Community Planning

The Old Colony Planning Council Region is a sustainable region that increases the vitality of our society, economy, and environment for current residents and future generations. The overarching goals of the Regional Plan are simple but ambitious: to create and protect communities that are complete and connected, which provide innovative mobility choices that support a sustainable and healthy region, a vibrant economy, and an outstanding quality of life for all.

A Master Plan is a long-range plan, typically five to fifteen years, that provides a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of community development and serves as a policy guide for the community. It is not a zoning bylaw or regulation but a public policy document to manage growth and change. Provides for orderly and predictable development, protection of environmental resources. Sets priorities for developing and maintaining infrastructure and public facilities to strengthen local identity. Creates a framework for future policy decisions to promote open, democratic planning and provide guidance to landowners, developers, and permitting authorities

Zoning processes attempt to ensure compatible land use patterns by minimizing conflicts between uses thereby protecting property values and enhancing the urban environment. How communities use land within their boundaries is referred to as Land Use Policy. Effective land-use policy adapts to fast-changing environmental, social, and economic conditions.

Development Guides and Zoning – Land Use and Development Planning that takes into consideration existing land use, development trends, and environmentally sustainable policies to develop appropriate zoning recommendations to guide maximum density and intensity of development for both residential and commercial uses and provides the framework for how the community will plan and address the numerous land use challenges it faces. The land use element also utilizes short-term programs and long-term strategies to provide flexible and comprehensive guidelines for dealing with local and regional development scenarios.

Housing is a very basic need for every individual. With the opportunities and challenges that come with growth and new development, the region must be attentive to how we address the housing needs of the region’s population while protecting our environment, supporting our economy, and enhancing our communities. Our success depends on ensuring the availability of a variety of housing types and densities, as well as an adequate supply of housing affordable at all income levels, to meet the diverse needs of both current and future residents.

Housing affordability continues to be a major challenge for the region. Housing costs are a greater burden for many households today than a decade ago, leaving less for other basic needs and amenities. Housing demand exceeds supply in many areas of the region, resulting in rising rents and sale prices. More and more residents are experiencing the strain of spending 30 percent or more of their income on housing, which is the US Census threshold for identifying cost-burdened households.

Renters face a considerable shortage of affordable housing opportunities. With housing prices significantly outpacing income growth over the last several years, it has become more difficult for low-, and moderate-, and even middle-income households to purchase first homes. Homeownership rates for minorities remain well below the average rate for all households. Finding affordable housing options near employment centers can be difficult for many workers.

Low-to middle-wage workers, such as teachers, health-care professionals, retail workers, administrative personnel, police officers and firefighters, who are essential to the economic and social vitality of a community, often cannot afford to live in the places where they work. The imbalance between where people live and where people work can result in longer and more expensive commutes. More driving also leads to worsening air quality, including greenhouse gas emissions.

The purpose of an Open Space and Recreation Plan is to inventory, assess, and plan for future open space and recreation resources. The plan identifies natural and recreational resources within a community and takes inventory of all open space within. Incorporates public input to better serve the community’s needs, build support for various efforts, and encourage the public participation in protection of important resources.

The OSRP will address the threats of climate change and recommends actions to adapt to and mitigate these threats and identifies strategies for directing development and resource protection. As required by the Guidelines of the Division of Conservation Services, an OSRP updates the social and environmental profiles of the town, discusses influences of present growth and development trends, inventories existing conservation and recreation areas and facilities, and examines community recreation needs. The Plan will provide community goals and objectives to preserve and enhance resources. Finally, it summarizes implementation actions in the Seven Year Action Plan towards achieving the goals.

OCPC is committed to including people of all ages and abilities in planning and civic processes and strives to meet the needs of all residents – children and older adults alike. Given our aging population, now is the time to pay particular attention to furthering age-friendly initiatives in our communities. OCPC is committed to providing services and programs that enhance quality of life and enable older adults to live with dignity while maintaining their health and independence. To that end, OCPC has joined the global movement of age-friendly communities.

In 2018, Massachusetts joined the movement, becoming one of only eight states designated Age-friendly by AARP. The Commonwealth’s Age-Friendly Action Plan was launched in 2019 with the mission of “amplifying, aligning, and coordinating local, regional, and statewide efforts to create a welcoming and livable Commonwealth as residents grow up and grow older together.