Saugus is about to take the next big step toward updating its Master Plan.
On Tuesday, Sept. 15, Town Manager Scott Crabtree, the Board of Selectmen, and the Saugus Planning and Economic Development Department will partner with the town’s project consultant, the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC), in hosting an online “Kick-Off Visioning Forum” to begin the process of updating the town’s Master Plan.
A statement from the Town Manager’s Office stated that the plan — last revised in 1988 — will build on the community’s vision, and recent planning studies, to propose strategies and recommend implementation actions to guide the town as it works toward its goals for 2035.
“The town-wide plan will work to include goals and policies for what stakeholders want to see happen with land use, housing, economic development, natural/cultural resources, open space, recreation, and transportation,” Crabtree said.
Crabtree also stressed the importance of pursuing smart growth in order to sustain a full-service community and balance the impact of development, while still taking into account strategies to manage future growth, protect environmental resources, set priorities for developing and maintaining infrastructure, create a framework for future policy decisions, and provide guidance to land owners and developers, as well as permitting authorities.
“This is something that is definitely needed for Saugus,” he said.
Planning Board Chairman Peter Rossetti Jr. believes a town-wide Master Plan marks a step forward for the community, contending it makes sense to analyze the plan’s impact on the town as a whole.
“Sometimes (a master plan) can be put on a shelf, but I can assure you this one won’t be put on a shelf — it will be implemented,” Rossetti said.
The “Kick-Off Visioning Forum” will be held via Zoom from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Following the event will be an online open house, where Saugus residents and officials will have the chance to provide feedback through the end of October. Crabtree said that upcoming forums will provide residents ample opportunity to provide their input and learn more about the project.
Questions about the event can be directed to the Town Manager’s Office at (781) 231-4111, or to Planning and Economic Development Director Chris Reilly ([email protected]) at (781) 231-4044.