LYNNFIELD — The Planning Board unanimously adopted the town’s visioning plan report, “Lynnfield 2040: Shaping Our Future Today,” after a 14-month effort to develop the plan based on residents’ goals for the town’s future.
The creation of the vision plan was led by the Planning Board, with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Select Board, and other members of the town’s administration also contributing. The town’s last master plan was developed 22 years ago.
“The vision plan is a much welcome update to the previous 2002 master plan,” a statement from the Planning Board reads. “It allows for collective reflection, exploration, and imagination about what Lynnfield could become.”
A town-wide survey, interviews with town staff, an event at Lynnfield High School, community conversations, and tabling events contributed to the final report.
According to the final report, there is a need for balanced community growth, as 68% of survey respondents said that the loss of natural resources is one of the town’s greatest challenges. LHS students described rising housing costs as a great concern that makes it difficult to keep existing residents in Lynnfield and attract young people. Suggested strategies to combat these issues include exploring land-use techniques, expanding the local housing supply, and pursuing economic developments that will not change the town’s character.
“Would like to see more non-chain restaurants in town and a better use of both Post Office Square and Lynnfield Center,” one community member wrote in response to the survey. “Would love to see kids’ activities, a gym, a local restaurant, etc.”
“Creating a vibrant town center and South Lynnfield shopping area should be a priority,” another respondent wrote.
According to the report, there is also a desire for more transportation connections, sidewalks and biking infrastructure in town.
Residents also want a more transparent government, with the report saying that “many residents feel like they don’t know what’s going on in Town Hall.” One suggestion was to make improvements to the town’s website.
“The leadership in this community does not seem to know their Lynnfield audience,” another respondent wrote. “Leadership talks about transparency, but on all levels, there is limited chance for discussion or feedback.”
Other topics that the plan will consider include economic development, climate resiliency, and racial and social equity.
“(Lynnfield) needs a great deal more work to be inclusive and welcoming of ALL persons and families,” one respondent wrote.
