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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
There will be two upcoming workshops where applications will be available for a new affordable 3 bedroom house to be built on Gude St. Please click here for more details.
2012 MASTER PLAN
LUTHER'S CORNERS VILLAGE PARKING AND TRAFFIC CIRCULATION STUDY
A study was recently completed for Luther's Corners, which anaylzed parking and traffic circulation. Many good recommendations, based on observed conditions, have been made, which will look to improve the village. Please click here to read. We discussed the plan at a public forum on October 2nd at the Seekonk Congregational Church and gained valuable feedback. The State has been petitioned for approval and funding. The key points of the plan are as follows:
- Designate left-hand turn only lanes with associated signals for both approaches on Fall River Ave and eastbound on County St (coming up the hill out of E. Prov).
- Create high visibility cross-walks and pedestrian count-down timers at the intersection as well as raised cross-walks at the entrances to the Village along Fall River Ave (in front of the Seekonk Congregational Church and at Smith St)
- Create a refuge lane for drivers turning into the Dunkin Donuts and gas station, which will remove the conflict of that movement with drivers continuing north on Fall River Ave
- Install streetscape improvements, which will include street trees and ornamental lighting.
SEEKING COMMITTEE MEMBERS - Economic Development Advisory Committee and Energy Committee
Seekonk is interested in forming an Economic Development Advisory Committee and an Energy Committee. We are updating our Master Plan currently and these are two of the action items within the Plan. The Planning Board and BOS have both endorsed the idea of establishing such committees. We’ve put together a description of what these committees could do for the Town and need to solicit membership now. Anyone interested in serving on either committee please contact the Board of Selectmen's office.
PERMITTING GUIDE
The Planning Board has recently adopted a Commercial/Residential Permitting Guide. This comprehensive guide has been prepared to help you with your development. It is not intended to be a legal guide, but to assist you in beginning the permitting process. Each municipal department controls local licenses and permits. This guide is intended to assist the business owner/developer to research what is allowed and to what extent; which licenses and/or permits will be needed; as well as provide important department and contact information.
HOUSING PRODUCTION PLAN
The Town has completed the final draft of the Housing Production Plan. This document outlines the town's housing needs and stragegies for addressing them. The Planning Board has adopted the Plan. Adoption by Board of Selectmen will be required prior to being submitted to the State.
New HUD data recently released indicating median household income for a family of four in Seekonk is $74,500. A household of four qualifies for affordable housing if income is 80% of that or $59,600. See HUD website for more details:
Seekonk is served by Pro-Home, Inc, a non-profit organization with a mission to produce affordable housing and prevent foreclosures. Check out their website to learn more: |
CENSUS DATA
The 2010 Census Data indicates that our population is now at 13,722, a 2.2% increase since the last census. More detailed information will be released by the end of August. The 2010 Census didn’t provide questions on income and employment as they replaced the long form with the American Community Survey (ACS). This is an annual count, which is produced from surveys sent to scientifically-selected random households. For towns as small as Seekonk, only 5-year estimates (2005-2009) are provided for statistical purposes.
Mission
The Planning Board handles the following duties for the Town:
Review of Development Plans: The Planning Board reviews plans submitted by applicants who want to develop their land as esidential, commercial or other uses. The Board must follow plan review procedures that are outlined in the Massachusetts General Laws, the Seekonk Subdivision Rules and Regulations and the Seekonk Zoning By-Laws in their consideration of plans for the subdivision of land as well as site plans for commercial and industrial uses.
Guide the Zoning Amendment Process: The Planning Board or the townspeople can initiate the process of amending our local zoning. The Board guides any proposed zoning changes through a detailed procedure outlined in the Massachusetts General Laws. Town Meeting approves final zone changes. The Attorney General’s office then approves any changes for the town.
Other Planning: This Board is also responsible for the review and development of the Town’s Master Plan or Comprehensive Plan. This plan addresses future land use, economic development, sustainability, open space and recreation, housing, public facilities and services, and transportation. The current Master Plan was adopted in 2012 (see link above). The usual life of such a plan is considered to be 5 to 10 years. Seekonk is one of few towns in Massachusetts to have a current Master Plan.
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