[vter]

Regarding planning/zoning & development.
If the zoning is in place, a town planning board cannot say "no" if the plan proposed meets all the zoning/subdivision requirements (well, I guess they can, but they will most likely be sued and lose!).
If one does not like the minimum lot size requirements, density requirements, etc. the zoning/subdivision regulations would need to be re-written and adopted. This is done first by the town planning commission, and then, in most towns, adopted by the Selectboard. In some towns it goes to a town-wide vote. If you have concerns, please go to your Planning Commission and voice them!
Also, it all varies town-by-town. For instance, my town has a 10 acre minimum lot size/density of 1 unit per 10 acres in 95% of the town. South Burlington by contrast, has zoning districts that allow up to 15 units per acre.
Many towns welcome development as it brings in more tax revenue.
We can't stop growth. What we have to do is plan to manage it responsibly.

Here is a website that is a good resource to learn about how planning/zoning works in Vermont on a local level:
http://www.vpic.info/

[OhBeeHave]

Thanks Vter, for taking the time to post that.

I am sure you can understand the frustration of those of us who came here, have tried to be as respectful and sensitive as possible to the native residents and their concerns, yet become the figurative whipping boy for all else that has gone wrong because others have come here and done wrong.

I've posted my concern for smart growth and responsible land management in the past; I realize that nothing stays the same forever, but it doesn't have to be inextricably altered by poor planning.