About
Norfolk 2035 is a town-wide master planning process that will provide the basis for decision-making in Norfolk for the next ten years. The process allows Norfolk community members to evaluate the town’s strengths, identify issues and challenges, and envision the type of community Norfolk would like to be in the future.
The Town is working with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) on the project, which is guided by a steering committee comprised of Norfolk Planning Board members and other at-large members. The process is strengthened through engagement with Norfolk residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.
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Upcoming Events
MAPC is providing an update on the Master Plan process to the following boards, committees, and organizations, including sharing draft goals:
- Norfolk Lions Dinner Meeting (Tuesday, November 28 at The Grange)
Aside from these meetings, Norfolk residents are invited to review and provide feedback on draft goals on their own time, using one of the two online methods:
- Click here to review the draft goals. After you are done, you can provide general feedback using a simple online comment form.
- If you want to provide more detailed feedback, check out the Draft Goals Dashboard. You can weigh in on each individual goal and offer more detailed suggestions.
The next Master Plan Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 6 at 7:00 p.m. Find meeting agendas and viewing information on the Town’s website.
Defining the Vision and Understanding Issues
MAPC has been conducting background research and analysis to understand existing conditions for the different focus areas (like land use, transportation, community facilities, etc.). From April to June 2023, a series of engagement events were held to help MAPC understand local needs and challenges. Over 100 people attended public forums, including a kick-off event at the Freeman Kennedy School, a remote workshop aimed at households with children, a morning event at the River’s Edge community center, and an evening conversation hosted by the Norfolk Small Business Association.
A community survey was open for this same period, and targeted outreach at Norfolk Baseball Opening Day and Norfolk Community Day helped spread the word and increase participation. Around 1,000 people participated in the survey!
View the draft existing conditions report.
Click the drop-down menu options below to see what feedback was gathered through these events.
Working Towards a Plan, Identifying Goals and Strategies
Now that the first phase of engagement is complete, MAPC and the Master Plan Steering Committee have identified draft goals that address challenges identified in Phase One. Norfolk residents are invited to review and provide feedback to further refine the goals.
Click here to review the draft goals.
At the end of the master planning process, the Town of Norfolk will have a clearer understanding of what Town priorities should be and how strategic investments and other implementation efforts can achieve the community’s desired future. The Master Plan will provide a foundation for future decision-making by the Town’s boards and committees, including Town Meeting, and provide opportunities for the community to hold leaders accountable to achieving shared goals.
Project Timeline
| Winter/Spring 2023 Existing Conditions Analysis |
Spring/Summer 2023 Community Visioning |
Fall 2023 Drafting Goals |
| Winter 2023/2024 Identifying Strategies and Creating the Plan |
Past Meetings
Norfolk Steering Committee #7
November 6, 2023
Reviewed outreach and engagement to-date on the draft Master Plan vision and goals
Norfolk Small Business Association October Meeting
October 23, 2023
The Master Plan team provided an update to the SBA, after joining a prior meeting in June, to share the draft Master Plan vision and goals.
There is no meeting recording for this event.
Norfolk Steering Committee #6
September 26, 2023
Workshopped draft Master Plan goals for feedback from the Steering Committee
Workshop: Business Owners
June 26, 2023
This Workshop provided an opportunity for local business owners to provide their input on the Master Plan.
There is no meeting recording for this event.
Workshop: Parents and Children Caregivers
May 24, 2023
This Workshop provided an opportunity to discuss issues that are important to families and allow them to contribute ideas to the Master Plan, especially for parents who may not have been able to attend the in-person Visioning Forum.
Briefing with Council on Aging
November 1, 2023
The Master Plan team returned the Senior Center to share an update and have a discussion on the draft Master Plan Vision and Goals.
There is no meeting recording for this event.
Norfolk Select Board Briefing
October 17, 2023
MAPC provided an update of the Master Plan process and draft goals to the Norfolk Select Board
Norfolk Steering Committee #5
August 8, 2023
A review of community survey results and highlights from existing conditions research.
Norfolk Steering Committee #4
June 13, 2023
Recap of public forums held with seniors and households with children.
Norfolk Steering Committee #3
May 5, 2023
A review of feedback from the Norfolk Master Plan Visioning Forum and preparation for upcoming workshops.
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Norfolk Master Plan Visioning Forum
April 25, 2023
A celebration of the launch of the Norfolk Master Plan, and an opportunity for residents to learn more about the project and contribute their ideas and input.
Steering Committee #2
April 11, 2023
A recap of the first steering committee meeting, and an interactive conversation focused on engaging residents in the project.
Steering Committee #1
March 14, 2023
MAPC introduced the project and shared early findings from the existing conditions review. Committee members shared ideas for the community engagement strategy.
Norfolk Resources
MAPC Contacts
Josh Fiala, AICP, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Planner
Andrea Harris-Long, AICP, Senior Planner
Town Contact
Richard McCarthy, Director of Planning & Development
Steering Commitee
Chad Peck, Planning Board Member
Chris Montfort, Planning Board Member
Eric Diamond, Planning Board Member
John Weddleton, Planning Board Member
Gary Sullivan, Planning Board Member
Melissa Meo, Planning Board Member
Kevin Kalkut, Select Board Member
Erin Hunt, Resident
Dan Feyock, Resident
Joe Burke, Resident
Jen Pittore, Resident
Master Plan Ambassadors
Charles Iacono, Resident
Pat Day, Resident
Colby Fillippelli, Resident