CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town is embarking on its first master planning process in more than 60 years. 

 

Residents are encouraged to attend the first meeting on "Envisioning Clarksburg 2040" on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Community Center. 

 

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission is facilitating the process through a $55,000 grant from the state's One Stop Program, which BRPC has matched from its District Local Technical Assistance Program.

 

"This is to give the community opportunities to weigh in on, sort of, what their values are," said BRPC planner Andrew McKeever. "What do they see as some issues, what do they see as some potential threats? And just really give the community opportunity to ... dream."

 

The last master plan was conducted in 1965 and likely wouldn't provide any basis to start with, as the plans are for 10 for 15 years out. McKeever said the town will be starting from scratch, although the recent Municipal Vulnerability Plan could be incorporated. 

 

"Every community should have an active one. And so being able to do this will really help set the priorities for the next 15 years," he said. "So it's really important for the town of Clarksburg to have a sort of shared vision that the community can get behind. And from that sort of shared vision, we'll be able to get some very actionable items."

 

A steering committee comprised of town officials has been established to help with shepherding the process through the winter: Town Administrator Ronald Boucher; Town Treasurer Kelly Haskins; Mary Giron, School Committee; Erin Scott, Planning Board; Susan Brandon, Historical Commission; Colton Andrews, Select Board; and Martha Tanner, Agricultural Commission.