Welcome to the Long Range Planning Division of the Department of Planning & Development. This site is dedicated to specific projects and processes that fall within the planning domain. These projects and processes may come from the Comprehensive Plan or may be generated by either Planning staff or the Planning Board.
Environmental Initiatives
The Planning & Development Department, inspired by goals and objectives in the 2005 Comprehensive Plan Update, has begun to develop a series of environmental initiatives that are designed to position Ayer is a leader in local-based environmental policy. These programs include:
• Cities for Climate Protection (CCP) Program
• Alternative Energy Programs
• Sustainability Initiatives
• Re-Localization Programs
• Green Building Initiatives
• Open Space Design Development
Please visit this site often for updates on these programs or visit our page dedicated to Green Initiatives. For now, each is linked to a site that explains these concepts. Also visit the Massachusetts Smart Growth Initiative page for an introduction on some of these issues. Download a pdf file on sustainable development principles.
Devens Disposition Process
Ayer is represented on the Joint Boards of Selectmen (JBOS) in relation to the issue of Devens disposition. This space will serve as a clearinghouse for documents and information related to that process.
• March 27, 2008 Meeting Agenda (DOC)
• March 11, 2008 JBOS Letter to Undersecretary Tina Brooks, Department of Housing and Community Development (PDF)
• February 28, 2008 Meeting Minutes (DOC)
Expedited Permitting (M.G.L. Chapter 43D)
Ayer is considering the State's Expedited Permitting program. This space will follow progress in analysis and posible implementation. Please note the following resources on the program.
• Frequently Asked Questions on 43D
• Implementing Regulations for 43D
• 43D Fact Sheet
Ft. Devens Site Reuse Profile(pdf)
At STM on May 15th, Warrant Article 27 was approved which, as amended, read "To see if the Town will vote to consider supporting a scenario that would result in a portion of Devens becoming its own town, or take any action thereon or in relation thereto." This essentially provides a measure of Town support for continuing the discussions on this issue.
2005 Comprehensive Plan
The Town recently adopted a Comprehensive Plan Update and established a Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee (CPIC) to oversee timely implementation of the Plan. Please visit the links at the upper right portion of this page for further information and stay current by visiting this page often for updates and news.
2006 Commonwealth of Massachusetts Long-Range Transportation Plan
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