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Planning-board debate centers on preserving town character while pursuing workforce housing
Summary
Board members said outreach responses emphasized protecting community character and called for zoning tools to shape development; some members said the town cannot legally block development but can guide where and how it occurs.
Board members debated how the master-plan vision language should describe "small-town character" and whether to prioritize workforce housing over more tourist-oriented development. One committee member summarized residents' priorities as a desire to "keep the town character" while also noting that many respondents wanted better grocery and pharmacy services.
Multiple members said the boards role is to shape development through zoning and design standards rather than attempt an outright ban on growth. "You can't stop it," one member said, arguing that the plan and subsequent zoning should channel development to appropriate locations and forms. The consultant echoed this, recommending the plan present tradeoffs the public can vote on at town meeting.
