By K.B. Sherman, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Kristen D. Las, Shrewsbury principal planner, presented an update of the town Master Plan at the selectmen’s meeting Jan. 13.
According to the towns previous Master Plan completed about a decade ago, “the Master Plan is essentially a blueprint for Shrewsbury’s future.”
The Master Plan attempts to guide and control; encourage appropriate economic development; protect natural resources and open space; ensure that the town continues to provide quality public facilities and services; and address town-wide transportation issues. While the Master Plan is a policy guide, it is up to Town Meeting to accept the guidance of the Master Plan and adopt sensible and effective bylaws and policies.
At the meeting, Las indicated that the plan update is not yet ready for presentation at the May Town Meeting although she hopes it will be ready for presentation by fall.
The committee overseeing the update of the Master Plan consists of approximately 30 citizens involved in all aspects of town management and development. A representative from the Finance Committee interjected that the Master Planning Committee needs further input from selectmen regarding their priorities for town development. Several Master Plan Committee members also indicated their satisfaction with help from various consultants in this process.
Las added that, within the next several months, selectmen could expect to see recommendations regarding housing, economic development, open space use, and making the center of town more user- and shopper-friendly.
In other news, Selectman Chair James F. Kane announced that he is seeking re-election to the Board of Selectmen in May. Kane has been involved in Shrewsbury town government since 1998, and a member of the board since 2009. A senior vice president at A.D. Makepeace Company, he lives on Main Circle with his wife and three children.