Master Plan

A master plan (also referred to as a comprehensive plan) is a
long-range policy document that articulates a community’s
shared vision for its future and outlines action strategies to achieve
that vision. In Massachusetts, the requirements for a master plan
are defined in Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41, Section
81D, which encourages municipalities to develop a holistic plan
for land use, housing, economic development, transportation
and circulation, natural and cultural resources, open space and
recreation, and services and facilities that provides a strong basis
for decision-making and action.
Shaping Charlemont: A Master Plan for Charlemont (Plan)
provides a coordinated framework to guide local decision-
making over the next 20 years. To develop the Plan, Town boards,
committees, staff, and residents identified pressing issues, made
decisions about top priorities, and planned to address them
in a coordinated effort. Going forward, the Plan is intended to
remain a living document—referenced, revised as needed, and
used to guide accountable implementation.

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