Town of Marshfield, Massachusetts 2015 Master Plan
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Town of Marshfield, Massachusetts 2015 Master Plan August, 2015 Prepared by Acknowledgements The Town of Marshfield and the Marshfield Planning Board would like to thank all Town committees and professional staff who contributed in the preparation of this Master Plan. Special thanks are also given to all the Marshfield residents who participated in the planning process by responding to surveys and attending the public forums. The Planning Board also acknowledges the work of former Town Planner Paul Halkiotis, AICP who initiated the Master Plan and guided the Board through the project’s early stages, and to current Town Planner Greg Guimond, who steered the Plan to its ultimate completion and adoption. Marshfield Planning Board Karen Horne, Chair Michael Baird Michael Biviano Jr. Bill Ivey Antonio Pina Kay Ramsey, Executive Assistant Greg Guimond, Town Planner The Master Plan was prepared with consulting assistance from the following firms and individuals: • VHB o Ralph Willmer, FAICP, Project Manager o Geoffrey Morrison-Logan o Renee Guo, AICP o Matt Chase • University of Massachusetts, Amherst Regional Planning Studio o Elisabeth Hamin, PhD o Joshua Chase o Jonathon Cooper o Rory Fitzgerald o Filipe Lima o Sally Miller o Toni Marie Pignatelli • Suffolk University Moakley Center for Public Management (public survey) o Nicole Rivers Cover Photo: A view of Green Harbor from Harbor Park, Greg Guimond Table of Contents 1 Vision and Goals Introduction .....................................................................................................1-1 Vision Statement .............................................................................................1-2 Community Voices .........................................................................................1-2 Master Plan Goals ...........................................................................................1-7 2 Land Use and Community Design Introduction .....................................................................................................2-1 Land Use and Community Design Goals ...................................................2-2 Marshfield ........................................................................................................2-2 Land Use Pattern ............................................................................................2-3 Land Development Regulations .................................................................2-14 Build-Out Analysis .......................................................................................2-20 Recommendations ........................................................................................2-30 3 Housing Introduction .....................................................................................................3-1 Housing Goals .................................................................................................3-2 Population and Demographic Profile ..........................................................3-2 Households ......................................................................................................3-5 Housing Conditions .......................................................................................3-9 Housing Market ............................................................................................3-10 Housing Needs Assessment ........................................................................3-16 Housing Recommendations ........................................................................3-21 i Table of Contents 8/15 4 Economic Development Introduction .....................................................................................................4-1 Goals .................................................................................................................4-1 Economic Profile .............................................................................................4-2 Recommendations ..........................................................................................4-2 5 Natural, Open Space and Historic Resources Introduction .....................................................................................................5-1 Natural Resources and Open Space Goals ..................................................5-1 Natural Resources ..........................................................................................5-1 Historic and Cultural Resources .................................................................5-21 Recommendations ........................................................................................5-27 6 Public Services and Facilities Introduction .....................................................................................................6-1 Public Services and Facilities Goals .............................................................6-2 Marshfield’s Local Government ...................................................................6-2 Existing Facilities and Services .....................................................................6-4 Capital Plan ...................................................................................................6-18 Recommendations ........................................................................................6-20 7 Transportation and Mobility Overview .........................................................................................................7-1 Regional Context ............................................................................................7-4 Existing Conditions ........................................................................................7-9 Future Conditions .........................................................................................7-17 Strategies and Implementation Measures .................................................7-18 8 Climate Change Adaptation Introduction .....................................................................................................8-1 ii Table of Contents 8/15 Climate Change ..............................................................................................8-5 Methods ...........................................................................................................8-6 Sea Level Rise ..................................................................................................8-7 Storm Surge .....................................................................................................8-9 Vulnerablilities and Impacts .......................................................................8-10 Proposed Approach .....................................................................................8-10 Recommendations ........................................................................................8-12 9 Harbor, Rivers and Waterways Introduction .....................................................................................................9-1 Navigable Waterways ....................................................................................9-2 Natural Resources ..........................................................................................9-4 Public Access ...................................................................................................9-7 Recreational Boating ......................................................................................9-9 Working Waterfronts and Infrastructure ..................................................9-10 Water Quality ................................................................................................9-12 Administration/Finances .............................................................................9-13 Collaboration .................................................................................................9-14 Climate Change and Sea Level Rise ...........................................................9-15 10 Implementation Introduction ...................................................................................................10-1 Implementation Matrix ................................................................................10-3 iii Table of Contents 8/15 This page left intentionally blank. 1 Vision and Goals Introduction Over the last century, the coastal Town of Marshfield has transformed from an active commercial fishing port to an accessible and desirable residential community with easy access to Boston and other job centers in the greater Boston Metropolitan area. Residents appreciate Marshfield’s scenic beauty, including its beaches, scenic marshland and rolling hills. The Town embarked on this effort to update its Master Plan to chart a future that builds on the Town’s many assets while also addressing potential vulnerabilities. Residents appreciate the high quality of life in Marshfield including its solid performing schools, distinct residential neighborhoods, and abundant community amenities. This Master Plan creates a comprehensive framework for preserving and enhancing the Town’s economic, natural, neighborhood, and cultural/historic resources through a series of actionable recommendations. Through the Town’s actions thus far, and through the implementation of the goals of this 2015 Master Plan, the Town will continue to thrive and build further upon its many assets. 1-1 Vision and Goals 8/15 Vision Statement Marshfield is and will continue to be a residential beach community. Our primary purpose as a community; within the