by Lex Thomas
The town of Sterling has contracted the services of Judi Barrett, Principal of Barrett Planning Group LLC, as a facilitator for the new Master Plan Committee. Barrett has worked with Sterling’s Open Space Implementation Committee, and has experience in organizing and guiding a master plan committee. She was also key in developing the master plan for the town of Groton.
In an introductory meeting on May 24, attended by about 20 Sterling residents in addition to several town officials and members of various boards and committees, Barrett outlined her role, which she described as “phase one” in the process of developing a master plan. A new master plan is long overdue for Sterling, and will replace the current plan that is over 60 years old and is basically obsolete. Most towns revise their master plan every 10 to 15 years. The purpose of a master plan is multi-fold. It embodies how residents view their town, and what they would like their town to be in future. Not only does it set a course for short- and long-term growth and development, “it sets out a process for deciding what to do, and when and where to do it,” said Barrett. “It’s a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of community development, and sets long range implementation goals of five to 10 years.”
Barrett emphasized that a master plan balances competing priorities that are bound to crop up in the town planning process, for example between the need for housing and open space, or between business development and conservation. “The more and the better you plan, the better you can manage growth and change,” she said. “It provides for orderly and predictable development, it protects environmental issues, and it strengthens local identity.”
In addition, a master plan is often required when a town applies for government grants.
Barrett will work closely with the town administrator, Board of Selectmen, Planning Board, Economic Development Committee, and other boards and officials, citizen groups, and eventually with the town planner, whom the town hopes to hire and have in place by September. (The town planner position was approved by vote at the Annual Town Meeting on May 1).
According to Barrett, a master plan can take anywhere from nine to 18 months to develop, but it can take longer, depending on the characteristics of a community, the age and relevance of an existing master plan, the complexity of land use patterns, planning and zoning issues, and the form of government in place. In Massachusetts, adoption of a master plan requires a majority vote of the town’s planning board.
As a first step, Barrett is seeking input from town residents about the aspects of Sterling that they like best. Poster boards are set up in several high-traffic locations, including the Butterick Municipal Building, Conant Public Library, and some retailers. Residents are asked to list three things they like about Sterling. Volunteers will monitor the boards and replace supplies as needed.
“It’s a terrific way for people in town to get involved and be part of the process,” said Barrett. “This is everyone’s town and we need everyone’s input to turn out a useful master plan that reflects what people want.”
Want to get involved in developing Sterling’s master plan? The next meeting of the Master Plan Committee is on Thursday, June 21, 6:30 p.m., Room 205, Butterick Municipal Building, 1 Park St., Sterling. Meetings are planned for the third Thursday of each month.