To the editor

The Westport Planning Board will be holding a public hearing on Wednesday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Annex to take public comment on the  2016 Master Plan Draft that has been prepared by a specially-appointed Master Plan Update Committee.

This committee has been engaged in drawing up the new plan for three years. It has reviewed the previous Master Plan produced in 2004, conducted a town-wide opinion survey, held four public comment sessions on various aspects and issues that were being addressed in the new plan, solicited opinions and suggestion from various town boards and committees and, now, from all that, has put together a new Master Plan draft. It is this document that will be discussed at the meeting on Wednesday evening. 

The new draft plan raises important issues and recommends actions relating to the school system, the water, wastewater and stormwater facilities, public infrastructure and the adequacy of affordable and appropriate housing among other matters. It also addresses the question of mobilizing sufficient funds to meet urgent needs. The plan is intended to provide a guide for future decision-making by the town.

The public is invited to attend this hearing and provide comments on the draft plan which can be viewed at the following website: 

http://www.westport-ma.com/sites/westportma/files/uploads/master_plan_4-21-16.pdf

Copies of the Executive Summary of the new plan will be distributed at the meeting.

David C. Cole

Co-chair of the Master Plan Update Committee

Westport