Input Sought On New Draft Of Long Range Plan

 HARWICH – With the local planning committee putting its finishing touches on the upgrade to the local comprehensive plan, the group will be conducting a community forum next Tuesday seeking public feedback on the final draft.

 The session will begin at 5 p.m. on Aug. 5 in the hearing room in town hall.  

“The local comprehensive plan (LCP) will be used to guide future growth and development in Harwich while balancing a wide variety of needs, including protection of the environmental resources, economic growth, quality of life and community character,” the reads the executive summary of the draft, which was two years in the making. 

 Local Planning Committee Chair Joyce McIntyre said it has been a joy to work with the committee, praising the select board for putting together a capable group. She said it has been a long and thorough process, and she thanked the public for its participation. Examining the strengths of the community and where it wants to be in the future, especially in this unique and critical time for Harwich — which is facing land use, housing and environmental issues — has been enlightening, she said, adding that community input was important in shaping the document.

“It’s been tremendously satisfying, especially engaging with the people in this community,” said McIntyre. 

In shaping the upgrade of the LCP,  which was last done in 2010, the local planning committee conducted a visioning postcard survey and a broader community survey that drew more than 1,000 responses in 2023. In 2024 the group conducted visioning workshops and joint meetings with the select board and planning board. In addition, the group reached out to the public, town officials and other stakeholders on housing needs when shaping the town’s housing production plan, and did additional outreach to update the open space and recreation plan.

 The committee worked closely with Director of Planning and Community Development Christine Flynn and consultants from Tighe & Bond in crafting the document. McIntyre praised Flynn’s guidance throughout the process as well as the work of Tighe & Bond. The draft includes many visual elements and is easily searchable, with background behind decisions and a lot of data.  

The document projects a vision for the town in 2050 as a vibrant and sustainable community that honors its natural beauty, historic charm and village character while meeting the needs of the residents for attainable housing to support economic and community growth.

The vision is deeply rooted in the protection of water and natural resources, recognizing their intrinsic value to the community, according to the draft.

Harwich has limited capacity to absorb additional population growth without degrading the environment, according to the plan. The Harwich Growth Policy will focus on meeting the needs of future generations for housing and economic sustainability through strategic investments in infrastructure focusing on the seven villages.

“We are dedicated to integrating new housing throughout our town. As we move forward, our work is to balance different needs and priorities, supporting both a thriving summer tourist economy and a year-round community,” the document reads.

The committee is now looking for public engagement on the final draft, which can be viewed on the local planning committee’s page on the town website.

 The updated LCP will also be placed before voters at town meeting for approval. With approval from the legislative body, the document will be presented to the Cape Cod Commission for certification of consistency with the commission’s 2018 regional policy plan.

 McIntyre said she is not sure when the plan will go before town meeting. That decision will be made by the select board, she said.