Frequently Asked Questions

A Master Plan guides a community's growth and development according to its economic, environmental, and social objectives. It provides the basis for guidance, coordination, and accountability to future decision-makers regarding the community's long-term land use and development. A Master Plan should look at least 20 years into the future and be revisited at least every five years.

The Planning Board established the Master Plan Committee to work with other Town staff, boards, commissions, consultants, regional agencies, and the citizens of Mendon to formulate and draft Mendon's First Master Plan. The MPC will ensure that it involves citizens in shaping the vision, goals, and strategies in the Master Plan.

A Master Plan will help us to actively shape Mendon's future by managing our growth and articulating our long-term challenges and opportunities. It will guide decisions and remind our local leaders of our priorities. It will be realistic, it will be optimistic, and, by setting achievable goals, it will be implemented.

The Master Plan Committee will work hard to gather input and formulate this document. The areas covered will be Land Use, Housing, Open Space, Economic Development, Recreation, Transportation, and Natural and Cultural Resources. The process will involve the dissemination of materials, interviews, focus groups, and public meetings. It will also involve town departments, boards, committees, the business community, and other stakeholders. Critical to the success of any Master Plan is the degree to which our residents get involved. Please consider participating in this process that will serve you, your family, your community, and generations to come.

Contact the Planning Board to request a form for appointment to the Master Plan Committee.

The benefits of a town having a Master Plan are:

• Ensures that development is orderly and predictable.
• Guides an efficient capital spending program.
• May result in a better bond rating by demonstrating prudent fiscal policies.
• Provides bonus points on State grant applications.
• Identifies short and long-range actions and who is responsible for implementation.
• Engages local citizens in a positive dialogue about preserving valuable assets and growing responsibly.
• Serves as a reference for boards to make clear, fair, and consistent decisions.
• Gives the Town time to prepare for growth. While Mendon may be growing slowly at present, regional growth trends will eventually affect the Town.