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Brookline Selectboard reviews updated Town Plan as 2018 plan nears expiration
Summary
At a March 18 public hearing, Windham Regional Commission representative Matt Bachler summarized proposed updates to Brookline’s Town Plan—data updates, revised maps, stronger wind-facility policy, and flood-resilience changes tied to the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan. No public comments were offered; the Selectboard will vote to adopt the plan and request a 60‑day WRC review.
Mike DeSocio, chair of the Selectboard, opened a public hearing March 18 to review proposed updates to Brookline’s Town Plan, which the town says will replace the plan adopted in 2018 that is set to expire at the end of March 2026.
Matt Bachler of the Windham Regional Commission summarized the primary revisions. He listed updated population, housing and economic data and noted that maps throughout the plan were revised. Bachler said the plan also reflects “minor changes in state requirements,” documents significant projects completed since 2018, and incorporates results of a 2024 Planning Commission survey showing residents prefer limited development in town.
The proposed update includes policy changes, Bachler said, such as stronger language restricting commercial wind facilities in Brookline’s energy chapter and updates to flood-resilience language to align with the town’s 2025 Town Hazard Mitigation Plan. Bachler also said the plan was edited for compatibility with neighboring communities’ plans.
No members of the public offered comments or questions during the hearing. Chair DeSocio outlined next steps: the Selectboard will schedule a vote to adopt the plan, request a 60‑day review from the Windham Regional Commission, and have the Town Clerk prepare a certificate documenting the planning process, public hearings, and board votes. If adopted and approved through the municipal process, officials said the updated plan will make Brookline eligible for some state grants.
