660 651 -1.4% Information 32 22 -31.3% Financial Activities 70 68 -2.9% Professional & Business Services 118 165 39.8% Education & Health Services 793 764 -3.7% Leisure & Hospitality 429 955 122.6% Other Services 96 114 18.8% Public Administration 615 669 8.8% TOTALS 3,463 4,169 20.4% Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, QCEW 1st Quarter Inventory & Trends Economic Sectors In 2010, there were 4,169 persons employed in the eleven basic economic sectors in Adams County. That is an increase of over 20 percent since 2000 (see Table 22). Between 2000 and 2010, the three fastest growing sectors were Leisure and Hospitality, Natural Resources and Mining, and Professional and Business Services. In terms of total employment, the Leisure and Hospitality industry is the largest segment of the economy, followed by Education and Health Services. It should be noted that the number of employees in certain sectors, particularly those workers engaged in Natural Resources and Mining which includes agriculture, forestry, and fishing, may be understated in this data set. Labor Force Analysis Labor Force Adam’s County labor force is defined simply as the number of persons, sixteen and over, employed or looking for employment. Overall, the county labor force has grown from 8,522 in 2000 to 9,139 in 2010. That represents a growth of over 7 percent, on par with the State. In 2000, 7,859 of those Chapter 6 were employed and that rose to 8,354 in 2010, an increase of 6 percent. The County employment grew slightly faster than the State (4.9%), but slower than the Nation (11.6%) (see Table 23). Unemployment Unemployment is defined as the difference between the total civilian labor force and total persons employed. Stay -at -home parents, retirees, or persons not searching for employment are not considered unemployed because they are not considered to be part of the “labor force” . In 2000, the county had 7.4 percent unemployment and in 2010, unemployment was 8.4 percent. While the County has a higher unemployment rate than the State and Nation, the rate grew at a slower pace in Adams County between 2000 and 2010 than in Wisconsin or the United States. Workforce Participation Workforce participation is a measure expressed in terms of a percentage of persons actively seeking employment divided by the total working age population. People not participating in the labor force may not seek employment due to a variety of reasons including retirement, disability, choice to be a homemaker, or simply are not looking for 57 Economic Development Table 16: Labor Force Adams County 2000 2010 Percent Change Population 16 years and over 15,220 17,938 17.9% Labor Force 8,522 9,139 7.2% Employed 7,859 8,354 6.3% Unemployed 633 768 21.3% Unemployment Rate 7.4% 8.4% 13.1% Participation Rate 56.0% 50.9% -9.0% Source: U.S. Census and American Community Survey work. In 2000, 56 percent of the population over 16 in Adams County was in the labor force. By 2010, that rate decreased to 50 percent. The national participation rate in 2010 was 65 percent, and the state rate was 69 percent. In 2010 the unemployment rate in Adams County was 8.4 percent. However, over the last four years unemployment rates have decreased. In October of 2014 the state unemployment rate was 5.4 percent, while Adams County rate was 6.3 percent. Education & Training In addition to participation, worker productivity has often been cited as an important reason for the strength of Wisconsin’s economy. Both education and training is critical to maintaining that productivity. The level of educational attainment is an important indicator of the skills of the labor force. Formal education and job training reflect a community’s ability to provide a labor force for certain types of industry. Educational attainment in the county is very similar to the national average in terms of those with a high school diploma or better, and bachelor’s degrees or higher, although, the county does lag behind the state in both areas. Partnerships between local businesses, governments, and educational institutions are very useful in developing the Regional economy. Institutions such as UW -Stevens Point and Midstate Technical College, often direct their programs to the training needs of local workers and businesses. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, QCEW 1st Quarter, 2010 Display 4: Largest 5 Employment Sectors, 2010 23% 18% 16% 16% 8% 19% Leisure & Hospitality Education & Health Services Public Administration Trade, Transportation, Utilities Manufacturing Other Sectors 58 Table 17: Resident Occupation, 2010 Occupation Town of Rome Adams County Wisconsin Management/Business/Science 261 1,698 947,672 Service 157 1,788 462,097 Sales/Office 398 2,034 702,658 Natural Resources/Construction 105 1,012 262,749 Production/Transportation 183 1,822 494,134 Totals 1,104 8,354 2,869,310 Source: U.S. Census and American Community Survey Occupations Occupational data is available at the town level. Table 24 identifies the five occupational categories of residents in the Town and provides comparison with the county and state. Sales and Office workers are the largest component of the labor force in the Town of Rome, constituting a much larger segment of the workforce (36%) than in either the county or the state (both 24%). Management and Business workers are the next largest group (23% of all workers), slightly higher than in the county (20%) and slightly lower than in the state (33%). Production and Transportation workers are the next largest group in Rome with 16%, followed by Service with 14% and finally Natural Resources and Constructions with 9%. Chapter 6 24% 14% 36% 9% 17% Town of Rome Management/Business/Science Service Sales/Office Natural Resources/Construction Production/Transportation Display 5: Resident Occupations, 2010 Source: U.S. Census and American Community Survey 59 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goal, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Maintain, expand and diversify the local economy. Objective 1: Promote the retention and expansion of the current economic base. Policy 1. Work with chamber and county to conduct a business retention survey bi -annually. Policy 2. Work with chamber and county to establish a Business Retention Committee to address business needs and recognize local businesses. Policy 3. Cooperate in countywide economic development initiatives. Policy 4. Pursue opportunities for financial and other incentives to assist current businesses. Objective 2: Encourage new businesses to locate in the Town of Rome. Policy 1. Focus economic development marketing on tourism oriented business, service, retail, and light industrial businesses. Policy 2. Continue to support the chambers, Adams County’s, and all other economic development entities efforts. Policy 3. Promote community activities and events that benefit local businesses and merchants. Policy 4. Pursue opportunities for financial and other incentives to attract and promote new businesses, including infrastructure.Policy Policy 5. Market available sites and buildings to targeted firms. Objective 3: Promote compatibility between economic development and quality of life. Policy 1. Encourage and promote the tourism industry. Policy 2. Development should not degrade the natural environment or quality of life issues, such as odor, noise, and dust. Policy 3. Update zoning regulations to provide appropriate commercial and industrial zoning districts. Economic Development 60 61 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Chapter 7 • Land Use The Town of Rome covers an area of about 40,000 acres in northern Adams County. To the north is Wood County and to the west the Wisconsin River and Juneau County. East of Rome is the Town of Leola and to the south are the Towns of Monroe and Big Flats. Background Previous Studies Comprehensive Plan, 2003 The Town of Rome prepared its last Comprehensive Plan about ten years ago. That plan covered a variety of topics, including natural resources, housing, economic development and land use. Issues identified in the Plan included concern regarding growth of residential development into forested areas, desire for a focal point for commercial and industrial development, and a need for more varied housing options. Inventory and Trends Existing Land Use 2010 A variety of land uses occur throughout the Town, from agricultural to residential. Woodlands dominate the Town, but there is substantial residential development around Lakes Arrowhead, Camelot and Sherwood, known collectively as the “Lakes. ” Another area of concentrated residential development is in the southwest corner of the county along the Wisconsin River. See the Existing Land Use Map. Table 18: Existing Land Use, 2010 Land Use Acres Percent Agriculture 654 1.64% Commercial 122 0.31% Cranberry Bog 22 0.06% Governmental 43 0.11% Business (non metallic mining) 39 0.10% Open Lands 3,050 7.65% Outdoor Recreation 361 0.91% Residential 4,514 11.33% Transportation 1,877 4.71% Water 5,199 13.05% Woodlands 23,966 60.15% Totals 39,847 100.00% Source: NCWRPC GIS 60% 13% 11% 8% 5% 3% Woodlands Water Residential Open Lands Transportation Other UsesSource: NCWRPC GIS Display 6: Existing Land Use, 2010 60% 13% 11% 8% 5% 3% Woodlands Water Residential Open Lands Transportation Other Uses 62 Land Use Descriptions A general description of each classification follows: Residential Identifies areas recommended for residential development typically consisting of smaller lot sizes, such as the lots in the Lakes district. Multi-family Residential Identifies areas recommended for multi -family residential development, as well as existing multi -family residential facilities located throughout the Town. Rural Residential Identifies areas that are recommended for less dense residential development, consisting of larger minimum lot sizes than the residential category. These areas will also allow a mixture of residential uses, and provide a good transition from more dense development to the rural countryside. Commercial/Business Identifies areas recommended for commercial and business development, as well as existing commercial establishments located throughout the Town. Governmental/Public Identifies existing or planned governmental/public/institutional facilities within the Town, including recreational facilities Agricultural Areas Identifies areas to be preserved for the purpose of general crop farming or the raising of livestock. Forestry Areas Identifies areas of woodlands and open savannahs within the Town, as well as areas for reforestation. Outdoor Recreation Identifies areas for active recreation such as parks and golf courses. Preservation Contains sensitive environmental areas, such as 100 - year floodplains as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, DNR wetlands, steep slopes of 12 percent or greater, and open water. This could include endangered species habitat or other significant features or areas identified by the Town. Transportation Corridors Identifies the existing road network and any recommended additions to the system. Chapter 7 From top down. Beach house on Lake Camelot, realtor.com; Rome Town Hall: Alpine Village pavilion in winter; Lake Petenwell at sunset. . 63 Table 25 presents the breakdown of land -use types within the Town in 2010. The majority of the Town is woodlands with over 23,966 acres, or 60 percent, and water covers an additional 13 percent of the Town. The next most significant land use type is residential with about 4,500 acres, or 11 percent. See Existing Land Use Map. Land Use Conflicts Any plan should seek to avoid or minimize potential future land use conflicts through controlled development, planned use -buffers, and public information and education components. In order to attain that outcome, it is important to identify the existing or potential conflicts between land uses in the Town. There may be some degree of undesirability between many land use combinations, such as a residential development in close proximity to a particular industrial or commercial development that might conflict with sight, sound, odor, or other undesirable characteristics. Another example could be new agricultural use in proximity to an existing residential neighborhood, where farm equipment, odors, and sounds may not be compatible with residential uses. Home -based businesses are becoming more popular as the workforce is disseminated from the office environment and more people with entrepreneurial spirit are testing the waters of self -employment from their homes. Professional disciplines can be networked to the home office with internet services and overnight mail. This technology is changing the way people work and do business. A growing home -based business could potentially outgrow its roots and be disruptive to surrounding residences. Future Land Use Future Land Use Map The Future Land Use Plan Map represents the long - term land use recommendations for all lands in the Town. Although the map is advisory and does not have the authority of zoning, it is intended to reflect community desires and serve as a guide for local officials to coordinate and manage future development of the Town. The Future Land Use Map uses the general land use categories to separate conflicting uses. These categories generally correspond to the districts within the Town of Rome Zoning Ordinance, to ease future implementation of the plan. However, the classifications are not zoning districts and do not have the authority of zoning. The Future Land Use Map is intended to be used as a guide when reviewing lot splits, re -zoning requests, and future revisions to Town zoning. Future Land Use Needs Based on land use needs there appears to be adequate areas for future residential, commercial and other uses in the Town. See the Future Land Use Map. Land Use 64 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goal, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Maintain orderly planned growth that promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of Town residents and makes efficient use of land and efficient use of public services, facilities, and tax dollars. Objective 1: Provide adequate supply of developable land to meet existing and future demand for residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses. Policy 1. Provide for a mix of land uses within the Town. Policy 2. Develop design guidelines for new development that maintains or improves the quality of existing development. Policy 3. Review the existing Town Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance and make changes as needed. Objective 2: Encourage land uses, densities, and regulations that promote efficient development patterns. Policy 1. Encourage development in areas currently served by public utilities, roads, parks, and other key services. Policy 2. Promote the redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and public services, and the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Policy 3. Restrict the location of new development from areas in the Town shown to be unsafe or unsuitable for development due to flood hazard, potential groundwater contamination, highways access problems, etc. Objective 3: Ensure new development does not adversely affect the property value or livability of neighboring uses. Policy 1. Guide future development to locate adjacent to existing compatible uses. Policy 2. Encourage future commercial development in planned development districts rather than extended in a strip along the major highway corridors. Policy 3. Consider utilizing use -buffer areas as shields to lessen the impacts of potentially conflicting land use types located in relatively close proximity. Policy 4. Coordinate land use regulations with surrounding communities to ensure compatibility of development. Chapter 7 "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 "·13 "ÿU 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 18 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye w Tr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout Rd Valley Tr Jack Pine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr TwinLakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek Big Roche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood 31 30 35 3634333235 33 34 36 3132 252627 Town of Rome, Adams County Map 8 Existing Landuse 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, Adams Co. Legend Land Use State Highways County Highways Local Roads Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines Agriculture Commercial / Business Cranberry Bog Governmental Open Lands Outdoor Recreation Residential Transportation Woodlands Water Business (Non-Metallic Mining) "ÿD "ÿO "ÿZ "ÿZ "·13 "·13 "ÿD "·13 "·73 "·13 "ÿU 2 1 5 43 6 3 12 6 12312 6 9 3 8 4 5 4 7 7 5 9 11 11 25 24 16 12 27 26 17 35 14 2122 22 12 34 15 27 34 23 15 13 28 14 25 13 33 35 36 10 10 3236 29 33 20 26 24 31 23 18 30 19 31 30 18 19 16 28 21 4 8 32 29 20 17 4 Town of Monroe Town of Big Flats Town of Big Flats Town of Leola Town of Leola Juneau County Juneau County Wood County Portage County Town of Saratoga Town of Port Edwards Wood County 13th Dr Aniwa Ln Akron Dr BadgerCt 9th Ave Fiesta Dr N Walden Way Archer Ave Apache Ave 16th Ave Ye w Tr Harn Ln PenhurstW ay 15th Ave Archer Ave RegalF orest Tr Wood Rd Apache Ave Badger Ave Aniwa Ct AspenDr 13th Ave Alpine Dr Badger Ave 15th Ave Badger Ln Pvt ApacheDr Aniwa Ct 10th Ave Apache Dr 14th Dr 9th Ave 13th Ct Badger Dr 15th Dr Trout R d Valley TrJack Pine ArborRd Sandy ArborRd Akron Dr Akron Dr W 15th Dr Pvt W 17th Ln W 17th Dr M eadow Ln Adams Ave Roma Woods Dr 8th Ave Badger Ave 9th Ln15th Dr Campfire Rd 10th Ave Akron Ave Bogey Tr 13th Ave S BadgerLn 15th Ave Mallard Cr RapidsTr Kingswood Tr Sawgrass Dr Pinehurst Dr 14th Ave Hickory Tr Rain Dance Tr TwinLakesTr 17th Ave Deer RunRd Little Fawn Dr Feather Tr 16th Ave Archer Ln Barnum Bay Tr Aspen Ave 7th Dr 11th Ave Duffers Tr Duffers Tr 14th Ave 10th Ave 16thAve 17thDr 7th Ave Pvt W 17th AvePvt 11th Ave 9th Dr Westwind Tr Archer Ave 8th Ave 7th Dr 8th Ave Akron Ave Apache Ln DeadHorseCreek SpringBranch FourteenmileCreek BigRoche-A-CriCreek FourteenmileCreek Wisconsin River Twin Lakes Petenwell Flowage Lake Camelot Lake Arrowhead Lake Sherwood Lake Camelot Lake Sherwood 31 363534333235 33 34 36 3132 Town of Rome, Adams County Map 9 Future Land Use 210 McClellan Street, Suite 210, Wausau, Wisconsin, 54403 715-849-5510, staff@ncwrpc.org North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission Prepared By: NCWRPC This map is neither a legally recorded map nor a survey and is not intended to be used as one. This drawing is a compilation of records, information and data used for reference purposes only. NCWRPC is not responsible for any inaccuracies herein contained. 0.5 0 0.5 10.25 Miles . Source: NCWRPC, WI DNR, Adams Co Legend State Highways County Highways Local Roads Minor Civil Divisions Section Lines Agriculture Commercial / Business Preservation Governmental /Public Outdoor Recreation Residential Rural Residential Multi-Family Forestry Transportation Cranberry Bog Water 69 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 BACKGROUND: The issue of intergovernmental cooperation is increasingly important; since many issues cross over political boundaries, such as watersheds, labor force, commuter patterns, and housing. Communities are not independent of each other, but rather dependent on each other. The effects from growth and change on one spill over to all surrounding communities and impact the region as a whole. Wisconsin Statute s.66.30, entitled “Intergovernmental Cooperation” , enable local governments to jointly do together whatever one can do alone. Unfortunately, there is little public policy in Wisconsin law that encourages, let alone requires, horizontal governmental relationships such as town to town and municipality to county or town. The result is that towns, municipalities, and counties act more as adversaries than as partners. State -wide, Wisconsin has over 2,500 units of government and special purpose districts. Having so many governmental units allows for local representation, but also adds more players to the decision making process. In general terms, intergovernmental cooperation is any arrangement by which officials of two or more jurisdictions coordinate plans, policies, and programs to address and resolve issues of mutual interest. It can be as simple as communication and information sharing, or it can involve entering into formal intergovernmental agreements and sharing resources such as equipment, buildings, staff, and revenue. As jurisdictions communicate and collaborate on issues of mutual interest, they become more aware of one another’s needs and priorities. They can better anticipate problems and work to avoid them. Intergovernmental cooperation makes sense for many reasons including trust, cost savings, consistency, and ability to address regional issues. Cooperation can lead to positive experiences and results that build trust between jurisdictions. It can save money by increasing efficiency and avoiding unnecessary duplication. It can lead to consistency of goals, objectives, plans, policies, and actions of neighboring communities. Finally, by communicating and coordinating their actions and working with regional and state jurisdictions, local communities are able to address and resolve issues that are regional in nature. The major beneficiary of intergovernmental cooperation is the local resident. They may not understand, or even care about, the details of a particular intergovernmental issue, but residents can appreciate their benefits, such as cost savings, provision of needed services, a healthy environment, and a strong economy. A variety of factors, some long -standing and others more recent, have brought the issue of intergovernmental cooperation to the forefront. Some of these factors include: • Local government’s financial situation; • Opportunity to reduce costs by working together; • Elimination of duplication of services; • Population settlement patterns and population mobility; and • Economic and environmental interdependence. Chapter 8 • Intergovernmental Cooperation 70 In addition, as more jurisdictions create and implement comprehensive plans and share them with surrounding communities, new opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation will be identified. INVENTORY & TRENDS: Currently the Town of Rome has numerous relationships and several general agreements in place. The following is a summary of existing and potential cooperative efforts. Intergovernmental Relationships Currently, the Town of Rome has mutual aid agreements with adjoining towns, Adams County, and the Wisconsin DNR related to fire protection. The Town is also part of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System in Wood County. The Lester Public Library of Rome is part of the South Central Library System. The Town is also a participating member of the Adams County Chamber of Commerce. County Adams County directly and indirectly provides a number of services to the Town and the Town enjoys a good working relationship with many of the responsible departments. The County Highway Department maintains and plows County and State highways within the Town. The County Sheriff provides protective services through periodic patrols and on -call 911 responses. The Sheriff also manages the 911 - dispatch center, not only for police protection, but also for ambulance/EMS response and dispatching the Town Fire Department. The Parks and Recreation Department maintains a county -wide park system and county forest system for the use and enjoyment of all residents. The Land and Water Conservation Department monitors natural resources in the County, including the lakes and streams. The Town works with the County related to a variety of planning efforts. Examples of this include the County Outdoor Recreation Plan which maintains the eligibility for Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources administered park and recreation development funding of each local unit that adopts it, and the All Hazards Mitigation Plans which are required by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order for individual local units of government to qualify for certain types of disaster assistance funding. School Districts The Town of Rome is included in the Nekoosa School District. The Nekoosa School District also serves the Village of Nekoosa, the Towns of Port Edwards and Saratoga in Wood County, and part of the Town of Armenia in Juneau County. The Town of Rome is within the Mid -State Technical College district, with nearby locations in Friendship, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, and Marshfield. North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission The North Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NCWRPC) was formed under §60.0309 Wis. Statutes as a voluntary association of governments serving a ten county area. Adams County is a member of the NCWRPC. NCWRPC provides both regional and local planning assistance. Typical functions of the NCWRPC include (but are not limited to) land use, transportation, economic development, intergovernmental and geographic information systems (GIS) planning and services. State and Federal The Wisconsin Departments of Natural Resources and Transportation are the primary agencies the Town deals with regarding development activities. Many of the goals and objectives of this plan will promote continued cooperation and coordination with these agencies. The WDNR takes a lead role in wildlife protection and sustainable management of woodlands, wetlands, and other wildlife habitat areas. The WDOT is responsible for the planning and development of state highways, railways, airports, Chapter 8 71 and other transportation systems. State agencies make a number of grant and aid programs available to local units of government. Examples include local road aids, the Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP), and the Priority Watershed Program. There are also a number of mandates passed down from the state that the Town must comply with, such as the biannual pavement rating submission for the Wisconsin Information System for Local Roads. In Wisconsin, most federal programs are administered by the state, so the Town would be dealing with the responsible state agency with regard to federal programs and regulations. Intergovernmental Cooperation 72 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Seek mutually beneficial cooperation with all levels of government and among nearby units of government. Objective 1: Promote communication with other units of government, including adjoining towns, the county, the state, and the federal government. Policy 1. Identify alternative solutions to existing or potential land use, administrative, or policy conflicts that may hinder intergovernmental cooperation. Policy 2. Meet periodically with adjoining units of government to discuss issues of mutual concern. Objective 2: Cooperate with other units of government to provide services in a more cost -effective manner. Policy 1. Review on a regular basis existing shared service agreements and explore additional agreements, including solid waste and recycling, protective services, invasive species, and technology. Policy 2. Investigate cost sharing or contracting with neighboring towns and the County to provide more efficient services or public utilities. Chapter 8 73 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Background Implementation of this plan depends on the willingness of local officials, both Town and county, to use it as a guide when making decisions that affect growth and development in the Town. It is also important that local citizens and developers become aware of the plan. This Plan, having been prepared as a single unit, is consistent in its parts and there is no inconsistency between them. The tools and techniques recommended to implement the comprehensive plan are as follows: Town Decision Making The Town Board should adopt the plan and use it as a guide in decisions that affect development in the Town. The Town Plan Commission should become very knowledgeable of the plan and use it when making recommendations to the Town Board on development issues. Citizen Participation/Education The Town should encourage citizen awareness of the Town’s comprehensive plan by making it available on the Town’s website and displaying the plan, or parts of the plan, at the Town Hall, Library, or other community gathering places. Tools for Implementation: Zoning The Town of Rome currently has its own Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 10). Zoning is the major implementation tool to achieve the proposed land uses. A zoning ordinance should be derived from, and be consistent with, the policy recommendations adopted in the comprehensive plan. The desired land uses should “drive” the development of specific zoning ordinance provisions including district descriptions, permitted uses, conditional uses and the zoning map. A careful review of the Zoning Ordinance should take place after the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. See the Town Zoning Ordinance for more information. Land Division The Town of Rome also has its own land division ordinance (Chapter 17). The purpose of this ordinance is to regulate and control the division of land within the limits of the Town in order to promote the public health, safety, prosperity, aesthetics and general welfare of the community; to lessen congestion in the streets and highways; and to further the orderly layout and appropriate use of land. A careful review of the Land Division Ordinance should take place after the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. See the Town Land Division Ordinance for more information. Other Tools Additional tools and approaches can be utilized by the Town to achieve the goals of the plan. These include but are certainly not limited to the following: fee simple land acquisition, easements (purchased or volunteered), deed restrictions, land dedication, and ordinances or programs regulating activities such as impact fees, land division, building permits, erosion control, etc. Chapter 9 • Implementation 74 Plan Amendments Periodic amendments can be made to this Plan. Amendments are generally defined as minor changes, such as slight changes to the text or maps. Frequent changes to accommodate specific development proposals should be avoided. The Comprehensive Planning Law requires that the same process used to adopt the Plan will also be used to amend the Plan Plan Review and Update Periodic updating of the plan is necessary for continued refinement to insure that the plan reflects the desires of the Town’s citizens. An essential characteristic of any planning process is that it be ongoing and flexible. The Town should re -examine the plan, at least every five years, and determine if more complete review is required to bring it into line with changed conditions or altered priorities within the Town. State law requires that a Comprehensive Plan be updated every ten years. Chapter 9 75 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Attachment A: Public Participation Plan 76 77 78 79 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Attachment B: Housing Programs 80 81 Below is a listing of some of the major programs utilized. Each year new programs are available. Local Adams County is part of a multi - county housing consortium called the CDBG Central Housing Region. They provide day to day management of the CDBG program in the county. State Programs Wisconsin Department of Administration The Wisconsin Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Housing (DOH), provides grants to general purpose units of local government for housing programs which principally benefit low and moderate income (LMI) households. These funds are primarily used for rehabilitation of housing units, homebuyer assistance, and small neighborhood public facility projects. CDBG dollars are flexible and responsive to local needs. In addition to addressing LMI housing needs, CDBG can be used to leverage other programs or serve as a local match. The grant also can be used as an incentive to involve the private sector in local community development efforts or to respond to area needs. The CDBG program often serves as a catalyst for other community development projects. The Low -Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), like HOME, aims to encourage the production and rehabilitation of affordable housing. It provides an incentive for private entities to develop affordable housing. The credit reduces the federal taxes owed by an individual or corporation for an investment made in low -income rental housing. LIHTC provides funding for the construction of new buildings or the rehabilitation or conversion of existing structures. To qualify, a property must set aside a certain share of its units for low -income households. Federal Programs USDA-RD: Section 502 Homeownership Direct Loan Program of the Rural Health Service (RHS) provides loans to help low -income households purchase and prepare sites or purchase, build, repair, renovate, or relocate homes. Section 502 Mutual Self -Help Housing Loans are designed to help very -low -income households construct their own homes. Targeted families include those who cannot buy affordable housing through conventional means. Participating families perform approximately 65 percent of the construction under qualified supervision. Section 504, the Very -Low -Income Housing Repair Program, provides loans and grants to low -income homeowners to repair, improve, or modernize their homes. Improvements must make the homes more safe and sanitary or remove health or safety hazards. Section 521 Rural Rental Assistance Program provides an additional subsidy for households with incomes too low to pay RHS -subsidized rents. Section 533 Rural Housing Preservation Grants are designed to assist sponsoring organizations in the repair or rehabilitation of low -income or very - low -income housing. Assistance is available for landlords or members of a cooperative. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Self -Help Homeownership Opportunity Program finances land acquisition and site development associated with self -help housing for low -income families. Loans are made to the nonprofit sponsors of development projects and are interest -free. Portions of the loans are forgiven if promised units of housing are completed within a given period. These forgiven “grant conversion” funds may be used to subsidize future development projects. HOME Investment Partnership Program aims to encourage the production and rehabilitation of affordable housing. HOME funds may be used for rental assistance, assistance to homebuyers, new construction, rehabilitation, or acquisition of rental housing. Attachment B 82 83 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Attachment C: Economic Development Programs 84 85 Below is a listing of some of the major programs utilized. Each year new programs are available. Local: Adams County Rural & Industrial Development Cor- poration (ACRIDC) ACRIDC is a non -profit organization that promotes the economic development of Adams County, Wisconsin, and its respective cities, villages, and towns. ACRIDC is comprised of area businesspersons, citizens, local governments, utility company representatives, state agencies and elected officials, educational institutions, and other organizations essential to the growth of Adams County. ACRIDC is prepared to serve the needs of new businesses coming to the area as well as to assist existing companies. Adams County Revolving Loan Fund-CWED This Fund was created through the small city CDBG program. The grant enabled Adams County to establish a revolving loan fund to assist local businesses in the county. Currently the fund is administered by CWED. Adams County Chamber of Commerce The Adams County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the development of the business community in Adams County. The Chamber offers information on local businesses and industry and also provides a variety of programs designed to assist business development. Adams-Columbia Electric Co-op (ACEC) Revolving Loan Fund The ACEC established a USDA – Rural Development IRP revolving loan fund designed to address a gap in private capital markets for long -term, fixed - rate, low down payment, low interest financing. It is targeted at the timber and wood products industry, tourism, and other manufacturing and service industries. Regional: North Central Wisconsin Development Corporation The North Central Wisconsin Development Corporation (NCWDC) manages a revolving loan fund designed to address a gap in private capital markets for long -term, fixed, rate, low down payment, low interest financing. It is targeted at the timber and wood products industry, tourism, and other manufacturing and service industries. State: Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) WEDC is the state’s primary department for the delivery of integrated services to businesses. Their purpose is to 1) foster retention of and creation of new jobs and investment opportunities in Wisconsin; 2) foster and promote economic business, export, and community development. Wisconsin Small Cities Program - CDBG The Wisconsin Department of Administration provides federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to eligible municipalities for approved housing and - or public facility improvements and for economic development projects. Economic Development grants provide loans to businesses for such things as: acquisition of real estate, buildings, or equipment; construction, expansion, or remodeling; and working capital for inventory and direct labor. The Wisconsin Innovation Service Center (WISC) This non -profit organization is located at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and specializes in new product and invention assessments and market expansion opportunities for innovative manufacturers, technology businesses, and independent inventors. Wisconsin Small Business Development Center (SBDC) The University of Wisconsin SBDC is partially funded by the Small Business Administration and provides a variety of programs and training seminars to assist in the creation of small business in Wisconsin. Attachment C 86 Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) This program, administered by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, provides immediate assistance and funding for the cost of transportation improvement necessary for major economic development projects. Federal: Economic Development Administration (EDA) EDA offers a public works grant program. These grants are administered through local units of government for the benefit of the local economy and, indirectly, private enterprise. U.S. Department of Agriculture – Rural Development (USDA – RD) The USDA Rural Development program is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. Financial programs include support for such essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities, and electric and telephone service. USDA -RD promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community -managed lending pools. The program also offers technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services. Small Business Administration (SBA) SBA provides business and industrial loan programs that will make or guarantee up to 90% of the principal and interest on loans to companies, individuals, or government entities for financing in rural area. Wisconsin Business Development Finance Corporation acts as an agent for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs that provide financing for fixed asset loans and for working capital. Attachment C 87 Town of Rome Comprehensive Plan 2016 Attachment D: Resolution and Ordinance 88 89 90 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. GOAL 1: Preserve and enhance the natural resources that make the Town of Rome a desirable place to live, visit, and do business, while encouraging development in suitable areas. Objective 1: Ensure that the natural resource aesthetic quality of the Town is considered when planning for future development. Policy 1. Utilize zoning and other land use control measures to protect environmentally sensitive areas. Policy 2. Utilize open space, parks, drainage ways, creeks, and natural topography to define and connect neighborhoods. Policy 3. Maintain low density development in areas where there may be concerns. Objective 2: Ensure public access to the town’s surface water resources continues in the future. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Adams County, 14-mile Watershed Alliance, Visit Rome , WI and Tri- Lakes Management District on identifying future options and locations for public access to the Town’s surface water resources. Objective 3. Main corridors into the Town of Rome provide a first impression of the Town for many visitors. It is imperative that they present a “first -class” impression. As such, the appearance is second only to the importance of safety. Priority should be given to potential project locations that are highly visible from public rights-of-way and that are located nearer to the entrance points coming into Town. Policy 1. Promote a quality physical environment by balancing the objectives of designing a safe and attractive corridor. Policy 2. Protect the residential character and the economic viability of the business interests in those areas. Policy 3. Create a positive rural visual image both inside and outside the right-of-way, recognizing the many roles that corridors play. Policy 4. Advance both the aesthetic and economic objectives of the Town by controlling site design and appearance of development within the Town’s Gateway Corridor in a manner that is consistent with sound eco nomic, land use, and design principals. Policy 5. Work with current businesses inside of the Gateway corridor to updates appearances. Objective 4: Preserve and pP rotect all present natural resources, prioritizing environmentally and natural resource sensitive areas from , such asdevelopment. These areas include flood hazards, and wetlands areas, groundwater, forested land, and open space corridors. from development. Policy 1. Revise and implement existing zoning restrictions and standards that protect natural resources within the Town. Such restrictions include, but are not limited to, wetland and shoreland setbacks, drainage and waterway setbacks, minimum lot sizes, and minimal buildable area. Maintain zoning that is consistent with county shoreland protection requirements. Formatted: Not Highlight Formatted: Underline, Font color: Red Formatted: Underline, Font color: Red, Not Highlight Formatted: Not Highlight Policy 2. Maintain low density development in areas where there may be environmental concerns. Policy 23. Guide the location and design of development to minimize any adverse impact on the quality of surface waters, aquifers, wetlands, steep slopes, woodlands, and agriculture, while prioritizing rare plant and animal species and archeological sites in order to promote the ecological value of the land. Policy 3. Consider the impact on wildlife habitat, potential locations of rare plant and animal species, and archeological sites before approving land use changes. Policy 4. Preserve the integrity of resources, promote the ecological value of the land, and minimize adverse impacts upon adjacent properties by discouraging incompatible development and alternation to vulnerable and valued landscapes. Policy 35. Establish land use regulatory programs and controls (i.e. – wellhead Formatted: Not Highlight Formatted: Not Highlight protection) that are designed to protect surface water and ground water supply. Policy 46. Restrain the entry of non- point source pollution into area water resources by encouraging nearby light manufacturing, commercial, agricultural, and residential developments to implement water runoff control measures, such as vegetation filter strips and detention settling basins. Encourage the planting of vegetation strips along waterway areas that could act as a natural filter device. Policy 57. Work with Adams County to help create stricter drainage/surface water management standards within the County’s subdivision and shoreland zoning ordinances for developments near surface water resources, which will help protect the water quality of the Town’s resources. Policy 62. Encourage realtors and developers’ early access to natural resources map(s). Policy 73. Control the density and location of developments in areas that may be environmentally sensitive with the help of the Comprehensive Plan, zoning ordinance, and subdivision regulations. Objective 57: Promote the Town’s thousands of acres of public and private forest lands that are available to the public for outdoor recreational activities, such as hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. Policy 1. Continue to work with private and corporate landowners to allow for public recreational access of forest lands under their control. Policy 2. Work with local, county, state, and federal agencies to promote and expand access to property in the town. Objective 68: Encourage development where physical factors, such as soil capability and steep slope, will not be a detriment to the development. Policy 1. As part of the review process for new development incorporate the maps found in this plan that identify soil types, floodplains, water and wetlands, steep slopes, and wooded areas. Utilize the maps to help direct development to those areas that are suitable for development and away from the Town’s natural resources. Objective 79: Preserve and protect some of the remaining areas in the Town currently in agricultural production. Policy 1. Work with local farmers, UW - Extension, and Adams County to initiate efforts to preserve and protect ground and surface water within the Town. Policy 2. Encourage agricultural practices which protect surface and ground water quality, including proper erosion control, manure management, and stormwater management strategies. Objective 810: Strive to protect and enhance habitats for birds throughout the Town. Policy 1. Work with private land owners to implement sound conservation practices. Policy 2. Educate residents about birds and bird habitats. Policy 3. Encourage the Town Board to pass an annual resolution to observe and celebrate International Migratory Bird Day. Policy 4. Maintain designation as a “Bird City” under the Wisconsin Bird City Program. Formatted: Font color: Red, Not Highlight Formatted: Font color: Red, Not Highlight Formatted: Font color: Red Formatted: Font color: Red, Not Highlight Formatted: Font color: Red Formatted: Font color: Red, Not Highlight 30 Chapter 3 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal: To encourage a high qualityhigh-quality living environment in all neighborhoods and to assure an adequate supply of decentquality, safe, affordable, and sanitary housing. Objective 1: Encourage additional housing development to take place first in areas where housing already exists. Additional “in-fill” development could take place in these areas, still maintain acceptable densities, and provide economies for scale for the Town’s infrastructure. Policy 1. With dense housing developments occurring near surface water resources within the Town, explore the possibility of establishing municipal type facilities and services in these environmentally sensitive areas, such as water, sanitary sewer, and/or storm sewer systems. Policy 2. Enact and enforce land use controls through zoning ordinance and subdivision regulations that promote harmonious land use patterns throughout the Town, making sure proposed and adjacent uses are compatible with existing or anticipated future development. Policy 3. Encourage larger lot sizes in rural areas Objective 2: Expand housing opportunities in the Town to meet the needs of continued population growth, particularly seasonal, as well as aging population. Policy 1. Through the Town of Rome’s zoning ordinance, map, and other land use regulation tools, ensure that sufficient sites are available in the Town to develop new housing. Policy 2. Through the Town of Rome’s zoning ordinance, map and other land use regulation tools, ensure areas available for varied types of senior housing. Policy 3. Adopt the future Land Use Plan Map identifying where land use activities may occur. Policy 4. Encourage accessible housing designs and options for senior and special needs residents, and adequate options that allow residents to remain in the Town despite changes in household size, income, or mobility. Policy 5 . Prom ote the development of workforce housing options to allow middle- income families to remain in the Town. Objective 3: Encourage a range of choices in housing type, designs, and cost, including single family, affordable single-family manufactured home, and multi-family units. Policy 1. Implement land use controls that encourage a range of choices in housing types, designs, and costs, including single family, affordable single-family manufactured home (with permanent foundations), and multi-family units. Policy 2. Regulate areas and establish zoning standards within the Town where manufactured homes can be located and establish siting standards for such structures. Policy 3. Encourage developers of rental units to build those units in areas of the town where, in the case of duplexes and other multi-family units, the housing type will be compatible with neighboring land uses. Policy 4. Establish and implement zoning district requirements and ordinances that 30 Chapter 3 allow for various multi -family housing options. Adopt the future Land Use Plan Map identifying where land use activities may occur. Policy 5. Regulate areas and establish standards of Short-Term Rentals within the Town. Objective 4: Preserve and protect environmentally sensitive natural resource areas that add character and define the Rome area. Policy 1. Implement land use control measures, which protect the Town’s environmental areas from future growth and development. Policy 2. Incorporate design requirements into the land subdivision ordinance that result in the use and protection of open spaces, parks, and drainage/waterways to protect the Town’s natural resources. Policy 3. Encourage environmental sustainability and resiliency as critical elements of future housing development to protect the environment and preserve the rural/natural character of the town while allowing new housing units to be constructed. Housing 31 Objective 5: Where appropriate, encourage the rehabilitation of substandard homes in the Town to provide decent and safe living conditions and prevent deterioration and blight. Policy 1. Participate in State and County programs, such as Community development Block Grants and Home, to provide, maintain and rehabilitate existing housing stock. Policy 2. Connect property owners with available housing assistance, home improvements, and rehabilitation programs. Objective 6: Encourage neighborhood locations that protect residential areas from surrounding incompatible land uses. Policy 1. Establish, modify, and implement zoning district requirements that adequately buffer incompatible uses. Adopt the future Land Use Plan Map identifying where land use activities may occur. Policy 2. Minimize conflicts between residential and non- residential land uses by utilizing buffers and other subdivision design elements. Objective 7: Discourage the concentration of rental or multi- family housing in any one part of the community. Policy 1: Establish and implement zoning district requirements and ordinances that allow for various multi-family housing options. Adopt the future Land Use Plan Map identifying where land use activities may occur. Transportation 37 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Develop and maintain a well-integrated and cost-effective transportation system within the Town of Rome that is capable of moving people and goods to, from, and within the community in a safe and efficient manner. Objective 1: Study ways to improve safety along the area’s arterial and collector routes, such as the implementation of access control strategies and additional traffic control devices and engineering along these routes. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) and Adams County to study ways to reduce traffic congestion and hazards along STH 13 and the Town’s other arterials. Solutions for improving traffic flow and safety include the implementation of access control strategies, traffic control devices, and engineering along these routes. Policy 2. Conduct bi-annual reviews and ratings of the condition and safety aspects of Town roads, and discuss issues regarding access at points of high-volume traffic to work towards alleviating congestion and reducing accidents at those points.Work with Adams County and DOT to help reduce traffic congestion and hazards and improve safety along arterial and collector routes within the Town. Objective 2: Improve the efficiency of the Town’s road system by establishing improvement programs that ensure that roads within the system are able to handle existing and expected traffic volumes. Policy 1. Provide for new development areas within the Town identified on the Land Use Plan map by planning for the design, connection, and extension of streets and roads. Policy 2. Work with the State DOT and Adams County on safety, access, and traffic circulation issues. This includes but is not limited to STH 13, CTH D, Alpine Drive, 14th, and 15th Avenues. Objective 32: Ensure that adequate roads are provided within the growing portions of the Town to serve existing and expected levels of vehicle traffic. Only accept road dedications for roads built to the standards and requirements of the town’s road ordinance. Policy 1. Prepare and adopt an official map ordinance reserving future street and non- motorized transportation facilities. Policy 2. Provide for new development areas within the Town identified on the Land Use Plan map by planning for the design, connection, and extension of streets. Policy 3. Incorporate street and highway design requirements that are compatible with the natural environment and features, as well as, complement existing land uses within the Town. 38 Chapter 4 Objective 43: Improve local and through- traffic movement within the Rome area, especially along arterial routes that are heavily traveled during the summer months. Policy 1. Establish zoning requirements within the Gateway District that regulate setback, landscaping, and signage along STH 13 and CTH D/Alpine Drive. Policy 2. Work with the State DOT and Adams County on safety, access, and traffic circulation issues. This includes but is not limited to STH 13, CTH D, Alpine Drive, 14th, and 15th Avenues. Objective 54: Coordinating with the state, county and through the town’s zoning ordinance and land division process, ensure appropriate location of access points and road connectivity to the existing road network. Ensure good traffic flow and improve safety in growth areas of the Town, make necessary improvements to roadways within these areas, including traffic control devices and engineering. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Adams County, and the surrounding towns, developers, and property owners to make necessary improvements to roadways and highways within growth areas of the Town. Solutions for ensuring good traffic flow and improve safety in these areas include installation of additional traffic control devices, expansion of the roadways, redesigning intersections, and implementing access control measures. Special attention should be given to the traffic speeds in residential areas and the cross-traffic volume. Policy 2. The Town’s transportation system shall create an efficient flow of commuters between communities and major traffic generators. Policy 3. Work cooperatively with the Town of Rome Police Dept., Adams County Sheriff’s Dept and Wisconsin State Patrol on identifying enforcement issues related to the Town’s transportation system to identify areas of safety improvements for future capital projects. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.27" Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.27" 38 Chapter 4 Objective 65: Ensure that roads within the Town’s road system are able to handle existing and expected traffic volumes by continuing to assess and improve the roads. Actively participate in current road maintenance, and assessments of future road needs and additional transportation services, and expected traffic volumes. Policy 1. The PASER system should be used by the Town on an bi-annual basis for assessing the pavement conditions of the local street and road system, and future improvements needs. Policy 2. Address the Town’s road network and other transportation needs by developing and implementing a Capital Improvements Plan on an annual basis. Build, extend, and improve Town roads according to the schedule. Policy 3. To help finance proposed road improvement projects apply for funds under state and federal grant programs, including the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Transportation Economic Assistance (TEA) program, and Wisconsin Department of Administration’s Community development Block Grant Public Facility and Public Facility for Economic Development programs. Policy 4. Provide for new development areas within the Town identified on the Land Use Plan map by planning for the design, connection, and extension of streets and roads. Policy 5. Work with the State DOT and Adams County on safety, access, and traffic circulation issues. This includes but is not limited to STH 13, CTH D, Alpine Drive, Apache Ave, Archer Ave, 14th, and 15th Avenues. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", First line: 0" Transportation 39 Goal 2: Provide an integrated, effi 㒘Ŋ Qcient, efficient and economical transportation system that affords mobility, convenience and safety and that meets the needs of all citizens, including transit-dependent and disabled citizens. Objective 67: Encourage and support the development of additional transportation services, including transit services, for the el derly and disabled residents within the Town. Policy 1. Work with Adams County and other organizations to develop additional transportation services for the elderly, disabled, and other residents in the Rome area, including possible private transportation services or regional shuttle bus service. Goal 3: Encourage neighborhood designs that support a range of transportation choices, with particular attention to non-motorized alternatives. Objective 78: Encourage the development of non- motorized transportation facilities throughout the Town. Improve and expand pedestrian walkways and non-motorized vehicle pathways linking parks, commercial, residential natural areas within the Town and also network with the non- motorized trail system of the county at large. Policy 1. Adopt an official map ordinance reserving future non-motorized transportation facilities. Policy 2. Construct a multi-use trail system encompassing the Tri-lakes region within the Town. Policy 3. Collaborate with Adams County, neighboring municipalities, and Regional Plan Commission to help fund, design and construct interconnected bicycle and pedestrian trails and routes. Work with WisDOT to create an underpass on the north side of Apache Ave. under STH 13. Policy 4. Encourage pedestrian friendly design of new developments to support alternative modes of transportation. Continue development of the Link-the-Lakes tunnel under STH 13 Policy 5. Maintain a safe pedestrian environment in Rome Town Center. Formatted: Number of columns: 2 Transportation 39 Policy 64. To help $finance proposed non- motorized transportation facility projects, apply for funds under state and federal grant programs, including the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s Statewide Transportation Alternatives Programs (TAP), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Stewardship programs, and federal programs. Objective 9: Avoid development and expansion of the Town’s transportation network into locations that would negatively impact the area’s natural resources. Policy 1. Incorporate street and highway design requirements that are compatible with the natural environment and features, as well as, complement existing land uses within the Town. GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Provide quality infrastructure and public services to meet existing and future demands of residents and visitors. Objective 1: Maintain and improve existing town services. Policy 1. Continue to provide law enforcement, ambulance, volunteer fire and first responder paramedic services to residents. Policy 2. Work with adjoining towns, the county, and the state to Mmonitor infrastructure and public service needs of residents, businesses and visitors. Policy 3. Work with adjoining towns, the county, the state, and others to address those needs. Policy 34. Seek state and federal grants and other assistance when available in coordination with grants committee. Policy 4. Provide the safest, most efficient fire protection possible by continuing to monitor fire department, analyze needs for more or different equipment, and continue encouraging town residents to join the fire department volunteer staff. Objective 2: Provide infrastructure and public services that respond to the needs of a diversen aging population, including the need for accessibility. Policy 1. Work with Adams County and community groups to identify needs. Objective 3: Promote efficient and coordinated sewer and water expansion. Policy 1. Through local zoning, encourage high- density residential development to locate in areas that can be served by municipal water systems. Encourage medium and low -density developments in areas of the Town where soil conditions can sustain private wells. Policy 2. Develop a sewer expansion within the commercial development in Rome Town Center. Goal 2: Enhance and develop year- round recreational opportunities in the Town. Formatted: Font: 14 pt Formatted: Indent: First line: 0" Formatted: Font: 12 pt Formatted: Indent: Left: 0" Formatted: Font: 12 pt Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.24" Objective 1: Provide sufficient facilities to meet the outdoor recreation needs of residents and visitors, while minimizing user conflicts. Policy 1. Maximize the opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural resources within the Town through development and/or maintenance of parks, trails, and wildlife areas. Policy 2. Encourage development of a regional trail system that includes facilities for hikers, bikers, ATVs, snowmobiles, as well as the disabled and elderly. Policy 23. Consider the development ofMaintain a Town level Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that ties together attractions, parks, and other natural and cultural resources so the Town is eligible for local, state and federal grant funding to expand recreation opportunities.. Policy 4. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Adams County, and local motorized and non-motorized recreational groups to develop a multi -use recreation trail along the Highway 13 corridor between Apache Avenue and Alpine Drive. Objective 2: Ensure public access to the Town’s surface water resources continues in the future. Policy 1. Work with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Adams County, 14-mile Watershed Alliance and Tri-Lakes Management Association District on identifying future options and locations for public access to the Towns’ surface water resources. Utilities and Community Facilities 49 GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goal, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Maintain, expand and diversify the local economy. Objective 1: Promote the retention and expansion of the current economic base. Policy 1. Work with chamber andAdams cCounty Economic Development (ACED) and Rome Community Development Authority ( CDA) to conduct a business retention survey. bi-annually. Policy 2. Work with chamber and county ACED and Rome CDA to establish a Business Retention Committee to address business needs and recognize local businesses. Policy 3. Cooperate in countywide economic development initiatives. Policy 4. Pursue opportunities for financial and other incentives to assist current businesses. Policy 5. Continuously communicate with existing businesses to assure their needs are being met and assist in removing obstacles to growth Objective 2: Encourage new businesses to locate in the Town of Rome. Policy 1. Focus economic development marketing on tourism oriented business, service, retail, and light industrial businesses. Policy 2. Continue to support the ACED and Wood and A dams County cChambers of Commerce to promote economic development activities., Adams County’s, and all other economic development entities efforts. Policy 3. Promote community activities and events that benefit local businesses and merchants. Policy 4. Pursue opportunities for financial and other incentives to attract and promote new businesses, including infrastructure policy..Policy Policy 5. Use existing electronic resources to Mmarket available sites and buildings including Rome Town Center.to targeted firms. Objective 3: Encourage and promote the tourism industry through support to community-based organizations working closely with the Town’s Designated Marketing Organization (DMO). Promote compatibility between economic development and quality of life. Policy 1. Encourage and promote the tourism industry. Policy 2. Development should not degrade the natural environment or quality of life issues, such as odor, noise, and dust. Policy 3. Update zoning regulations to provide appropriate commercial and industrial zoning districts. Objective 4: Support a strong Plan Commission Policy 1. Recommen d development and non- development districts Policy 2. Recommend overlay districts that will enhance the local economic interests where appropriate Policy 3. Development should not degrade the natural environment or quality of life issues, such as odor, noise, and dust. Policy 4. Update zoning regulations to provide appropriate commercial and industrial zoning districts. Policy 5. Ensure the rural atmosphere by adopting setbacks and buffers for development. Economic Development 59 Formatted: Font: 12 pt GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goal, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Maintain orderly planned growth that promotes the health, safety, and general welfare of Town residents and makes efficient use of land and efficient use of public services, facilities, and tax dollars while maintaining a rural atmosphere . Objective 1: Provide adequate supply of developable land to meet existing and future demand for residential, commercial, industrial, and other uses. Policy 1. Provide for a mix of land uses within the Town. Policy 2. Develop design guidelines for new development that maintains or improves the quality of existing development. Policy 3. Review the exis ting Town Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance and make changes as needed. Objective 2: Encourage land uses, densities, and regulations that promote efficient development patterns. Policy 1. Encourage development in areas currently served by public utilities, roads, parks, and other key services. Policy 2. Promote the redevelopment of lands with existing infrastructure and public services, and the maintenance and rehabilitation of existing residential, commercial, and industrial structures. Policy 3. Restrict the location of new development from areas in the Town shown to be unsafe or unsuitable for development due to flood hazard, potential groundwater contamination, highways access problems, etc.Policy 3. Minimize intrusion of incompatible land uses. Policy 4. Encourage developing areas where existing development is located rather than developing new areas, or where certain public services do not exist. Policy 5. Establish and maintain a land use pattern that achieves a desirable balance among quali ty of life, economic growth, protection of natural resources and efficient delivery of public services. Policy 6. Identify lands for future acquisition for the County Forest Program. 64 Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.4" Objective 3: Ensure new development does not adversely affect the property value or livability of neighboring uses. Policy 1. Guide future development to locate adjacent to existing compatible uses. Policy 2. Encourage future commercial development in planned development districts rather than extended in a strip along the major highway corridors. Policy 3. Consider utilizing Utilize use- buffer areas as shields to lessen the impacts of potentially conflicting land use types located in relatively close proximity. Policy 4. Coordinate land use regulations with surrounding communities to ensure compatibility of development. Policy 5. Restrict the development of new residential subdivisions in forestry lands unless adjacent to existing residential subdivisions. Objective 4: Protect Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs) from unsuitable development to avoid potential adverse impacts on the natural environment of the town. Policy 13. Restrict the location of new development from areas in the Town shown to be unsafe or unsuitable for development due to flood hazard, potential groundwater contamination, highways access problems, etc. Policy 2. Encourage development in areas that will not have a negative environmental impact on the area’s groundwater, surface water and natural resources. Chapter 7 Formatted: Font: 12 pt Formatted: Indent: Left: 0" Formatted: Font: 12 pt Formatted: Font: 11 pt GOALS, OBJECTIVES, & POLICIES: The following goals, objectives, and policies are intended to provide a guide for the future development of the Town. Goal 1: Seek mutually beneficial cooperation with all levels of government and among nearby units of government. Objective 1: Promote communication with other units of government, including adjoining towns, the county, the state, and the federal government. Policy 1. Identify alternative solutions to existing or potential land use, administrative, or policy conflicts that may hinder intergovernmental cooperation. Policy 2. Meet periodically with adjoining units of government to discuss issues of mutual concern. 72 Objective 2: Cooperate with other units of government to provide services in a more cost-effective manner. Policy 1. Review on a regular basis existing shared service agreements and explore additional agreements, including solid waste and recycling, protective services, sanitary sewer, invasive species, and technology. Policy 2. Investigate cost sharing or contracting with neighboring towns and the County to provide more efficient services or public utilities. Chapter 8