Comprehensive Planning

Comprehensive planning happens on many different scales, from a corrior to a town or city, to a region. Over the next 30 years, Massachusetts will see lots of change that affects our everyday lives. The population of the Old Colony Planning Council region is expected to increase by 4.5 percent. The statewide population is projected to increase by 6.4 percent or 446,511 residents. Using comprehensive planning we can strategize how to house and transport a growing population while retaining community character and creating new amenities.

Community Planning is about improving the quality of life and making our communities more livable. It is also about ensuring that all are involved and represented in decision-making processes. OCPC’s goal is to create a welcoming sense of place with diverse housing options, connectivity, vibrant spaces, amenities, and job opportunities that support a robust economy.

FEATURED PROJECTS

Age - Friendly Action Plan for Easton

Old Colony Planning Council staff were excited to partner with the Town of Easton staff and age-friendly living committee and Boston University to update the town’s Age-Friendly Action Plan. See the goals the community created to support age-friendly housing, transportation, and communication and information.

Housing

Transportation

Communication & Information

Ongoing Projects

Master Plan East Bridgewater
Master Plan Hanson
Public Engagement Assistance Plympton
Age – Friendly Action Plan Duxbury
Housing Production Plan Plymouth
Housing Production Plan Plympton

HOUSING

Our goal is to ensure that Easton residents living at home are connected with the affordable, quality support they may need to live independently.
Our goal is to ensure that Easton’s housing stock is diverse enough to accommodate the needs of all older residents, including those who may want to downsize, move into a more affordable home, or need a home designed to be accessible to all abilities.
Our goal is to ensure that a strong partnership exists between the Town of Easton and Easton Housing Authority.

TRANSPORTATION

Our goal is to ensure that transportation services meet all the needs of older residents, improving quality of life and furthering social inclusion.
Our goal is to ensure that infrastructure continues to improve and incorporates age-friendly good practices.
Our goal is to ensure that conditions town-wide are friendly for all pedestrians, meaning that there is good walking infrastructure and that conditions for walking are safe and pleasant.

COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION

Our goal is to ensure that good communication practices are implemented to reach residents of all ages and abilities.
Our goal is to ensure that residents of all ages and abilities are aware of age-friendly initiatives in town and related resources available for all.
Our goal is to ensure that, regardless of age or ability, residents are engaged and as active in their community as they want to be.

PLANNING METHODS

Zoning and Policy

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. Whether you are looking to create a new policy that supports housing options or solar panels or are looking to revise your community’s local zoning, we can help guide the process.
Housing Production Plans

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.
Age- Friendly Communities

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.
Place Making

Placemaking can happen through large spread master plans, or they can be specific to an area such as a corridor plan or a park plan that re-envisions a space or creates controlled change over time to reflect the changing needs of a community.
Public Participation

Public participation is the center of planning, if contracted for a plan public participation is included, however, if you are looking to do a plan or project in-house, we can still assist with public participation. Our team can create flyers, posters, surveys, and in-person or hybrid workshops to engage the community in the work you are doing.
Master Planning

A Master Plan is a long-range plan, about 10 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, and 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.
Grant Writing and Management

Our staff can assist with grant writing and management. Whether you are looking to secure funding for a master plan or implement action items from existing planning documents, or you have found a new opportunity for your town or city we are here to help. Our staff are knowledgeable in grant writing and can manage and facilitate grants.