The Bedford Planning Board is commencing work on a new Comprehensive Plan. It has appointed consultants, JM Goldson, to lead the document preparation and wishes to set up an Advisory Committee of residents to assist in the process.

Preparing a comprehensive plan, or ‘master plan’, is a responsibility of the Planning Board under MGL Ch 41 Sec 81D. The purpose is to provide a basis for decision making regarding the long term physical development of the town. Its preparation involves an interactive public process that addresses community values, goals and consistent development patterns. The statute specifies a number of topics to be covered, together with an implementation section. While there is no set timeframe, a ten year outlook is a typical rule of thumb.

The topics (which can be added to or rearranged) are: Land Use; Housing; Economic Development; Natural and Cultural Resources; Open Space and Recreation; Services and Facilities; and Circulation. The plan can propose expansion or replacement of public facilities or transportation components and amendment of town bylaws, regulations or policies. Follow-on implementation is through the normal channels. Further information, including the last plan prepared in 2012, is on our webpage, Comprehensive Plan | Bedford, MA

The Advisory Committee is anticipated to comprise 9-12 people including 2 Planning Board members, some representatives of other committees and some ‘at large’ community members. Its roles will include acting as a sounding board for the consultant, helping to organize public events and outreach, and contributing ideas. Meetings are likely to be held twice a month on weekday evenings (day to be determined), some in person and some remote.  The full Planning Board will also host periodic updates/ discussions at its regular meetings and will ultimately adopt the plan. The process is expected to last 18 months to 2 years. We will be seeking a balance of representation, and if some interested people are not selected, they can be assured that their input will be welcomed at the wider events or by correspondence.

Anyone interested in serving on the Advisory Committee is invited to send a short letter of interest to the Planning Department in Town Hall (mail or deliver to 10 Mudge Way or email to afields@bedfordma.gov). Useful information to include would be:

• Contact details
• Reasons for interest
• Any relevant community involvement or topic awareness
• Any time constraints

Any questions can be addressed to the staff planners, Tony Fields and Catherine Perry.