Now is your opportunity to influence the new Rockport Comprehensive Plan. It has been 17 years since the document was last refreshed, and the Comprehensive Plan Committee is seeking input from residents and property owners. This is the perfect opportunity to be heard, and we encourage you to engage in whatever way you feel most comfortable.
There is a public hearing on November 9 at 5:30PM in the Rockport Opera House. You can voice your opinion publicly. You can also participate in the online survey and “idea wall” at your convenience.
The Comprehensive Plan is how the Town of Rockport sets long term goals and the document is meant to influence both policy and ordinances. As we know well from the Rockport Harbor Hotel debacle, the best intentions are not always met. Despite architectural standards and scenic view provisions, for instance, the hotel still met with approval from the Planning Board and Code Enforcement Officer. Ideally, the ordinances will become more definitive and our enforcement processes tighter. Given the misses in this case, it seems likely that qualifications will become a key factor in filling these vital roles going forward.
Update on Appeal Status: We all drive by the ever larger 20 Central Street project often and wonder ‘what ever happened to the appeal?’ Since our last update Justice Mallonee has been hard at work reviewing the briefs from counsel and doing his own research on applicable law and precedent. In other words, we are still awaiting a ruling. We remain hopeful that the Justice will stand up for the Land Use Ordinance and the citizens’ petitions, and we will let you know as soon as we receive that ruling.