SAUGUS — Resident responses to a survey requesting input on Saugus’ long-range master plan, which will focus on economic development, transportation and community facilities and services, are now being incorporated into the plan’s next steps.
“The vision is developed by the community,” Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Senior Regional Planner Chris Kuschel said during a master plan visioning forum last Wednesday. “Everything that goes into the vision are things that we hear and have heard from the feedback to date.”
In September, 50 residents and officials attended a virtual kick-off forum, after which residents were encouraged to share their feedback and input through an online open house survey, distributed by the MAPC, the town’s consultant, which took place between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15.
Kuschel said the town received more than 700 responses, noting that Saugus was successful in engaging its younger residents in the process, with the highest percentage of respondents (25 percent) falling into the 30 to 39 age range.
“We’re trying to reach out to as many groups and individuals and stakeholders in the community as possible,” Town Manager Scott Crabtree said in October. “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.”
The economic development aspect of the master plan, which was presented by MAPC Economic Development Planner Jenn Emiko Kaplan last Wednesday, covers economic development strategies that Saugus can incorporate for the next 15 to 20 years and takes into account land-use regulations, business composition, transportation infrastructure, social capital, and housing stock to leverage existing assets and find new opportunities.
Kaplan pinpointed Cliftondale Square and the Route 1 corridor as two major focuses when it comes to potential economic growth.
“What we can be doing during this process, and what I believe we should be doing, is emphasizing the establishment of a long-term framework that will help business owners become more resilient against future economic impacts,” Kaplan said.
During its presentation on transportation, AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) Senior Transportation Planner Travis Pollack and Transportation Planner Mariah Holland said initial data found Route 1 to be a “barrier to connectivity,” with excessive congestion, few east-to-west crossings, and few measures in place to protect the safety of walkers and cyclists.
They noted that while Route 1 is home to many key destinations, the highway doesn’t allow for easy access to those destinations, adding that the number of vehicle crashes along Route 1 has increased over the last five years.
Pollack also noted that when asked where they would go more often if they had easier access, the majority of survey respondents said they would go to Cliftondale Square, Breakheart Reservation, and Boston.
The ultimate aim, he said, is to make Saugus more equitable for all by creating a transportation system that accommodates multiple modes of transportation.
“I think it’s becoming clear, not only from the transportation side but also other parts of the master plan, that the town center, Cliftondale, and Route 1 are a really big piece of the town and how can people more safely get to these areas and get through these areas, and could that be done with better bike and sidewalk connections,” said Pollack.
Regional Land Use Planner Courtney Lewis noted that when it comes to community facilities and services, survey respondents cited well-maintained open spaces, parks, and other natural aspects; high-quality schools and education opportunities; and efficient public services and facilities as the town’s most important features.
“One important thing to keep in mind as we’re having these conversations is not only what services and facilities are provided, but also looking at equitable distribution of facilities and services across the town,” Lewis said.
Elyse Carmosino can be reached at [email protected].
