WALDOBORO — The Waldoboro Comprehensive Plan Committee is launching an energetic, wide-ranging program to engage the citizens of Waldoboro in the next step in the development of the final plan. This will include one-way communications such as publicity, info-locations, and information posted on town websites, as well as targeted surveys and public forums.

According to Scott Byrd, committee chairman in a news release, "the many chances for public input in many venues should allow our committee to develop a tentative plan by June 2017. This will not only include the visioning elements that we are gathering, but concrete recommendations — such as the purchase of capital equipment by the town, or suggestions for land use — that the town can debate and hopefully accept."

The current agenda includes placing the previous Comprehensive Plan on the website "WALDOBORO. ME", as well as the more recent visioning survey. Space will also be provided on the website for a weekly poll. Further activities will include open 'coffee klatches' (conducted every Monday from 3-5 at "The Space at No. 9" (9 Friendship St) during April and May), meetings with civic organizations, and the start of citizen forums. Waldoboro Director of Planning and Development Emily Reinholt says " The Committee is excited to launch the new website WALDOBORO. ME, where residents and businesses can respond to weekly polls, get updates about the process, and stay informed as to how they can get involved."

Byrd is quick to point out that the process requires a rather full and well documented final plan for submission to the state. "There are requirements for, among others, inventories of economic and demographic trends, water and natural resources, and capital investment strategy, along with implementation plans. This is a large task, and we need the input from the citizens to help us on the path".