The pace and character of development in Blackstone Valley communities present challenges that are on the forefront of planners' daily workloads.

Community planning can help shape future growth. Both short and long term plans are critical to a successful effort and should work together to achieve a shared community vision.

Most local officials are quite familiar with planning for the short term which involves responding to changes in land use, the environment, and transportation. Establishing, implementing, and adjusting local regulations and capital funding plans, and prioritizing open space acquisitions are examples of such short-term planning efforts. Long-term planning enables communities to be proactive about future growth and is intended to have a comprehensive outlook. Comprehensive planning covers all aspects of local planning with a focus on the effects of today's decisions on tomorrow's outcomes.

In the Blackstone Valley, comprehensive plans or master plans are important tools for long term planning. Massachusetts and Rhode Island both have set standards for the preparation of a master or comprehensive plan: goals and policies, land use, housing, economic development, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, public services and facilities, transportation and circulation, and implementation must all be analyzed in order to create a long term plan for the community. Master planning prompts consideration of how different aspects of the community interact, and encourages a coordinated, organized approach to effective governmental management. Long-range community planning is essential to ensuring a well-balanced, healthy future for residents and businesses.

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[ top, right photograph by Taintor & Associates Inc. ]