RANGELEY —The Board of Selectmen Monday, May 20 voted to accept a working draft of the proposed updated Comprehensive Plan. Residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on the proposed updates during a public hearing Wednesday, June 18, at 6 p.m. at Rangeley Lakes Regional School.

The board began reviewing segments of the proposed plan in January. The current Comprehensive Plan was adopted Sept. 13, 2012.

While preparing the updated document, community planner Donna Larson Kane of LK Planning and members of the Comprehensive Review Committee considered input from local and regional stakeholders.

In an email Thursday, May 15, Larson explained the purpose behind the plan and the updates.

“A Comprehensive Plan is a town’s opportunity to look at where they are, where they’ve been, and where they want to go,” she said. “In short, it requires looking at population and demographic changes, the town’s history, its housing stock and local economy, all its natural resources, and the transportation and public infrastructure. Data is reviewed, maps are made, and opportunities for citizens, business owners and local organizations are created to hear what they want for their community. As the Plan develops, needs and wants for the future are identified and ideas are generated for the town to consider as solutions.  It’s a big first step, but the work isn’t done. A Plan’s value is only realized if its ideas are scrutinized and they evolve into new policies, projects and ordinances.”

Town Manager Joe Roach said the major points addressed by the updates include housing, and land use and density changes in some areas.

“Residents, business owners, and local organizations all expressed the need for more housing,” Larson added. “Housing that is suitable and affordable for seasonal workers, year-round workers, young families, and senior citizens. Rangeley can’t attract more families and workers to town without more housing.”

Other key points taken into consideration include the need for more healthcare services and maintaining the region’s clean lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams.

“The data shows that Rangeley’s business community is growing, the sales tax collected shows almost doubled after Saddleback re-opened,” Larson added. “The Plan suggests some bold steps to expand housing opportunities, expand and diversify the local economy, all while protecting the abundant and fragile natural resources.”

For example, the plan suggests allowing higher density residential uses in the village, more mixed use of residential and commercial uses together, more forestry and timber related uses, and new ordinances to protect natural resources.

The draft is available in its entirely on the town’s website.

It is anticipated that the finalized plan will be presented to voters at a special town meeting in the fall.