Southwick Master Plan Panel Approves Three Action Items, Welcomes New Member

SOUTHWICK — May 6, 2026 — Southwick's Master Plan Implementation Committee unanimously approved three action items and reviewed a 16-of-20 submission rate for year-one completions at its May 6 meeting. Chair Norm Cheever, Diane Gale, and new member Brian Menard — constituting a quorum of three — voted to reaffirm acceptance of Facilities and Services item 3.8, which calls for identifying ways to recruit residents to town committees, and to accept as complete two Planning Board land-use items: a zoning diagnostic analysis and a study of potential additional zoning committees. Gale noted that a second public master plan survey, described as more detailed than earlier rounds, is now active on the town website and asks residents specifically where they want businesses, recreation facilities, and housing development sited. The committee also reviewed a draft rules document clarifying roles for lead organizations, support organizations, and the committee itself, with Menard successfully proposing that one directive be softened from "give" to "suggest." Four of 20 year-one action items remain unsubmitted ahead of the June 30 deadline, with the Agricultural Commission, Economic Development commission, and Historical Commission among the stragglers.