Planning & Community Development
Department of Planning & Community Development
175 Arsenal Street, Watertown, New York 13601
T: 315-785-3144 F: 315-785-5092 E: planning@jeffersoncountyny.gov
Staff Directory
Hartley Bonisteel Schweitzer AICP, Director
Alicia M. Dewey, Deputy Director
The Jefferson County Planning and Community Development works with municipalities, organizations, and residents to support thoughtful growth and development throughout Jefferson County. The Department provides planning services, technical assistance, and program coordination to help communities grow responsibly, strengthen their local economies, protect natural resources, and maintain a high quality of life.
Planning staff collaborates with local governments, community partners, and regional agencies to guide development, support infrastructure and transportation systems, expand housing opportunities, and preserve the County’s agricultural and environmental resources. The Department also helps communities access state and federal funding, advance local and regional planning initiatives, and plan for future growth.
What We Do
The Planning and Community Development Department supports communities across Jefferson County by:
Providing staff support to the Jefferson County Planning Board and coordinating the County's referral review process
Supporting community and economic development initiatives that strengthen local economies and downtowns
Promoting and protecting agriculture and farmland resources through planning and program coordination
Coordinating environmental management efforts to help protect the County's natural resources
Administering and supporting housing programs and initiatives that expand housing opportunities
Overseeing the county-wide public transit system serving residents throughout Jefferson County
Providing technical planning assistance to municipalities, including the development and implementation of comprehensive plans, zoning regulations, and subdivision regulations
