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Charlton planning board discusses master plan consultants, outreach and $50,000 funding; no vote
Summary
Board members debated consultant options for the town master plan — private firms (Barrett, Dodson) vs. regional agency (CMRPC) — and discussed outreach strategies and an available $50,000 funding allocation; the board tabled a decision to the Oct. 15 meeting.
The Charlton Planning Board spent substantial time Oct. 1 discussing how to proceed with the town master plan, weighing consultant proposals, outreach strategies and available funding. No formal vendor selection or vote was taken; members agreed to continue the discussion at the Oct. 15 meeting.
Board members compared three vendor approaches: a private consultant (Barrett), a modest‑sized private firm (Dodson) and the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC). Supporters of Barrett emphasized a polished final product and experience producing suburban master plans with regulatory/zoning knowledge; supporters of CMRPC cited the agency’s regional data access and cost effectiveness. Several members said smaller firms can be faster while CMRPC’s capacity and access to GIS/data are advantages. One board member said, without a detailed cost comparison, the board should avoid choosing strictly on price.
The group also discussed outreach and participation goals. Board members proposed recruiting representatives from each town board and committee, senior‑center and recreation stakeholders, youth sports coaches and parents, and general residents. A member noted the town already has $50,000 earmarked to start the plan and said the town should use that funding to begin the work.
Next steps: the board asked staff to invite shortlisted consultants to present (in‑person or remotely) so members can ask focused questions; they will revisit the matter on Oct. 15. Members emphasized the importance of clear deliverables, local regulatory knowledge, and an outreach strategy aimed at raising resident participation.
