Planning and Conservation Department Mission
The Planning and Conservation Department works with officials and the community to identify, plan, and carry out activities that advance the quality of life, preserve natural resources, enhance economic climate of Montague. It achieves this through the following:
Land Use Planning (Planning Board)
Development and revision of Comprehensive Plan
Development and revision of Zoning Bylaws
Development and revision of Subdivision Regulations
Permits for Subdivisions and Approval Not Required lots
Special Permits and Site Plan Review for industrial development
Special Permits for common driveways
Wetlands Protection & Resource Conservation (Conservation Commission)
Administration of Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act/Wetland permitting
Technical assistance with land protection and agriculture projects
Review of drainage plans for subdivisions and large commercial or industrial developments
Economic & Community Development (in partnership with various boards and committees)
Open Space and Recreation Plan
Economic development plan
RiverCulture programming assistance
Energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives
Industrial and commercial development
Business recruitment and expansion
Technical assistance, loans, grants and tax incentives
Montague Planning Activities 2012
Implementation Projects
RiverCulture
RiverCulture is a Town project in its 7h year charged with developing the creative economy with a focus on Turners Falls. The RiverCulture Project works to create a vibrant and connected Turners Falls community through innovative partnerships and cultural programming. RiverCulture is couched in the Planning Department. http://www.turnersdallsriverculture.org.
Solarize Mass Montague
Montague was awarded a spot in the Solarize Mass program. This is an effort to increase the amount of solar used by Montague residents and businesses. Montague was eligible because of its status as a Green Community.
Unity Park Improvements
Construction began in May 2012. Phase I will develop a fun, safe, and accessible playscape area of Unity Park, the Town will be pursuing further funding to renovate the athletic fields, parking, and to develop a skate park.
Millers Falls Road Stabilization
A steep, steadily eroding slope across from the Highland Cemetery is an impending threat to the stability Millers Falls Road- a principle artery in Montague. The Town has secured a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant to fund the improvements. Slope stabilization and drainage improvements to this site are one of the priority implementation projects in Montague’s 2011 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Strathmore Mill Redevelopment
In February of 2010 the Town of Montague became the owner of the Strathmore Mill. Montague has established a 43D priority development at the Strathmore Mill site. The Department is actively planning redevelopment of the 225,000 sq foot former mill. On the Connecticut River in Downtown Turners Falls, the mill holds considerable potential as an ideal site for a business incubator, manufacturing, and warehousing uses. A major cleanup effort is planned for August 2012 and the Planning Department will continue to work to restore pedestrian access, and address vehicular access issues at the site. An ongoing request for Expressions of Interest is available. See more at http://www.strathmoremill.com
Geographic Information System: Program Assessment and Development
The Planning Department was awarded a small grant from Department of Housing and Community Development to bring the Town of Montague’s Geographic Information System up to par.
Broadband Infrastructure
The Town anticipates receiving a “middle-mile” fiber network line as part of the Mass Broadband Initiative. The network will plug in the villages of Montague City, Millers Falls, and Turners Falls. The Planning Department is planning for improved internet service in outlaying areas of Town and the Loop of the Airport Industrial Park.
Recently Completed Projects
Energy Services Performance Contract Phase I
This summer the Town will install energy efficiency upgrades to the Town Hall, Carnegie Library, and the Public Safety Complex. The majority of the $348,000 project is being funded by Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant and a Green Communities Grant. The net cost to the town will be paid off in 2.6 years through guaranteed energy savings. This will be a significant step toward reaching the 20% municipal energy use reduction goal by 2015.
Right to Farm Bylaw
A major priority in the 2010 Open Space Plan, the Montague Agriculture Commission was officially re-instated in the Spring of 2011. The Agriculture Commission will focus on four strategic areas: 1) Promotion of Agriculture as a lifestyle 2) Mediation and assistance for farmers 3) farmland preservation 4) community building. In May of 2012 Town Meeting voted to accept a Right-to Farm bylaw as developed by the Agriculture Commission.
Solar Electric Installations Zoning Bylaw
The Planning Board, working in concert with the Energy Committee has developed a solar electric installations zoning bylaw which will allow large scale solar projects up to 3 acres by right in industrial districts. This was approved by Town Meeting in 2011.
Planning Projects
Franklin County Regional Plan for Sustainable Development
Montague is a partner in a grant to The FRCOG from US Department of Housing and Urban Development to develop Franklin County’s first Regional Plan. The plan is being developed over the course of the next year with substantial opportunity for public involvement. As one of the major cultural and employment centers, it is important that Montague have a stake in the region’s vision.
Turners Falls Cultural Vision Plan
What do you want to Turners Falls to too look like in 10 years? Turners Falls has come a long way in the last 30 years, but where will it go from here? Using community goals of developing the creative economy, increasing tourism, and making strategic reinvestments in village centers the Town will commission a vision for the Town’s largest village. Components of the plan will include a cultural facility needs assessment, identification of specific sites for place making, enhanced connections to the river and bike path, and priorities for implementation.
Turnpike Road Energy Park Master Plan
Planning for future industrial growth in Montague is a major priority articulated in the 2004 Economic Development Plan. With the Airport Industrial Park approaching build-out capacity, and a regional shortage of available industrial space, the Town has identified the Turnpike Road industrial area as the next priority for future industrial development. The town contracted the Cecil Group Inc to lead the master planning process. The recommended project includes 85 acres of developable land that has the potential to create up to 500 jobs over a 27 year build-out.
Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan 2011 Update
With assistance from the FRCOG, an update to the Natural Hazard Plan was developed under the guidance of a committee of public safety professionals and residents. The plan is awaiting final approval from FEMA.
Wildfire Mitigation Plan
The Planning Department is working with local and state emergency management officials to develop a proactive and comprehensive strategy to prevent major damages from wildfires
VOLUNTEERS/INTERNS
Individuals interested in independent volunteering or internship opportunities can contact the Town Planner
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