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 Summer/Fall 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 and Livability 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 bikepath, and priorities for implementation. Look for the RFP to be issued in the Fall of 2011.
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. In 2000, The Conway School of Landscape Architecture produced a concept study for the Turnpike Road Industrial Park. The study determined that an industrial park at the site is feasible and will a resourceful re-use of a heavily degraded landscape. Assessment of the site conditions lead to the conclusion that with care for neighbors, wildlife habitat, and building limitations, one-third to one-half of the 163 acres can be developed. The multi-use development will include 1-3 industrial development lots, a new public works facility, solar energy generation and conservation/recreation area. Look for the RFP to be issued in
August/September of 2011
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 has be submitted to MEMA and FEMA for review and final approval.
Implementation Projects:
Re-establish Agriculture Commission
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.
Unity Park Improvements
With Phase I being awarded by CDBG to 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.
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.
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, with assistance from FRCOG has completed initial design at no cost to the Town and is seeking a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant to fund the improvements. Slope stabilization are drainage improvements to this site are one of the priority implementation projects in Montague’s 2011 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Zoning Revisions
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. The Planning Board is also in the process of systematically streamlining and updating the zoning bylaw.
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.The Boston Chapter of the Urban Land Institute conducted a one-day panel of development and real estate professionals, industrial analysts, and planners to develop a disposition and marketing strategy for the Strathmore property in December 2010. In effort to attract private development to the property and ensure productive reuse the Town is pursuing funding to clean up the
site, restore pedestrian access, and address vehicular access issues. A request for Expressions of Interest is available. See more at http://www.strathmoremill.com
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 Town is advocating for improved internet service in outlaying areas of Town.
Turners Falls Cultural District Designation
The Town, in partnership with RiverCulture has submitted an application for downtown Turners Falls to be designated as a Cultural District. The Cultural District Initiative encourages Massachusetts communities to strengthen this sense of place, while stimulating economic activity, improving the experiences of visitors to our communities, and creating a higher quality of life.
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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Independent volunteering opportunities are available for the following projects:
-SkatePark: Grantwriting, fundraising, and community organizing
-Millers Fall Riverwalk: conceptual planning and community organizing
-Intern to “staff” the Agriculture Commission
-Develop GIS datalayers
-Revise selected land use regulations
-Community Preservation Act: feasibility and community organizing
-Sawmill River Pedestrian Bridge restoration.
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