Master Plan Implementation Committee to Detail its Progress to Planning Board

The Master Plan Implementation Committee plans to present to the Planning Board in January a report detailing their progress and outlining their plans for the future.

“There are a lot of good ideas, but there needs to be focus to keep things moving,” Planning Board Chairman Art Rugg said. “There really hasn’t been much productivity in getting things done.”

Member Mike Speltz noted the authority to complete projects the Committee takes on can only come from action of their parent organizations, such as the Planning Board. He recommended the Committee consider putting some of their recommendations on the Town’s warrant.

“Our volunteers can only do so much. Eventually, there are some things we’re just going to have to pay for,” he said.

Noteworthy progress the Committee has helped move forward in the previous year includes plans for improvements to the Town Common, which the Town Manager has proposed funding for $300,000 through a warrant article on the FY17 ballot; as well as a number of revisions to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance related to affordable housing in Londonderry.

Before the Committee presents to the Planning Board in January, members plan to take responsibility for pushing their remaining goals forward, including improving agri-tourism in Londonderry.

Additionally, members of the Committee plan to meet with the Londonderry Trailways and the Heritage Commission before the presentation to the Planning Board to further develop their ideas.

Member Ted Combes said combining the groups’ ideas will enable the Committee to go to the voters in a more organized public meeting.