Selectmen ask for measurable updates on land‑use work after review of consultant activity report

After reviewing a six‑month land‑use activity report, Bolton selectmen on Sept. 2 asked the town’s land‑use consultant to provide more granular reporting — including time allocation and measurable outcomes tied to economic development — so the board and public can assess return on investment. Several selectmen said the existing report enumerated meetings and tasks but did not show how much of the consultant’s time was devoted to economic development, planning and zoning work, or other duties. One board member asked for percentages or quarterly summaries showing how hours were divided. Another suggested a one‑page public update or website dashboard showing actions taken, stages of projects, and near‑term metrics — items the public could use to judge progress. Board members emphasized that zoning reform remains central to attracting commercial development and that several town efforts (including sewer authority coordination) are already underway. A selectman noted that prospective developers often ‘‘walk away’’ because the zoning rules are complex; members said clearer documentation of regulatory changes and outcomes could improve transparency and community buy‑in. The board directed staff to request a short follow‑up from the consultant with time‑use percentages and a brief plan for outreach and metrics; members said they did not intend to create additional billable work beyond the consultant’s contracted scope but wanted better visibility into existing activity.