Leicester delays energy plan input while town plan nears completion
Summary
Planning volunteers reported the town plan is close to finished but the energy plan — promised by regional planning — is delayed. The board asked regional planning for a map showing conserved acreage, wetlands, floodplain and developed land to inform housing targets in the town plan.
Local planning volunteers told the board Leicester’s portion of the town plan is near completion but that they remain on hold while the energy plan from regional planning is finalized. Staff said they are awaiting the regional energy plan, which had been promised for several months and is expected in January.
The planning group requested that regional planning prepare a map showing total town acreage, conserved acreage, wetlands and floodplain, habitat/forest blocks, current-use parcels and already-developed land so the town can assess remaining developable acreage and the feasibility of future housing targets. “We asked them the total acreage in the town, the total acreage that is conserved…Of the remaining land, how much is wetlands and flood plain?” a planning member said, underscoring the need for spatial data to support the town plan.
The board also discussed how town-plan language will drive required zoning bylaw updates and the statutory review steps (regional review, public hearings) needed before adoption. Staff set a tentative target to finish drafting by mid-March and to proceed through required regional review and two public hearings before final adoption.
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