Douglas Master Plan
Douglas, Massachusetts

The 2000 census reports Douglas as having a population of just over 7,000, a nearly 30% increase for the decade. In 1998, the Town began a Master Plan process that has provided a framework for the community to progress towards a vision of itself in the year "2020".

Among the short-term recommendations made in 1998 were a number of changes to the Town's zoning ordinance in order to accomplish a variety of land use-related goals. These included:

• shaping the form of new residential subdivisions to better reflect the   town's established pattern by adopting flexible development, cluster   development, and scenic roads bylaws;
• prioritizing open spaces for potential acquisition; and
• making several targeted changes to encourage small scale and mixed use commercial development that fits into the community's village pattern.

In addition, in response to a 30% increase in population of the past decade,
several goals expressed the need to improve public facilities in order to meet Town demands. An aggressive school construction program was outlined in the Plan, and is currently being pursued. In June of this year, the new Douglas High School ribbon-cutting ceremony was held.

This year a state grant funded an Economic Development study which is expected to recommend zoning changes to spur business growth throughout the community.

Contact:

Steve Zisk, Planning Director
508.476.4000 ext. 105