Southwick’s Open Space Committee is updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan and is seeking community input.
Anne Capra of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) is working with the town to update its plan. Capra met with the Southwick Select Board April 30 to discuss the committee’s progress.
Capra has met with the committee, including Dennis Clark of the Conservation Commission, Douglas Moglin of the Planning Board and Town Planner Marcus Phelps, as well as pertinent committees throughout town.
“The state offers a guide for what is required in the plan, and there is a public process as well,” said Capra.
Part of that process is an online survey that will launch May 7 and remain open through June 30. The website is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Southwick_OSRP_Survey. The site will also be linked to on the town’s website. Paper copies of the survey will also be available at Town Hall and the Southwick Public Library.
“We will be holding a visionary session in September and will seek your endorsement,” Capra told selectmen Monday night.
“We plan to be wrapping up in December.” Moglin, chairman of the Planning Board, praised Capra and the process. “This is a much more open process than the last,” said Moglin. “She is making a good effort to get in front of all the boards.”
The update is to the 2001 plan. However, there was a less substantial update in 2006. The Open Space and Recreation Plan provides guidance based on community input for active stewardship of open space, water resources, plant and animal habitat, neighborhood parks, and quality outdoor recreation facilities. Capra said completing the survey would help the committee set goals and priorities and take action for the coming years.
The board signed-off that they were engaged in the process and will review the plan once complete.
