Board of Planning and Community Development votes in favor of new master plan

ATHOL – The Board of Planning and Community Development has voted to approve the town’s updated master plan, and authorized municipal staff and consultants BSC Group to make administrative and formatting edits.

Developed with assistance from BSC Group, the plan outlines goals and priorities related to housing, transportation, economic development, recreation and other local issues.

“This is sort of bringing your 15- to 20-year master plan update to fruition,” said BSC Senior Planner Adam Duchesneau at the board’s meeting on June 3.

The current phase of the project began in December 2025 and built on work completed in 2024, according to Duchesneau. Engagement efforts included a community survey, a public meeting at the Athol Library, and outreach during April’s River Rat Race.

Duchesneau said the community survey generated strong participation from residents.

“You received over 135 responses, which we thought was pretty solid, actually,” he said.

The public meeting drew more than 30 people and included a presentation on survey results, discussion of community priorities and a voting exercise that allowed residents to provide feedback on proposed goals and objectives.

Duchesneau said the vision statement was created using feedback gathered throughout the planning process.

“I think this is the foundation of all the goals, all the objectives, all the work that’s gone into this plan,” he said.

The vision statement describes Athol as a place where residents and business owners know and support one another, public institutions provide high-quality services, downtown serves as a hub of activity, and the Millers River remains a key asset and driving force of the town’s cultural identity.

According to Duchesneau, the master plan final document contains 50 goals and objectives covering topics such as transportation, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, and land use. Each goal includes implementation strategies, identifies responsible parties, and establishes timeframes ranging from one to three years, to 7 to 10 years.

The plan also identifies potential funding sources that could help support future projects and initiatives.

Duchesneau said the final document will be available in a searchable digital format, allowing residents to search by keyword and review recommendations related to specific topics.