By Liz Pape, Master Plan Committee
On May 20, VHB Consulting and Montachuset Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) presented the Sterling Master Plan goals, objectives and recommendations for the Housing, Open Space and Recreation, Land Use, Economic Development, and Natural, Cultural and Historic Resources chapters of the draft plan. To hear the goals and action items, view the presentation online at:
www.townhallstreams.com/stream.php?location_id=80&id=37781
Chapter goals included:
Housing:
Ensure that housing opportunities are available for a broad range of income levels and household types including affordability, homeownership, and condition of the housing stock while maintaining the Town’s community character
Open Space and Recreation:
Encourage responsible protection and stewardship of publicly accessible lands and waters for natural resource conservation, recreation, and water supply protection
Enhance athletic fields and other recreation facilities
Identify and consider new approaches to Sterling’s zoning and planning and other protective bylaws that affect Sterling’s open space and recreation needs.
Make local trails more accessible
Formulate a proactive and balanced decision-making regarding acquisition of open space
Special considerations for seniors and residents benefitting from ADA
Land Use:
Protect Sterling’s rural and scenic character while encouraging vibrancy and economic development in the town center and along key corridors
Working with the Town’s Agricultural Commission, expand protections for Sterling’s agricultural lands that significantly contribute to the Town’s sense of place and provide substantial economic value
Ensure the processes and procedures associated with administering the Town’s Protective Bylaws are accessible, easily understood, and streamlined
Economic Development:
Advance effort to keep and attract younger residents and families. Sterling’s median age is 47 years old, seven years older than the statewide median. Sterling should find ways to enhance the town’s appeal for younger populations, who can support the next wave of retail and commercial investment and provide long-term economic vitality
Bring more visitors into Town, focusing on the activities within the Town Center and the
farmland attractions. The population of the region is growing, driven by high-growth towns like Ayer, Groton, Lunenburg, and Leominster. Capitalize on this regional growth by promoting commercial and recreational activities in Sterling and developing a fresh narrative around what makes Sterling special
Focus on opportunities to unlock Sterling’s industrial and commercial districts. Encourage the growth of “market clusters,” where nearby businesses can complement and support one another and become greater than the sum of their parts. Advance strategies that promote large development opportunities with the potential for widespread economic benefits
Get organized to drive economic development opportunities throughout Sterling. Keep the conversation moving forward, so that Sterling can benefit from collaborative enthusiasm and shared ideas
Natural, Cultural, and Historic Resources
Implement effective strategies to preserve and protect the town’s water resources and unique ecological habitats
Promote water-conservation techniques to residents and businesses to reduce the demand for potable water and alleviate the future need for additional public wells
Leverage nature-based solutions in preparing Sterling for the impacts of climate change
Enhance Planning Tools Centered on Historic and Cultural Resources
Support the protection and promotion of Sterling’s heritage resources
Enhance support and promotion of the local arts and community programming