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
Green Communities Program management
Industrial and commercial development
Business recruitment and expansion
Technical assistance, loans, grants and tax incentives
Departmental 2012 Highlights
- Completion of a Master Plan for the Turnpike Road Energy Park and designation as a 43D priority development site. The park will provide 85 acres of land designed to promote growth of existing small businesses in Franklin County while maintaining a low environmental impact on the community;
- Completing the environmental remediation and disposal of collapsed Strathmore Mill Building 10 to prepare the mill complex for redevelopment with assistance from the Franklin County Regional Brownfields Program;
- RiverCulture completed its 7th successful year of promoting arts and culture in Tuners Falls;
The Department provided technical assistance to the Agriculture Commission to pass a Right-to Farm bylaw;
- Solarize Mass Montague- This effort spearheaded by the Energy Committee led to the installation of 42 residential solar systems with a total of 179.5 kW of capacity. Montague was eligible because of its status as a Green Community;
- Completing an environmental assessment of 26-28, 30, and 34 East Main Street Millers Falls to support redevelopment of three mixed-use buildings in Millers Falls through the Franklin County Regional Brownfields Program.
2013 Planning Projects
Downtown Turners Falls 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 bike path, and priorities for implementation.
Turnpike Road Energy Park Master Plan- Permitting Phase
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. The town contracted the Cecil Group Inc to lead the master planning process. The recommended project includes 85 acres of developable land that has the potential to create up to 500 jobs over a 27 year build-out. The town will commence pre-development/ permitting with assistance from MassDevelopment in 2013.
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.
Community Energy Strategies Pilot Program –This program provided by the Mass Department of Energy Resources will provide technical and financial assistance to Montague to help identify, prioritize and enable a mix of clean energy strategies and incentives best suited to address local interests, needs, resources and opportunities for clean energy development. The result will be a town-wide Clean Energy Strategy.
VOLUNTEERS/INTERNS
Individuals interested in independent volunteering or internship opportunities can contact the Town Planner.
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