Planning & Community Development Department
 

The Department of Planning and Community Development is responsible for managing and coordinating the Town’s planning, development, zoning, subdivision, design review, capital improvement, housing, historic preservation, and grant programs. The Department also provides support to the Planning Board, Board of Appeals, Housing Advisory Board, Economic Development Advisory Board, Preservation Commission, and other appointed committees and task forces.

The Department’s mission focuses on providing and facilitating the highest level of service to Town residents, businesses and institutions through: timely communication and active citizen participation; strategic and proactive planning to appropriately guide and manage short and long-term development; redevelopment and capital investment; conservation of cultural, historic and environmental resources; preservation and expansion of affordable housing; initiation of economic development programs and projects to support business opportunities and the enhancement of commercial areas; and, most importantly, improvement of our community’s overall quality of life.

The Department’s FY2006 Work Program Consists of Four sub-programs. For Specific FY2006 projects and programs, please click on each Division subprogram below:

The Planning Sub-program focuses on improving the quality of life of all residents through: administration of the Zoning By-Law and design review requirements; assistance in the preparation of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP); preparation of state and federal grant applications; participation in regional planning (MAPC) and monitoring and coordination of significant developments in nearby municipalities; support of town boards, commissions, and committees; provision of technical assistance to town agencies, citizens, and groups as well as developers, attorneys, and architects on potential development applications; preparation of Zoning By-Law amendments; preparation and implementation of the Comprehensive Plan; preparation and management of design and related improvement plans; and management of Planning Board and Board of Appeals records and development applications and decisions, including the on-going monitoring of associated conditions of approval.

The Housing Sub-program works to increase the supply of affordable housing in the Town through the administration of all housing programs, including affordable housing preservation, development, and financing.

The Preservation Sub-program assists the Preservation Commission with the promotion, protection, restoration, and preservation of the Town's historical and cultural assets. The Division administers the Historic Districts and Demolition By-Laws. The Division also conducts research and provides technical information, photographs and documents regarding the Town’s historic resources.

The Community Development Administration Sub-program administers the Town's federally-funded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs.