About the Plan

What is Hanover 300?

Hanover 300 is a forward-looking plan for the town’s future as Hanover approaches its third centennial. Hanover 300 is a comprehensive master plan being developed by the Town of Hanover with the support of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) and under the direction of the Hanover Master Plan Committee and the Hanover Planning Department.

What is a master plan?

A master plan is a strategic framework that guides the future physical and economic development of a town or city based on the community’s vision and goals. Developing a master plan is more than just researching and writing a report. It is an open, public process through which the people of Hanover will decide future priorities to guide growth and development over the next decade. It’s a process through which town residents and business owners, and Town boards and committees, will talk to each other, listen to each other, and bring their visions for the town into alignment to achieve a set of shared goals.

When completed at the end of 2017, Hanover 300 will include 10 elements that address the following topics:

  • Hanover Today
  • Housing
  • Economic Development
  • Historic & Cultural Resources
  • Open Space & Recreation
  • Transportation & Circulation
  • Public Facilities & Services
  • Energy
  • Land Use & Zoning
  • Implementation

Here’s how it will all work.

During the course of the Hanover 300 process, residents of all ages, business owners, elected and appointed representatives, and others will be invited to weigh in on important issues facing our great town. There will be many ways to participate (click HERE to learn how). Once as much input as possible is gathered from as many sources as possible, the Master Plan Committee with assistance from MAPC will synthesize all findings, then develop a set of draft goals, strategies and actions for each element, and develop an implementation strategy for each. Once the draft plan elements are all complete, the full document will be released for public comment. Presentations and discussions will occur with residents and interested parties to solicit feedback (including at a public forum). Meetings with appointed and elected boards of Hanover will also be held to solicit feedback and guidance. Finally, after considerable input, the plan will be finalized and approved by the Planning Board. Once approved, Hanover 300will serve as the guiding planning document for the Town of Hanover over the next 10 years.

What is MAPC and what is its role in Hanover 300?

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The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is under contract with the Town of Hanover to undertake the master planning process. MAPC is the Regional Planning Agency for the 101 cities and towns that make up Greater Boston. The agency?s charge is to use planning to improve Metro Boston?s livability, its prosperity, safety, health, equity, and distinctive character. To that end, MAPC assists its municipalities with planning projects; provides them with opportunities to save money with group purchasing; and acts as a regional think-tank, offering data, analysis, advocacy, and regional collaboration.

Still interested in why a community should plan for its future? Check out this short video: