In early October, one of the newspapers covering the Red Raider cross country team began its account: “Belmont is not a one-man show, or a two-man show, or even a three-man show for that matter …”
And that just about sums up why the Planning Board and citizen volunteers gathering facts for updating the Master Plan in 2002 – want your comments, awareness and involvement.
Since September, I’m pleased to report that a Steering Committee has been appointed and our first community gathering held on November 2nd. On behalf of the entire Planning Board, I want to publicly extend our thanks to everyone that helped with this major undertaking.
Communications and education continue to be cornerstones of Master Plan efforts to date. Land Use staff, led by Town Planner Candace Daigle, actively recruited citizens earlier this year and since May, eight subcommittees have delved into topics including community facilities, conservation and preservation, construction materials, housing, land use, recreation, transportation, utilities and public services.
As Belmont Better Times readers especially should know, the August/summer issue devoted almost 5 of its 16 pages to background on the Master Plan. In case you missed it a few basic facts follow.
What is a Master Plan?
It’s your vision of Belmont – what you want to preserve and what you want to achieve. It’s a list of goals – and Belmont’s “to-do” list – to meet that vision.
Why update it?
It’s important that we recognize and plan for change. Population, roads, new community facilities and shifting demographic trends only begin a lengthy list of changes in Belmont over the past 10 years. In population alone, our town has grown 269% since 1970.
Like all New Hampshire communities, Master Plans require updating each decade. Belmont developed Master Plans in 1970, 1982 and the last was in 1992.
The purpose of a plan, as described, in part, under state law and RSA 674:3 is for “guiding and accomplishing coordinated and harmonious development which will, in accordance with existing and probable future needs, promote health, safety, order, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare as well as efficiency and economy in the process of development …”
How will it be done?
In 2000 the Planning Board determined the need to update the Master Plan, and solicited volunteers to serve on Master Plan subcommittees and to begin the review of major plan sections.
Other activities already underway are informing and updating the community, and gathering their ideas and information. Additionally, there is a need to research, evaluate and project available data.
Later during 2002 a draft master plan will be produced for community review, before its final adoption by the Planning Board.
Subcommittee and steering committee volunteers, as of November include Richard Ashbaugh, David Barrett, Gordon Bartlett, Renee Boles, Bill Brunkhardt, Naomi Caldwell, Tom Carroll, George Condodemetraky, Mark Condodemetraky, Susan Condodemetraky, Kevin Conway, Michael Cozort, Diance Crawshaw, Cal Dunn, Gary Flack, Danielle Fournier, Linda Frawley, Fred Greene, Doralyn Harper, Ken Knowlton, Brian Loanes, Jeff Marden, Nancy McCurry, Neil McCurry, PJ McGettigan, Magnus McLetchie, Ernie Millette, Ron Mitchell, David Morse, Kevin Nugent, Norma Patten, Sonny Patten, Jon Pike, Jim Pilliod, Judy Pilliod, Don Pugh, Frankie Pugh and Sue Roberts.
Additionally committed to the Master Plan project are ex officio members, Peter Harris, Chairman of the Planning Board and Donald McLelland, Sr., Administrator. Major support is provided by Land Use staff, Candace Daigle, Town Planner; Elaine Murphy, Assistant; and Rick Ball, Technician.
Master Plan subcommittees are currently finalizing research and information needs. Some are already discussing new goals & objectives, in part from comments and dialogue shared at the November 2nd meeting. Other community input, including email to views@belmontnh.org and the 1992 Goals Review from this BBT issue will be further integrated.
A comprehensive file of all Belmont Master Plan documents is kept at the Belmont Public Library.
The Town’s web site, www.belmontnh.org, has a regularly updated Master Plan section, including meeting dates, minutes and reports
Please remember: Your View Counts!