SAUGUS – Saugonians have until Oct. 15 to complete a survey providing their input on the town’s long-range master plan.
Titled Saugus United 2035, the plan — which is being put together with the help of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission (MAPC) — will build on planning studies and the community’s vision to guide Saugus toward its 15-year goals.
Due to the project’s wide scope, Selectwoman Debra Panetta said gathering resident input is a crucial part of the process and will help identify the town’s needs moving forward.
“The results of this survey will be used to form the vision and direction of Saugus over the next 15 years,” Panetta said. “This information will help develop a plan that will be used as a guide for managing future growth and change in Saugus. It creates a framework for future policy decisions. Land use and zoning, housing, economic development, transportation, open space and recreation, arts/historic/cultural services, climate resiliency, community facilities and services, and clean energy and sustainability are all part of the Master plan.
“Considering this, it’s very important that residents fill out this survey so that everyone’s voice is heard. This is a great opportunity for residents to voice their opinions about their community.”
Referring to the town’s aim of collecting 500 completed surveys, MAPC Principal Planner Ralph Willmer said community outreach efforts have so far been successful.
As of Oct. 9, Saugus had received 434 completed responses, while another 124 surveys had been partially completed or were currently in progress.
“The first part of this work, which is the focus of the survey, is developing a vision for the town,” said MAPC Senior Regional Planner Christopher Kuschel. “To be reflective of the town, it’s important that as many people as are willing fill out the survey.”
Creation of the master plan is expected to take two years, with its final stages projected to be completed by winter of 2021.
During a virtual visioning forum held Sept. 15, Kuschel told attendees that Saugus is currently in its “vision and goals” stage, which is an important time for all residents to work alongside town officials to produce a plan that engages the entire community and incorporates solutions for its diverse set of needs.
“We’re trying to reach out to as many groups and individuals and stakeholders in the community as possible,” said Town Manager Scott Crabtree. “We’re really focusing on the groups and organizations that don’t generally participate in these types of things because it’s important to get a vision for Saugus (that’s created by everyone), not just the people involved in government. That makes a big difference.”
Once responses have been collected, Crabtree said the town will continue to proceed with additional open meetings to discuss the plan’s next steps.
“This is sort of the kickoff,” he said.
More information about Saugus United 2035 is available at www.saugusunited2035.org. Residents can complete the survey online at mapc.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ezzS260wDPPZfxj.