BRIDGEWATER - Those reviewing Bridgewater planning policy recently released a statement they think reflects the town's identity along with a series of goals to direct future land use and development.

 The feel-good statement and 15 goals, focused on land-use controls, transportation, housing, heritage, the downtown and the river, were publicized during an open house event at the Days Inn. The list was not posted in order of priority.

 "We're going to get comments; hopefully we'll get mostly positive responses," town planning director Eric Shaw said, referring to reaction to the 15 objective statements.

 "And then we'll take them to council and get them approved," he said, anticipating that could happen as early as August.

 Mr. Shaw said the planning review process is one-third complete.

 "We hope to have everything wrapped up by the end of 2012."

 A detailed policy and regulation review is the next step, essentially ending the public consultation aspect for the next few months.

 Roughly 50 people were on hand at the open house to examine the statements, which were posted on the walls, and offer responses. The evening began with a brief presentation from Mr. Shaw.

 A committee of mostly volunteers is tasked with giving feedback, offering advice and making recommendations to town council in relation to forming the new planning blueprints.

 The review got started earlier this year with the release of a community inventory report, which included mentions of strategies to maximize land use while minimizing costs, encouragement of more housing options and protection of natural features.

 Additional information about the review can be found at http://www.bridgewater.ca/planningreview on the internet.

posted on 07/19/11