THE STORY OF
ONE LONDONDERRY

In the Fall of 2019, the Londonderry Planning Commission initiated a new effort called Project Londonderry. The goal was to create a citizen-driven group to identify and implement strategies and activities that 1) sustain and improve the economic vitality of our town, and 2) meet the expressed needs of our residents, with special attention to the north and south village centers.”

how did this come about?

​ ​The Planning Commission wanted to move forward with the vision of the 2017 Town Plan. Step one was to update and prioritize resident “wishes” from the plan. Planning Commission members reached out into the community to gather information from residents on their hopes and dreams for Londonderry. Combined with the 2017 Town Plan wish list, this information became the basis for Project Londonderry.  
Using multiple news and social media outlets, Project Londonderry invited residents and business owners across the community to join this effort. The first meeting drew over 50 people. Working groups were formed to work on the key areas that had been identified: Main Street Revitalization, Recreation/Outdoor Resources, Economic Vitality, Community Connections/Communication.
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moving forward to 2021 and the launch of
​One Londonderry

After more than a year of dedicated efforts of the working groups and Planning Commission members, there was widespread agreement on the need to initiate a community-wide process to build consensus and take action on these key priorities.

​In January 2021, the Town of Londonderry engaged the Vermont Council on Rural Development (VCRD) to take the enthusiasm and ideas of Project Londonderry to the next level. Together they kicked off a community process to engage all residents in setting direction for a vibrant, prosperous, and dynamic future. Over the next months, ideas and opportunities were reviewed, priorities identified and action plans were put in place. One Londonderry was formed. 

Initial topics for evaluation included Housing & Transportation; Youth, Families & Childcare; Recreation, Health & Wellness; and Economic Development, Jobs & Village Centers. Following an interactive, participative process, One Londonderry identified five key areas for residents to undertake in realizing their vision for Londonderry’s future. 

• Housing
• Revitalization of Village Main Streets
• Community Center
• Recreation
• Economic Vitality

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a vision for the future.

The key to future development and the work of One Londonderry is the expansion of businesses, services, housing and facilities in Londonderry. The goal is to expand the tax base and provide additional tax revenues for enhancement that will benefit all residents without increasing taxes. One Londonderry is actively seeking grants and donations through the Community Fund for Londonderry to fund projects and enhancements. It will also seek private investment to enhance the North and South Villages and bring in new businesses and jobs. All projects will be undertaken and sanctioned in conjunction with the Town of Londonderry’s Selectboard and Planning Commission. ​

“We want to hear people’s thoughts about life in Londonderry, what would benefit their families and their employment, what are their dreams... That feedback will help make this a more well-rounded effort.”   Sharon Crossman