Town Planner

The Town Planner serves as the Town’s principal professional advisor on land use planning, zoning administration, and development review. The position plays a central role in guiding orderly growth, protecting community character, and ensuring that development is consistent with local regulations, state law, and the Town’s long-term planning goals.

The Town Planner administers and interprets the Zoning By-Law and applicable provisions of Massachusetts General Law; provides technical, procedural, and policy support to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and other boards, committees, and departments; and coordinates the review of subdivision, site plan, special permit, and zoning relief applications. The Planner also serves as a primary point of contact for residents, property owners, developers, and consultants, offering guidance on permitting requirements, review processes, and regulatory compliance.

Additional responsibilities include supporting long-range and strategic planning efforts, assisting with by-law updates and policy development, coordinating grants and planning studies, and facilitating interdepartmental and regional collaboration. Through these efforts, the Town Planner helps promote sound planning practices, transparent decision-making, and development that advances the public health, safety, and general welfare of the Somerset community.


Revision/Recodification of the Somerset Zoning Bylaws

As part of the Town’s Master Planning process, Somerset undertook a comprehensive review of its Zoning Bylaws to ensure they support sustainable development, land preservation, and the Town’s long-term community vision. This effort focuses on revising and recodifying the bylaws to improve organization, increase efficiency, streamline enforcement, and make them more accessible to the public.

The recodification will follow a two-step process, beginning with a diagnostic review by legal counsel to identify deficiencies, followed by an in-depth analysis of existing regulations and key areas of concern. The Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals will also contribute by identifying recommended zoning changes and challenges within the current application process.

To support this effort, the Zoning Recodification Committee hosted a public informational meeting to gather feedback from residents and businesses on how the zoning process is used and how it can be improved. The presentation from that meeting is available below.

Route 103 Access Study

The Town of Somerset in collaboration with the Southeastern Regional Economic Development District (SRPEDD) has embarked on the Route 103 Access Study to ensure safety, provide more efficient trips for motorists and improve access to the local businesses situation along the roadway. The Access Study is a direct result of the I-195 Exit 4 study recommendations. The limits are between the Lees River and the Town owned property past Brayton Point Road. The Route I-195 Exit 4 Study laid out the need due to an excessive number of driveways, including wide driveways that result in multiple, closely spaced points of conflict, creating safety issues along the corridor with vehicles entering and exiting. This is amplified by the heavy truck traffic on the corridor.

SRPEDD held a public meeting on April 27, 2021. Residents and business owners will have the opportunity to discuss and provide input on issues and concerns along the corridor. SRPEDD is also providing residents and businesses the opportunity to provide feedback via a survey. Click on the link below in order to submit your comments:

Somerset Master Plan

The Town of Somerset undertook an 18-month process to update its Master Plan, engaging residents, business owners, and local stakeholders to shape its vision and recommendations.

A Master Plan outlines the community’s current state and future goals, assessing resources, needs, and shared values. It serves as a policy guide and framework for future land use and development decisions, addressing not only infrastructure but also social, environmental, and economic priorities.

Covering a 20-year horizon, the Plan is reviewed periodically to stay aligned with the community’s evolving needs and integrates closely with other municipal initiatives. It is not a regulatory document but provides the foundation for tools like zoning ordinances and capital improvement programs.

The finalized Master Plan will be a living document, reviewed annually and updated as needed. The Planning Board will oversee its implementation, coordinating efforts to meet Somerset’s long-term goals.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Plan

Somerset participated in the Commonwealth's Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program. This program provides support for towns in Massachusetts that mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural hazards. Communities that complete the MVP program become certified as an "MVP community" and are eligible for State grant funding and other opportunities.

The goal of the MVP planning process is to raise awareness about the dangers posed by natural hazards and identify priority actions to improve resilience to the significant natural hazards that the community faces. On October 15, 2019, community members participated in a workshop with local and regional leaders to: Characterize the hazards facing the community, Identify community vulnerabilities and hazards, Identify and prioritize community actions, Determination overall priority actions for the community. On December 16, 2019, during a public meeting, the residents learned about the MVP process and provided feedback about the workshop recommendations. A final plan was presented to the Planning Board in February 2020.

The Expanded Economic Development Plan

As part of the Somerset Master Plan process, the Town prepared an Expanded Economic Development Plan to supplement the Economic Development element of the Master Plan. The Master Plan Steering Committee hosted a public meeting for an update on this process and for the chance to contribute. Businesses and residents provided constructive feedback as an invaluable part of our success.



Contact 

Amy Messier, Town Planner

140 Wood Street, 2nd fl. Room 22A

Somerset, MA 02726

508-646-2809

amessier@townofsomerset.org

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. & Friday 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Town Planner is frequently in meetings and out of the office. Residents and applicants are encouraged to contact her ahead of time to schedule an appointment to ensure availability.