Winchendon’s Draft Master Plan – A Deeper Dive (Part 4)
This is the fourth in a series of articles the Courier is publishing on the town’s draft Master Plan, which is currently open for public comment through October 15. We’ve provided summaries of the first three of nine chapters in previous Courier issues. Today we’ll look at the next three chapters, each of which deals with some aspect of our infrastructure.
The Master Plan takes a broad view of infrastructure. The Housing Chapter looks at the affordability and age of our housing stock. The Transportation and Circulation Chapter addresses our traffic and pedestrian needs, as well as the condition of our roads. The Historic and Cultural Resources Chapter considers our historic buildings and grounds as assets to be protected and leveraged.
Winchendon is faced with a large amount of aging housing stock: 45% of our stock is over 50 years old, and 31% was built before World War II. Even while our new housing unit growth has outstripped our population growth, we still have not reached the minimal number of affordable housing units required by Chapter 40B of the Massachusetts General Laws. Affordable housing is a major factor. Accordingly, the Housing Chapter goals include compliance with 40B, a greater variety of housing options, and rehabilitation of aging stock while preserving historic homes.
Compliance with 40B will be tracked by creating a Housing Production Plan which will help monitor our progress. Varied housing options include more apartments above downtown businesses, and “Cluster Development” which features closely grouped residential properties with communal open space. Aging stock should continue to be rehabilitated through Community Development Block Grants. Improved sidewalks and trails should be developed and promoted in the neighborhoods near downtown.
Winchendon has increasingly become a “commuter” town, perhaps attributed to our relatively lower real estate prices and rural beauty. We connect to the region through three major conduits: Routes 12, 202 and 140 (to Route 2). It has been difficult to accommodate both vehicular through-traffic and a pedestrian-friendly downtown. The reconstruction of our Central Street corridor in 2021 will address some but not all of our needs. The Transportation and Circulation Chapter includes measures to improve traffic safety in our downtown. It also calls for a plan to inventory and develop hiking and biking trails. Finally, it calls for an inventory and analysis of roads, bridges and culverts for prioritization and repair.
Many New England towns have used their historic and cultural resources to boost their economies and create a unique identity for their community. Winchendon has a rich history of industry and invention, and a number of important buildings and outdoor spaces that can contribute to our brand. The Historical and Cultural Resources Chapter seeks to preserve and promote our existing historic and cultural assets. We should implement Preservation Restrictions on important buildings to help insure their continued maintenance and care. Awareness of historic preservation should be extended to both town-owned and privately-owned historic properties. We can continue to plan modern-day events that celebrate our history, and engage school students in research and writing about our town’s heritage. More effort should be made to utilize historic buildings and churches for cultural and civic events.
The care and upkeep of our town infrastructure is perhaps the most obvious indicator of a town that cares about itself. These goals are difficult and expensive, but we can make gradual progress in the right direction. Please direct your comments, questions and offers for assistance at any level to Tracy Murphy, Director of Planning and Development via email at tmurphy@townofwinchendon.com or 978-297-3537.
The entire draft Master Plan is posted on the town’s website at: www.townofwinchendon.com/home/news/now-soliciting-public-input-proposed-master-plan