Grafton Planning Commission moves to prepare 2028 municipal plan grant application

The Planning Commission reviewed a draft Municipal Planning Grant (MPG) application to fund a comprehensive update to Grafton’s town plan, titled in the draft materials as “2028 Grafton Town Plan Development.” Chair (S1) said the town has until November 3 to submit the application through the state GEARS system and that staff (Morgan/Cathy) would help move the Word draft into the online system.

Why it matters: A statutorily compliant town plan is the foundation for zoning, capital planning and grant eligibility. Commissioners singled out housing and flood resilience as priority sections for the update and discussed securing letters of support and local match from partners including the regional commission, the Grafton Historical Society and the Grafton Improvement Association.

Details and process: Members reviewed the grant narrative language (which emphasizes community engagement, climate resilience and updated demographic data) and the administrative forms required for submission, including a good‑standing certification (Act 154 referenced) that must be signed by the planning commission chair and a majority of the Select Board. S1 said the town could designate a municipal authorizing official to manage reimbursements and that working with the regional commission could exempt the town from a competitive selection process for certain services.

Next steps: Commissioners asked staff to finalize the Word draft, circulate it for comment, and present the final application materials for signature and submission. No final award or contract decision was made at this meeting; the Commission intends to complete the MPG application in time for the November 3 deadline.