What is a Master Plan?
A type of long-range plan that is used by communities throughout Massachusetts to manage change. The plan serves as a town or city’s blueprint, establishing a vision and identifying goals to aid local elected officials, boards, committees, and staff to work together in a shared direction to accomplish community goals. The establishing statute is Mass. General Laws, Chapter 41, Section 81D.
Why is a Master Plan important for Chesterfield?
The existing Master Plan, which was adopted three decades ago in 1996, is due for an update, allowing for the opportunity to reimagine a shared long term vision for today’s Chesterfield.
Who is working on this project?
The Planning Board, North Star Planning, and YOU!— the community is working together to create a shared vision for the future of the town.
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March - July 2026: This task establishes the foundation for the plan through a community survey and a visioning workshop that together define shared values, priorities, and aspirations. The resulting vision and goals guide all subsequent mapping, policy, and strategy work.
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April - September 2026: This task puts the community’s vision onto a map - illustrating how growth, investment, and conservation can be organized to reflect local priorities and long-term goals. The Future Land Use Map and Narrative will guide future zoning, infrastructure, and policy decisions.
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April - October 2026: This task provides the technical backbone of the plan. Each inventory chapter compiles the data, analysis, and insights that explain where the community stands today. Together, these chapters connect the Community Vision and Goals and the Future Land Use Map and Narrative to a set of clear, implementable policies and strategies.
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October - December 2026: This task brings the process together. It combines the plan’s vision, goals, and land use framework into a unified structure, then brings that work back to the community for confirmation and refinement. The outcome is a clear path for carrying the plan forward after adoption.
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January - May 2027: This task finalizes the master plan, ensuring that it meets the standards of state statut and is ready for adoption by the Town. The process includes final drafting, revisions as needed, and preparation for the Town’s formal adoption of the plan.
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Ongoing (March 2026 - May 2027): This task occurs throughout the project and provides overall project management and coordination. It includes a project kickoff with staff, public participation planning, and ongoing communication to keep the process organized, efficient, and on schedule.