After nearly 2 years in the making and with robust public participation and input, the master plan advisory committee has developed the southwick 2040 master plan.

 

Please visit www.southwick2040.com to read more about the master planning process and next steps.

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Just a few of the recommended actions amongst the master plan chapters are:

Land Use Chapter:  
• Review & update ‘Subdivision Rules and Regulations’ to support permanent preservation of open spaces,farmland, forestland, other natural resources and  climate change strategies  to use with new construction
• Evaluate how to incorporate principles of ‘Open Space Design/Natural Resource Protection Zoning’ into zoning bylaws

Housing Chapter:
• Adopt ‘Low Impact Development’ standards for all new residential developments in town
• Use the Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan to ensure protection of Town’s open space with building new housing

Economic Development Chapter:
• Work with small business incubators to foster an environment of innovation & attract new green businesses, including sustainable agriculture
•  ‘Buy Local’ campaign with local agricultural goods & services
• Organize regular free workshops with experts on innovative agricultural practices that could benefit local farm businesses
• Organize a ‘Taste of Southwick’ with local businesses & farm products, facilitate conversation of adding local & seasonal goods into local menus

Open Space and Natural Resources Chapter:
• Establish protocols for  working with local land trusts to identify funding opportunities for land conservation in Southwick
• Create a permanent Open Space Committee that focuses on landpreservation, passive recreation, and sustainability in Southwick

Historical and Cultural Resources Chapter:
• Establish  protection of scenic landscapes and vistas and encourage compatible development

 Public Facilities and Services Chapter:
• Create and fund position for a town grant writer for all Town Hall boards

Climate Change and Resiliency Chapter:
• Create inventory of town-owned lawns and landscaped areas and determine which areas could be allowed to turned to grasses or wildflowers and create pollinator gardens on public property to help sustain local farms


 

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