Orleans files 2050 comprehensive plan for Cape Cod Commission certification; board members encouraged to attend June 22 meeting

The Orleans Planning Department has filed the town's draft 2050 Comprehensive Plan with the Cape Cod Commission for certification, staff reported.

"Upon town meeting approval on the 11th, I began communications with the Cape Cod Commission," George Meservey said, adding that the commission has reviewed the draft twice and requested minor changes that were incorporated. He said the full commission will meet on June 22 and that he plans to give a 5- to 10-minute presentation based on the public-hearing slides used by the town.

Meservey said the final document is with a graphic designer and that he hopes to produce hard-copy versions for planning-board members, the library and the town clerk's office if the design is ready before the end of the fiscal year. "Having a certified comprehensive plan has certain benefits with regard to development reviews, development agreements," he said, noting the value of aligning the town plan with the regional policy plan.

Board members were invited to attend the commission meeting; Meservey said he would confirm the meeting start time and when Orleans's item would appear on the agenda.

Why it matters: certification signals that the plan is consistent with regional policy and can smooth later development-review processes. The planning board's role at this stage is advisory and focused on ensuring the town's adopted plan is accurately represented in communications to the regional commission.

Next steps: Meservey will confirm the Cape Cod Commission meeting time on June 22; the board will consider printed copies if the graphic design is completed before the fiscal year ends.