Economic Development and other discussions

The Planning Board has now held three public forums to discuss the Vision Statement for the Master Plan. At each of these forums, the need for economic development has dominated the discussion. Residents explained that they want to see more opportunity for economic development in town to increase the Town's tax base and to create jobs for residents. The discussion then briefly turned to the need for more housing that is affordable to middle income families that would be the employees of these news business.

During the discussions, residents talked about the need to offer incentives to encourage appropriate businesses to locate in Wakefield. Those attending the forum also offered suggestions on what areas of Town would be suitable for business or light industrial uses. And there was a discussion about revolving loans funds and grant funding that might be available to provide incentives to businesses. There was also discussion about using historic structures, such as the old mill in Union, for business and light industrial purposes. The Planning Board and residents agreed that the Chamber of Commerce needed to be involved in the discussions on economic development.

The discussions then turned to other topics. There was a brief discussion on how residents comments and suggestions would be incorporated into the Master Plan. One resident stated there was a need to identify and map existing conservation easements, recreational areas, Town-owned lands, etc., as part of the Master Plan update. Another resident expressed concern about conflicts that might arise between different land use goals, such as water resource protection and increased light industrial uses. The residents raising these concerns learned that mapping projects and identifying and addressing possible conflicts will be part of the Master Plan process.

The Planning Board will hold the next two public forums at different locations so that it will be easier for residents to attend. The July 9th forum will be in Union at the Greater Wakefield Resource Center; the August 13th forum will be at the Fire Station in E. Wakefield. These forums will begin at 7 p.m.

We hope to you can attend one of these forums to share you thoughts and comments with the Planning Board.