The Mass Audubon contacted me to talk about the watershed issues and about open space in Shrewsbury. At first they contacted our town manager Dan Morgado, but he told them the people of Shrewsbury were not interested in these issues. In the past Shrewsbury did not really care about space and planning issues, however I think it has changed. So of course I said sure, Waste Watchers: A support group for the planet will sponsor it. It isn’t just about pretty green trees and fluffy bunnies and vernal pools, but more practical concerns like water runoff, smart growth communities and balancing the need to increase our commercial base.
Smart growth is the new buzz phrase thanks to climate change, energy issues and the goal of sustainable communities. This doesn’t just mean placing houses and job sites around public transportation, having sidewalks and bike paths, but using your natural resources wisely. I have read a few doom and gloom reports about the fate of most suburbs and I truly believe with some planning and reaching out to Worcester, Shrewsbury could be a model and the envy of many.
If you are interested in looking at options and educating yourself regarding these issues, please read the press release below about a workshop on Tuesday, Oct 6 at 6:30pm in the Shrewsbury Public library. There will be another follow up workshop on Nov. 10, based on our interests from the first one, every community will have different needs and goals.
How do you picture Shrewsbury’s future?
Mass Audubon’s Shaping the Future of Your Community Outreach and Assistance Program can give you the tools you need for active involvement in guiding your community’s development, helping you to make a difference in your town’s future.
Program Overview
In June 2009, Mass Audubon released Losing Ground: Beyond the Footprint, documenting changes in Massachusetts’ land-use and exposing the harsh reality of habitat loss and sprawl. Over the past 40 years, the landscape of Massachusetts has been dramatically transformed. Shaping the Future of Your Community is Mass Audubon’s response to the issues revealed in Losing Ground. Working together, we can maintain the Commonwealth's natural heritage for the benefit of this and future generations.
Fall Workshop Series
In partnership with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC), the Outreach and Assistance Program will be holding series of free workshops in fall 2009, targeting communities in the Blackstone River watershed in Central Massachusetts, an identified sprawl frontier. Come help shape the future of your town with Mass Audubon’s Shaping the Future of Your Community Outreach and Assistance program. We will assist local citizens to proactively work with their local officials to plan how land in your town is developed and protected. A series of free workshops held this fall will provide residents in communities (see list below) with the tools needed for active involvement in guiding their community to a sustainable future, maintaining a high quality of life for current and future generations. Local officials, land trusts, and other interested parties are also invited.
1 comments:
Dear Town Meeting Members,
I would like to clarify my earlier email regarding open space issues in Shrewsbury. I was contacted by the Mass Audubon to assist in the hosting of these workshops simply because I have the extra time to plan and promote the event to its maximum potential.
The town will be involved in our upcoming workshop series – a clear indication that Dan Morgado and other town officials do care about environmental and land use issues and are interested in discussing community planning with Shrewsbury town residents. The event is listed on the town wepage newsite and will be taped by SMC. I apologize for my mistake, often I am the not the squirreliest squirrel at the bird feeder, more likely the nuttiest.
One aspect of the workshop will be “Visioning our Community”, we all need to be able to work together to create our vision of Shrewsbury. The workshop will be taped, for your viewing at a later date, if you are not able to attend the session on October 6th, please try to join the follow up workshop: part 2 Tools and Techniques on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 6:30pm in the Shrewsbury Public Library, in which we will create a way to move forward as a community.
Thank you for your understanding, hope to see you there.
Missy Hollenback
Precinct 9
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