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Vinalhaven planners move to update 2014–2025 Comprehensive Plan with MCOG support
Summary
The Vinalhaven Planning Commission agreed to pursue a town Comprehensive Plan update with the Midcoast Regional Council of Governments (MCOG), emphasize community representation and a new resiliency chapter, and ask the Select Board to fund MCOG’s $25,000 base proposal.
The Vinalhaven Planning Commission voted informally to pursue an update of the town’s Comprehensive Plan and to ask the Select Board to consider working with the Midcoast Regional Council of Governments (MCOG) on the project.
At the March 12 meeting, MCOG representatives and commission members discussed how to make a new plan actionable rather than “put on a shelf,” and emphasized broader outreach to ensure traditionally under‑represented groups — including fishermen — are engaged. Chair Wes Reed said he has seen plans drafted and then forgotten, asking whether the town could ensure the plan would be used as a practical guide. MCOG’s Clare Oxford explained that the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development certifies plans that communities then use to draft ordinances in alignment with plan goals.
Members suggested adding a distinct resiliency chapter addressing infrastructure, working waterfronts, housing, climate adaptation and tourism preferences. Banner Moffat proposed conducting a community survey; others urged targeted outreach and committee representation that reflects the island’s economic and demographic mix. "Not everyone responds well to surveys," the commission noted, and agreed to begin by reviewing the 300‑plus page existing plan to identify what remains relevant and what is missing.
Commissioner Gabe McPhail, a newly welcomed member, raised municipal purview questions about downtown commercial requirements and potential mitigation partnerships with private landowners. Town Manager Marjorie Stratton confirmed MCOG provided a proposal with a $25,000 base price for the scope of work and said the Select Board has budgeted funds for planning; she will report the commission’s interest to the Select Board at its March 25 meeting. Commission members will bring section‑level assessments to the commission’s April 15 meeting to refine goals, scope and community‑engagement plans.
The commission set a regular meeting schedule — second Thursdays at 1 p.m. — and asked staff to identify individuals across the community who could serve on a Comprehensive Plan Committee to work with the planning commission and MCOG.
The commission did not take a formal vote to contract with MCOG; members agreed to continue review and return with recommendations.
