SUMNER – The Comprehensive Plan Committee will hold a second public meeting Tuesday to continue gathering input from residents about future land use in the growing town.
The meeting will be held at the town office beginning at 6 p.m.
Input will be used to help the committee update the town’s comprehensive plan, a project that has been ongoing since September 2003.
The town’s last comprehensive plan was done in 1989. The updated plan will be presented to residents for a vote at the annual town meeting in August 2006.
Sumner, a town of 854 people, has added 120 housing units in the last 10 to 12 years and more development is projected.
At the first public meeting on Nov. 15, 25 residents broke into small groups and brainstormed about how the town should use land to accommodate future development. A common opinion among residents was that the town’s rural character needs to be preserved.
Residents also were concerned about preserving historic buildings, maintaining scenic views, and possibly encouraging “cluster housing” with buffers of trees.
They also discussed the local economy, largely comprised of people who are self employed.
Mary Ann Haxton, co-chairwoman of the committee, said Friday she was pleased with the ideas that were generated at the first public meeting.
“We were pleased with the attendance and everyone seemed engaged,” she said. “We hope to have at least as many people attend (on Tuesday.) We liked the ideas about preserving Sumner as it is, at least as far as preserving our historic and rural character.”
Plans for Tuesday’s meeting include discussions about promoting local small business owners, maintaining agriculture and open space, responsible forestry practices, and generally maintaining the town’s character.
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