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Consultant Janell Mullen outlines Sharon plan update, stresses implementation and funding eligibility
Summary
At a special April 15 meeting, consultant Janell Mullen described the Town of Sharon's ten-year Plan of Conservation and Development update as a practical, implementable document required by the state to preserve discretionary funding eligibility; commissioners highlighted topics including recreational easements, an updated Natural Resources Inventory and dark-sky protections.
Consultant Janell Mullen told the Sharon Conservation Commission on April 15 that she will lead the town's ten-year update to its Plan of Conservation and Development, describing the work as a practical, collaborative effort to ensure the town remains eligible for discretionary state funding. "The updated plan is required by the state to maintain eligibility for discretionary funding," Mullen said, and she said the update will be written through the fall of 2026.
The commission, chaired by Bethany Sheffer, heard Mullen outline the plan's intended uses: to serve as a resource for planning and zoning decisions, support grant applications and encourage coordination across town boards and commissions. Mullen said the process will be interactive, with meetings planned with all town boards and commissions rather than a single input session.
Sheffer told the commission that the SCC's proposed mission statement grew from extensive discussion and is intended to better define the scope of the commission's work. Commissioners and the consultant discussed priorities they want emphasized in the update, including recreational easements, updating the Natural Resources Inventory, improving GIS mapping, measures to protect dark skies and preserving open space.
Mullen said she will emphasize actionable strategies with assigned responsibilities and accountability so goals do not lack a responsible party. The consultant described the aim as producing an "implementable" document that town boards can use for decision-making and grant applications.
No votes or formal actions were recorded at the special meeting. The session, which opened at 5:30 p.m., adjourned at 6:25 p.m.; minutes were signed by Peter R. O'Flinn, secretary, and filed with the Town Clerk on Apr. 20, 2026.
