Contact: Jessica Allan, Senior Planner, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission 413 781-6045.
Doug Stefancik, Ludlow Town Planner 413 583-5624 ext. 282
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2009
Ludlow Residents Comment on Positive, Negative Aspects
of Community
More than 50 Ludlow residents and key stakeholders expressed issues, concerns, and recommendations for the community’s future during three days of interviews facilitated by staff of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.
Key concerns voiced by interviewees included unplanned development, or suburban sprawl, particularly around Miller Street and upper East Street. Traffic along Ludlow’s main routes, especially those that provide access to the town’s neighboring communities, was also a concern. Participants also expressed support for increased parking, especially within the downtown area and along East Street.
Interviewees also commented on the many strengths of the community, including its high social capital, small town character, safeness, and support for cultural and family activities.
The 50-minute, confidential interview sessions were held in mid-June as part of the Ludlow Master Plan process, to help the master plan committee uncover underlying issues and concerns in the community and hence develop goals and strategies for the next 10 to 15 years.
These community stakeholder interviews were the first of three public events to be held as part of this planning process. In September, the committee will release a comprehensive community survey to all residents, and a weekend-long Visioning Session has been planned for November 13-14.
For full results of the community stakeholder interview sessions, along with additional information about the master plan process, visit the Ludlow Master Plan website at www.ludlowmp.org.