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Henniker planners consider phased master-plan update; regional commission outlines survey and costs
Summary
The Henniker Planning Board reviewed a phased master-plan update proposal from the regional planning commission, which recommended a community survey (about $4,500), a vision/land-use component (about $6,500) and phased chapters; the board deferred a decision pending funding details.
At a meeting of the Henniker Planning Board, members heard a presentation from Mike, the regional planning commission representative, on options for updating the town's master plan and methods to maximize public participation.
Mike, introduced to the board as the regional planning commission representative, told members that a modern master plan is as much a public process as a final document and that the commission could help the board with outreach, chapter drafting and page layout. "I love doing master plans," he said, describing the work as connecting transportation, housing, land use and economic development.
The planner outlined outreach tools to reach more residents, including a postcard with a QR code linking to an online survey, in-person visioning sessions, drop-in workshops and paper copies available at town hall, the library and the post office for residents who prefer or need printed materials. He cautioned that online-only approaches can undercount older residents and recommended multi-channel outreach and mailed paper copies on request.
The proposal included cost estimates for the initial phase: the community survey at roughly $4,500 and a vision/related component near $6,500; the existing-and-future land-use chapter was shown in the materials as $6,517.05. Transportation analysis, the presenter said, would be covered through an existing DOT contract and would not add to the local price tag.
Board members discussed phasing the work so the town can spread costs over time and to allow survey and vision results to inform subsequent chapters such as economic development, recreation or neighborhood plans. Several members said they preferred using the regional commission for neutrality and technical capacity rather than forming an in-town volunteer subcommittee to do the full update.
No vote was taken. The board asked Mark to meet with the select board and the town administrator to explore local funding options and to report back on whether the town can allocate money to begin the update this year. The planner said he could work at the board's pace and that staff would provide a revised budget and timeline at a future meeting.
Next steps: the board will review the cost estimates and outreach plan at an upcoming meeting after the town's funding discussions; no formal contract or commitment was made at the session.
