Tisbury Planning Board Seeks Applicants for Master Plan Steering Committee

The Tisbury Planning Board has launched their Master Plan process with immediate plans to select members to a Master Plan Steering Committee, expected to begin work in early 2022. Steering Committee members will work closely with the Town’s planning consultants and the Planning Board to guide the development of the Master Plan. The committee will assist the consultant team in the development and implementation of community outreach activities, attend public meetings, and serve as a liaison between the community and the planning consultants. They will review and provide input on interim documents and participate in the final review of the draft plan. 

The Planning Board seeks to convene a committee of volunteers with varying backgrounds and skill sets and members that reflect the different voices of Tisbury. They are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about the development of the master plan, collaborative, thoughtful, and community-minded. Applications are available online at https://www.tisburyma.gov/planning-board/pages/master-plan-steering-committee.

Planning Boards are authorized to develop a Comprehensive Municipal Master Plan by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 41, 81D which requires sections on Natural & Cultural Resources, Economic Development, Housing, Land Use, Open Space & Recreation, Facilities & Services, Circulation & Transportation, plus an implementation section, describing how – and when - goals are to be achieved. This Master Plan will also address climate change, governance structure, housing production, as well as, area plans for the B-I and B-II Business Districts, and the Waterfront Commercial District.

When completed, the Tisbury Master Plan will provide broad direction in support of the Town’s long-term goals. According to Dawn Bellante Holand, Planning Board Chairperson. “Tisbury has never had a Master Plan, so we are now involved in a historic planning process which will chart the course of our town and development for years to come. A Master Plan brings clarity – and direction-to the decision-making process.” Bellante-Holand noted that an important goal of the process is to generate broad consensus. “The Master Plan will become a roadmap for the Town, and will help to ensure that individual town projects and procedures align with the Town’s long-term goals.” 

While the Planning Board will hire a consultant to guide the two-year process, public input and feedback will be valued, and welcomed at every step of the way. “We want to hear from residents, businesses, boards, and committees, to find out what’s important to them,” said Cheryl Doble, Planning Board Member. “We want to consider and include these ideas and opinions, so we can build town-wide consensus, and support for the final plan.”

All Tisbury residents have an opportunity to participate in public forums throughout the process. Residents interested in serving on the steering committee should submit a completed application or letter of interest to: Master Plan Steering Committee, c/o Tisbury Planning Board, P.O. Box 602, Tisbury, MA 02568 and/or via email to pharris@tisburyma.gov with a subject line Steering Committee Application.