The Town of Northbridge is updating its Master Plan. This plan will lay out a vision for Northbridge’s future over the next ten years and provide a roadmap for achieving community goals. There are many opportunities to get involved, including open monthly meetings, a community survey, and a workshop.
What is a Master Plan?
A Master Plan is a comprehensive community plan that explores important topics such as land use, natural resources, economic development, housing, transportation, and other themes.
Through the planning process, Northbridge will assess its challenges and opportunities by collecting research and input from the community. Once written, the Master Plan will lay out a vision for Northbridge’s future and strategies to achieve it.
Master Plans require periodic updates. Issues, challenges, and resident preferences can change a lot in 10-20 years, which is the typical horizon of a Master Plan. Northbridge’s current Master Plan was written in 1994.
How does a Master Plan help Northbridge?
A Master Plan helps a community
- Manage growth and change
- Provide for orderly and predictable development
- Protect environmental resources
- Set priorities for developing and maintaining infrastructure and public facilities
- Strengthen local identity
- Create a framework for future policy decisions
- Promote open, democratic planning
- Provide guidance to landowners, developers, and permitting authorities
Master Plan Steering Committee
Mission Statement
The Northbridge Master Plan Steering Committee is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive planning process that engages the community in shaping the future of our town. Our mission is to:
- Engage Public Input: Actively seek and incorporate the ideas, concerns, and aspirations of Northbridge residents to ensure the Master Plan reflects the collective vision of our community.
- Provide Direction and Oversight: Guide the development of the Master Plan by establishing strategies for public involvement, ensuring timely progress, and reviewing data, findings, and recommendations.
- Promote Transparency and Inclusivity: Foster openness and inclusivity through continuous dialogue and communication with consultants, stakeholders, and community members.
- Support Community Priorities: Develop a Master Plan that aligns with Northbridge’s values and priorities, addressing current needs and anticipating future opportunities.
Through dedicated service and commitment to our roles, we aim to create a comprehensive and actionable Master Plan that will enhance the quality of life for all residents and ensure a vibrant, sustainable future for the Town of Northbridge.
Roles and Responsibilities
Members of the Master Plan Steering Committee (MPSC) will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our town by building a shared vision and representing the thoughts and aspirations of residents of Northbridge. The MPSC responsibilities will include:
Review and Feedback
- Survey Language: Review and provide feedback on the language used in community surveys to ensure clarity and relevance.
- Outreach Materials: Propose changes to and approve outreach materials such as postcards, flyers, and other promotional items to effectively communicate with the public.
- Agendas for Community Forums and Public Meetings: Review and refine agendas to ensure they are comprehensive and inclusive.
- Draft Chapters and Recommendations: Analyze and provide constructive feedback on draft chapters of the Master Plan and proposed recommendations.
- Goals, Objectives, and Action Items: Review, suggest modifications, and formally approve goals, objectives, and action items that align with the town’s vision.
Input and Updates
- Progress/Updates on Action Items from the Prior Master Plan: Provide input on the progress of action items from the previous master plan to ensure continuity and address ongoing priorities.
- Identifying Issues and Opportunities: Highlight issues and opportunities that the new plan should prioritize based on feedback from town boards, committees, and stakeholders.
- Outreach to Networks: Engage with your professional and personal networks within the town to recruit survey respondents and encourage participation in forums and meetings.
Facilitation and Public Engagement
- Assist with Facilitation: Help facilitate public forums and meetings as needed to ensure productive and inclusive discussions.
- Engage with the Community: Actively participate in public engagement efforts to gather diverse perspectives and foster a sense of community involvement in the planning process.
Their commitment and input are invaluable to creating a Master Plan that reflects and supports our community’s priorities and goals. Thank you for being so dedicated to this important work.
Monthly Meetings
The Master Plan Steering Committee (MPSC) meeting schedule will be determined shortly. Please join us or check out the meeting recordings and minutes.
Get Involved
Community Survey
Your voice counts! Take a few minutes to complete our survey and shape Northbridge’s future. Your input guides our community’s growth. Let’s plan together for a better tomorrow! Fill out the survey now and make a difference.
Paper copies are available for pick-up and drop-off at Town Hall (7 Main Street) and the Planning Offices (1679 Providence Road).
Master Plan Community Workshop
Stay Connected
Make sure to follow the Town of Northbridge Master Plan Facebook page for more information about the project!
Sign Up for Email Updates
Plan Timeline
Check back later for the timeline of the Master Plan process!
Project Documents
Relevant Prior Plans & Studies
