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SPENCER – The Planning Board on February 18 had an overview look at a draft of the master plan, the culmination of work since January of 2023. It was called “a roadmap for the next 10 years,” by its project manager Lauren Vivier, former town planner/conservation agent.
Overseeing the plan creation was a six-member board comprised of representation from the Board of Selectmen, Planning Board and community-at-large.
Vivier noted that input from public forums played an important role in identifying the priorities of Spencer residents, which include economic development, downtown revitalization and quality of life, to name a few.
Community participation in the process included two workshops that attracted 70 and 65 participants, respectively and 360 survey respondents.
The 300-page plan is divided into chapters of goals, objectives and action items and Vivier said its authors tried to use “comprehensible” wording that is reader-friendly for the general public. A glossary is included to define technical terminology.
Residents expressed they want to chart a direction for the town that balances economic growth while maintaining the community’s open space and historical and cultural resources.
The project manager talked about the need to advance previous town revitalization efforts and use the existing housing production and recreation plans, which align, as guides.
She noted the Planning Board would be involved in implementing many of the suggestions through zoning changes, outreach and education to developers, incentives and “staying on top of this…The master plan is like a workbook.”
A small number of hard copies of the draft document will be distributed to the library, town administrator’s office and planning office, she added. The intent is to put the plan online for access in the future.
In other business, the Planning Board voted to re-affirm its prior action recommending HJ Perron Road and Taylor Drive Road as town roads. The matter will next go back to the Board of Selectmen for review.
Town Administrator Jeff Bridges explained that it appears the proper paperwork was not filed following Town Meeting in November 2006. Although Town Meeting accepted the roads, there is no documentation recording that action.
“We have considered these town roads for purposes of Chapter 90 and road miles,” Bridges said.
Planning Board chair Robert Ceppi questioned why the Planning Board needed to vote on anything, saying it had done so nearly 20 years earlier, following proper procedures.
“I feel like the Board of Selectmen dropped the ball and we should let them pick it back up and not have involvement,” Ceppi said.
Bridges noted the Planning Board makes a recommendation and it is up to the Board of Selectmen to place items on the Town Meeting warrant.
The reaffirmation vote “moves along,” the matter back to selectmen, which “makes sense,” according to the town administrator.
For Garrett Lane, the situation is a little different. Back in 1997, the Planning Board did not keep minutes. The only mention of the road is a letter with a legal description from an attorney and plans.
There is no documentation saying where the process stopped and there is no indication it made it to the Board of Selectmen and then Town Meeting.
“I can’t re-review stuff we don’t have,” said Ceppi. “I don’t want the liability on this board saying it is approved or not.”
The chair suggested the issue be sent to the Board of Selectmen to handle.
Bridges pointed out Garrett Lane is different from the earlier two roads. Not only does it appear Town Meeting did not consider it, the lane is also not on the Chapter 90 list.
Additionally, although it is plowed, it has not been maintained according to Superintendent of Utilities and Facilities Pete Boria.
Maintenance includes making repairs and filling in potholes, Boria said.
Like private roads, Garrett Lane is plowed for safety reasons so that emergency vehicles can get through to the houses, he said.
The Planning Board took no action on the issue. Bridges said it would go to the Board of Selectmen 45 days after it was first referred to the Planning Board on January 28.
