Draft Norfolk Master Plan 2035 - We want to hear from you!
After an 18-month process, the draft Norfolk Master Plan 2035 is available for public comment! Review the Draft Plan and share feedback through June 20, 2024, using the comment form.
About
Norfolk 2035 is a town-wide master planning process that will provide the basis for decision-making in Norfolk for the next ten years. The process allows Norfolk community members to evaluate the town’s strengths, identify issues and challenges, and envision the type of community Norfolk would like to be in the future.
The Town is working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on the project, which is guided by a steering committee comprised of Norfolk Planning Board members and other at-large members. The process is strengthened through engagement with Norfolk residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.
Get Involved!
Receive updates and invitations to upcoming events.
Upcoming Events
As we wrap up the Norfolk 2035 Master Plan, community members can review draft materials and provide feedback at the following engagement opportunities:
- Wednesday, May 15: Town Meeting flyering about the Master Plan draft
- Wednesday, June 5: Farmer’s Market Master Plan engagement booth | 3:00 - 7:00 pm. at Town Hill
- Tuesday, June 25, 7:00 p.m.: Final Master Plan Steering Committee Meeting
Defining the Vision and Understanding Issues
MAPC has been conducting background research and analysis to understand existing conditions for the different focus areas (like land use, transportation, community facilities, etc.). From April to June 2023, a series of engagement events were held to help MAPC understand local needs and challenges. Over 100 people attended public forums, including a kick-off event at the Freeman Kennedy School, a remote workshop aimed at households with children, a morning event at the River’s Edge community center, and an evening conversation hosted by the Norfolk Small Business Association.
A community survey was open for this same period, and targeted outreach at Norfolk Baseball Opening Day and Norfolk Community Day helped spread the word and increase participation. Around 1,000 people participated in the survey!
View the draft existing conditions report.
Click the drop-down menu options below to see what feedback was gathered through these events.
Working Towards a Plan, Identifying Goals and Strategies
Now that the first phase of engagement is complete, MAPC and the Master Plan Steering Committee have identified draft goals that address challenges identified in Phase One. Norfolk residents are invited to review and provide feedback to further refine the goals.
Click here to review the draft goals.
At the end of the master planning process, the Town of Norfolk will have a clearer understanding of what Town priorities should be and how strategic investments and other implementation efforts can achieve the community’s desired future. The Master Plan will provide a foundation for future decision-making by the Town’s boards and committees, including Town Meeting, and provide opportunities for the community to hold leaders accountable to achieving shared goals.
Project Timeline
| Winter/Spring 2023 Existing Conditions Analysis |
Spring/Summer 2023 Community Visioning |
Fall 2023 Drafting Goals |
| Winter 2023/2024 Identifying Strategies and Creating the Plan |
Past Meetings
Norfolk Steering Committee #12
May 8, 2024
At this meeting, there was discussion regarding comments on Master Plan draft chapters.
Norfolk Steering Committee #11
March 26, 2024
Discussion about the draft plan, final community engagement, and final committee meetings.
Norfolk Steering Committee #10
March 4, 2024
Reviewed engagement findings from the second phase of the project, the Vision Plan, recommended revisions, and prioritization for implementation.
Norfolk Steering Committee #9
January 9, 2024
Continued discussion from previous Master Plan Committee meeting about draft Master Plan strategies and reviewed outline of the draft plan.
Norfolk Steering Committee #8
December 12, 2023
At this meeting, there was a review of the project engagement events to date and a discussion of the draft Master Plan strategies.
Norfolk Lions Dinner Meeting
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at The Grange
The Master Plan team joined the Norfolk Lions for a dinner meeting to share an update on the draft Master Plan Vision and Goals. There is no meeting recording for this event.
Norfolk Steering Committee #7
November 6, 2023
Reviewed the outreach and engagement activities to date on the draft Master Plan vision and the goals at this meeting.
Briefing with Council on Aging
November 1, 2023
The Master Plan team returned the Senior Center to share an update and have a discussion on the draft Master Plan Vision and Goals. There is no meeting recording for this event.
Norfolk Small Business Association Meeting
October 23, 2023
The Master Plan team provided an update to the SBA, after joining a prior meeting in June, to share the draft Master Plan vision and goals. There is no meeting recording for this event.
Norfolk Select Board Briefing
October 17, 2023
MAPC provided an update of the Master Plan process and draft goals to the Norfolk Select Board
Norfolk Steering Committee #6
September 26, 2023
Workshopped draft Master Plan goals for feedback from the Steering Committee at this meeting.
Norfolk Steering Committee #5
August 8, 2023
A review of the community survey results and the highlights from the existing conditions research.
Workshop: Business Owners
June 26, 2023
This Workshop provided an opportunity for local business owners to provide their input on the Master Plan. There is no meeting recording for this event.
Norfolk Steering Committee #4
June 13, 2023
A recap of the public forums held with seniors and also households with children was conducted at this Steering Committee meeting.
Workshop: Parents and Children Caregivers
May 24, 2023
An opportunity to discuss issues important to families, allow them to contribute Master Plan ideas, especially for parents who may not have been able to attend the in-person Visioning Forum.
Norfolk Steering Committee #3
May 5, 2023
A review of the feedback from the Norfolk Master Plan Visioning Forum and preparation for upcoming workshops was conducted at this meeting.
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Norfolk Master Plan Visioning Forum
April 25, 2023
A celebration of the launch of the Norfolk Master Plan, and an opportunity for residents to learn more about the project and contribute their ideas and input.
Steering Committee #2
April 11, 2023
A recap of the first steering committee meeting, and an interactive conversation focused on engaging residents in the project.
Steering Committee #1
March 14, 2023
MAPC introduced the project and shared early findings from the existing conditions review. Committee members shared ideas for the community engagement strategy.
Norfolk Resources
MAPC Contacts
Josh Fiala, AICP, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Planner
Andrea Harris-Long, AICP, Senior Planner
Town Contact
Richard McCarthy, Director of Planning & Development
Steering Commitee
Chad Peck, Planning Board Member
Chris Montfort, Planning Board Member
Eric Diamond, Planning Board Member
John Weddleton, Planning Board Member
Gary Sullivan, Planning Board Member
Melissa Meo, Planning Board Member
Kevin Kalkut, Select Board Member
Erin Hunt, Resident
Dan Feyock, Resident
Joe Burke, Resident
Jen Pittore, Resident
Master Plan Ambassadors
Charles Iacono, Resident
Pat Day, Resident
Colby Fillippelli, Resident