Master Plan

 

 

What is a Master Plan?

A master plan is a comprehensive long range plan intended to guide growth and development of a community. A key intent of the document is to ensure decision-making considers both the long-term effects of an action and is consistent with an over-all vision created by the community. It provides a foundation that can help protect a community from reactionary actions.

Based on public input, planning initiatives, existing development, demographics, physical characteristics, and social and economic conditions the plan includes analysis, recommendations, and proposals for the community’s population, economy, housing, transportation, preservation, energy, community facilities, and land use.  The legal basis for master planning comes from MGL Chapter 41, Section 81 D:

“ A planning board established in any city or town under section 81 A shall make a master plan of such city or town or such part or parts thereof as said board may deem advisable and from time to time may extend or perfect such plan.”

Maynard’s plan is over 25 years old.  Prepared in 1991, was designated as a 15 year plan. The town has changed in significant ways since this plan was adopted. Typically, a municipal master plan serves as the Town’s primary policy statement on future development.  The process of creating/updating one will involve the assessment of current trends relative to the environment, natural and cultural resources, population, demographics, housing stock and economic opportunity.  Requests, grants, or other resources involving Commonwealth of Massachusetts agencies may be negatively impacted by lack of a master plan.

Massachusetts General Laws requires that master plans at a minimum, address:

  • Natural Resources
  • Economic Development
  • Infrastructure
  • Transportation
  • Historic and Cultural Resources
  • Open Space and Recreation
  • Land Use
  • Housing
  • Implementation

As of winter 2017, Maynard is beginning its master planning process.  While it is technically an update, due to the age of Maynard’s existing master plan, it will likely be a new product.

 

Master Plan Informational Website

The Master Plan project has it’s own website with detailed information and up-to-date documents, timelines and surveys.  Please visit this site for the latest updates on the Master Plan and how to become involved with the process.

 

Master Plan Steering Committee

The Board of Selectmen appointed an 11 member Master Plan Steering Committee (MPSC) for a two-year term beginning in December of 2017. The MPSC will work directly with the Town Planner and a consultant to conduct, guide, and document the effort.  The MSPC is comprised of a diverse membership with representatives from Town departments, boards/committees and residents. The MPSC:

  • Works with master plan consultant and Town Staff.
  • Advises, guides, and oversees the planning process of the master plan.
  • Takes charge of public outreach effort.
  • Schedules and coordinates major community-wide planning events.
  • Provides support and feedback to the consultant.
  • Fosters openness and inclusion in the master planning process through dialogue and communication with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Potentially develops proposed land use and/or zoning changes consistent with master plan.

The completed master plan must be adopted by the Planning Board. Consequently, the Planning Board will be engaged with the MPSC throughout the process.

The MPSC consists of:

  • Brendon Chetwynd:  Chair, At-Large Member
  • Adam Conn: Vice-Chair, At-Large Member
  • Andrew Snyder: Secretary, Conservation Commission Representative
  • Tim Houlihan: At-Large Member
  • Jason Kreil: At-Large Member
  • Melissa Levine-Piro: Board of Selectmen Representative
  • Armand Diarbekirian: Board of Selectmen Representative
  • Bill Nemser: Town Planner
  • Cheryl Steele: Board of Selectmen Representative
  • Greg Tuzzolo: Planning Board Representative
  • Michael Uttley: At-Large Member
  • Megan Zammuto: Planning Board Representative
 

Master Plan Steering Committee Meetings and Public Participation

The MPSC meets on a variety of dates and times.  The MPSC encourage the public to attend our meetings. The master planning process is intended to be a community-based effort. A key part of this effort will be developing a vision for Maynard with goals, objectives and policies that will guide the town into the future. The intent is to have broad public participation opportunities and community awareness of the process.

The completed master plan should provide a blueprint for the future while creating an essential tool for the municipal decision-making process that reflects community values and vision.

MPSC Agendas and Minutes

 

Resources

For More information contact Town Planner Bill Nemser at Bnemser@townofmaynard.net or 978-897-1302.