By Liz Pape, Master Plan Committee
The Master Plan Committee is once again seeking town residents’ input on the Master Plan, through another public survey, scheduled for August/September.
This spring and summer, VHB Consulting and Montachusett Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) presented the draft chapters of the Sterling Master Plan to the Master Plan Committee, including goals, recommendations, and action items. These form the backbone of the Master Plan – detailing what Sterling should be focused on in order to attain the vision of achieving a sustainable future that protects our town legacy, purposefully promotes growth and development, and encourages community engagement to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities.
It is critically important to get feedback from a large number of Sterling residents on the goals. Only through deep community support for these goals can we hope to turn those goals into achievements. The third public survey will be available in the next few weeks, which will provide an opportunity to share your thoughts about the Master Plan goals, actions and priorities. The survey will highlight goals and actions that will range from transportation, land use, open space, preservation, economic development, public services and facilities and housing. Please look for the survey on the Town’s website at: www.sterling-ma.gov/sterling-master-plan-committee.
As the Master Plan Committee enters into the final phase of creating Sterling’s Master Plan, here are some critical dates to be aware of:
August 12: Master Plan Committee meeting. Topics for discussion include: review of ginal chapter edits, review final draft action items, discuss input needed on the Implementation Matrix, discuss the third public community survey, and finalize the vision statement.
Late August: launch the Public Community Survey
September 16: Master Plan Committee meeting. Topics for discussion include: input on the Implementation Matrix, and review draft results for the Public Community Survey.
September: seek input from town staff and town departments
October: final presentation to the Planning Board.
For more information on the Sterling Master Plan Committee, visit:
www.sterling-ma.gov/sterling-master-plan-committee