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Stoddard Planning Board discusses master plan updates, $12,500 SWRPC contract and Safe Streets grant pursuit
Summary
At its May 5 meeting the Town of Stoddard Planning Board reviewed Master Plan updates (conservation, maps), considered a $12,500 contract with SWRPC, and discussed applying for a USDOT Safe Streets grant to improve safety on Route 123 and create a walking/bike path. The board approved minutes and set its next meeting for June 2.
The Town of Stoddard Planning Board on May 5 discussed multiple Master Plan updates, reviewed an updated $12,500 contract proposal from the Southwest Region Planning Commission and agreed to pursue a potential U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets grant to address safety at intersections along Route 123.
Jason Kovarik, the board’s Selectmen representative, summarized the Conservation & Preservation section of the Master Plan, saying the board should list current partners and prospective partners for conserving land in Stoddard and noting that members of the Conservation Commission are restructuring and drafting a charter or mission statement. Board members agreed to condense the section on the town's Conservation Award and to ensure Master Plan maps are the most current versions.
Rex Rodanas, vice chair, reported that survey responses indicated most residents do not favor a marked historical section in the Master Plan, and he said the Historical Society plans to replace historical markers around town. The board discussed construction references including web soil survey citations and determined a sewer map is likely unnecessary for the Master Plan.
The board received an updated contract proposal from the Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) for $12,500 to support the plan update and discussed arranging for an SWRPC representative to provide progress updates at future meetings.
Members discussed applying for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets grant to address safety issues at the intersections of Route 123 (both north and south legs) and Juniper Hill Road and to explore a walking and bike path from Route 9 along Route 123 North toward the church where feasible. The discussion focused on the grant's potential to fund intersection improvements and nonmotorized connections; no formal vote on applying for the grant was recorded.
Steve Jacobs, a board member, said he attended a VLAP water course in Concord and described a watershed map and management fund that could provide loans to towns to complete watershed mapping; he said the program would have the state cover most costs while the town would pay interest only. The board agreed to gather additional information on that option.
On procedural items the board approved minutes: Steve Jacobs moved to approve the March 17, 2026 ADU/Commercial meeting minutes with a corrected last name; Randy McHale seconded and the motion carried. Jason Kovarik moved to approve the Planning Board minutes of April 7, 2026 as written; Steve Jacobs seconded and the motion carried. Vickie Williams moved to adjourn at 8:04 p.m.; Steve Jacobs seconded and the motion carried.
Elections are scheduled for May 12, 2026 at Town Hall; the Planning Board's next meeting is June 2, 2026, when newly elected members will attend and officers will be chosen. Minutes were submitted by Vickie Williams, secretary.
