Foxborough Residents to Hear Master Plan's Initial Findings

(PRESS RELEASE)

On Thursday, May 24, at the McGinty Room of the Public Safety Building, lead economic development consultant for the master plan for Foxborough Kathleen McCabe will present her team’s initial findings.

Interested citizens are encouraged to attend, with registration starting at 6:30 p.m. and the program beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m.

Funds to update the town’s over 40 year old master plan were voted at the 2011 Foxborough Town Meeting. Since that time, the planning board has been busy developing a scope, preparing a request for proposals, and selecting a consultant for the four exceptional responses.

McCabe and her team, including Pare Associates of Foxborough, were selected by the planning board to prepare an economic development plan and strategy for the town.

This is required so that town can apply for various state grants and will include the town’s goals with respect to industrial or commercial development, affordable housing, and preservation of parks and open space. Another key part of McCabe’s work is developing a Downtown strategy for the Town Center.

McCabe, her team and the planning board began the master planning process with a two-day open house in March.

More than 225 citizens attended and offered ideas for places that should be preserved or protected, problem areas that should be addressed, and other ideas.

A public survey, available on-line and at various places around town during April, was completed by nearly 500 citizens; participation in a “business” survey was similarly enthusiastic.

Observations from the open house and other listening sessions, survey results, and the consultants’ information gathering will all be incorporated in the presentation on May 24.

Additionally, attendees will be invited to participate in exercises that will give McCabe and the team more data about the preferences and thoughts of the townspeople.

A presentation on the economic plans and strategy for the town center is scheduled for Thursday, June 24, at Foxborough High School. Wrap up of the entire plan is scheduled for September.

If you have any questions, please visit www.foxboroughmasterplan.com or call the Planning Board at 508-543-1250.