Goshen Master Plan Update January 31, 2011
Page 1
SWOT Analysis Report
Introduction
A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Analysis is a strategic planning
tool to evaluate internal and external influences upon a common vision or specific goal.
SWOT analyses are a common method for a company or organization to assess its capacity to
execute a plan or achieve an attainable goal. In the context of municipal planning the SWOT
analysis evaluates the internal and external factors of a community (e.g.: quality of
community services, external development pressures, internal attitudes toward commercial
development, etc.) as they may pertain to the community values as reflected in the Vision
Statement and Master Plan Goals as summarized below.
General Statement of Goshen’s Vision
In 2009 the Planning Board developed the following Vision Statement:
“Over the next ten years, Goshen will remain a small, rural residential community, with
quiet, uncrowded living conditions, a healthy environment, and a vibrant small town
atmosphere. Managed growth will result in buildings, roads, and public facilities that are
well-maintained and scenic beauty that is undiminished.”
Additionally, the Planning Board developed the following Master Plan Goals:
• To preserve and enhance the small town character of Goshen and the open, rural
character of the land.
• To provide efficient and effective town services and recreational opportunities, at a
level that is consistent with the ability of the community to pay for them.
• To preserve and promote the appropriate use of existing historic properties and areas,
such as the town center, historic houses, town cemeteries, and the Pierce Lead Mine;
and to enable citizens to understand and appreciate the early history and
development of Goshen.
• To adopt land use planning practices that preserve steep slopes, important soils, and
other natural and built features to ensure that growth occurs in an orderly manner
that will maintain the rural and scenic character of the community.
• To preserve and foster Goshen’s natural, scenic, and recreational resources, including
surface waters, aquifers, wetlands, parks, agricultural land, open unfragmented land
and public access.
• Provide for a vibrant community by allowing a diversity of housing within the village
area integrated with appropriate nonresidential development that includes eating
establishments, offices, home-based businesses, and arts and crafts studios.
• Maintain a sustainable community through energy conservation, alternative energy
efforts, recycling, and proper disposal of household and hazardous waste.
