Central to the meeting was the discussion on community engagement strategies for the master plan re-examination. Michael Sullivan, involved in the planning process, outlined an approach to gather public input through various methods. These included initiating a public visioning survey to capture community feedback, open houses for focused discussions, and potential pop-up events at local venues. The board emphasized the importance of these engagements, recognizing their role in shaping the plan’s elements such as land use, housing, and circulation. The conversation highlighted the need for a layered approach to feedback, incorporating diverse perspectives from stakeholders outside the planning board.

The board also discussed forming master plan committees, debating whether to involve the entire board or create subcommittees. It was acknowledged that other towns, like Princeton, include members from environmental commissions and capital planning representatives in their committees. The board considered a structured approach to community engagement, employing digital hubs for ongoing information dissemination and proactive communication through press releases and reminders.

The meeting touched on the business district’s challenges, a recurring theme in land use discussions. A member described the district as “one of the toughest nuts to crack,” citing issues such as shallow lots and proximity to residential neighborhoods. The board acknowledged that revitalization of this area is necessary and should be integrated into the master plan to guide future changes requiring council approval.

Attention then turned to logistical aspects of the anticipated community survey, intended to inform the master plan’s development. The board proposed using community events, like the town fair, to promote the survey and increase participation, potentially through booths with QR codes for easy access. The idea of branding the master plan update with recognizable iconography was also discussed.

Further, the board considered the administrative aspect of formally engaging the appointed planning professional for the master plan work. Discussions included concerns about potential costs and the preference for working with an established planner, with the option to seek external bids if necessary. A motion was made to recommend the engagement of the planning board planner for the master plan re-examination, pending governing body approval.

In addition to the master plan topics, the board approved a resolution concerning Sandy Hook Seafood LLC, with minor grammatical adjustments that did not alter the document’s substance. The resolution passed without dissent.