The Central Mass Regional Planning Commission partnered with the Town of Dudley Master Plan Steering Committee to host a community workshop on Saturday, June 27 at Shepherd Hill Regional High School.

A master plan is a long-range, strategic roadmap that outlines the town’s priorities and vision. It provides a framework for future decisions regarding such issues as housing, transportation, open space, historic preservation, recreation, economic development, land use, public facilities, and climate resilience. But it only works if community members participate in its creation.

People at the workshop participated in various interactive activities, including identifying the town’s strengths, assets, and opportunities for preservation; mapping recreation amenities and transportation issues; ranking housing needs; and allocating “Dudley Dollars” to public services. Residents reflected on their experiences in town and shared ideas for the town’s future in a visioning activity.

Dudley residents and community members are encouraged to take the Master Plan Survey. Paper copies are available at the town hall, the Pearle L. Crawford Library, and the senior center for picking up and dropping off. The survey can also be found online at surveymonkey.com/r/DudleyMasterPlan 

Insights from community workshops and the survey will be instrumental in developing the Dudley Master Plan, which is currently underway. The more input organizers have, the better able they will be to realize citizens’ priorities.