What is a master plan?
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

In January the Amherst Town Board adopted the Town of Amherst Bicentennial Comprehensive Plan - 1818 to 2018. But what is that exactly?

What are commonly known as master plans began taking shape in Erie County in the 1960s with the help of federal and state funding. There has been a planning projection in Amherst since the mid-1960s.

The current layout of Amherst's comprehensive plan was started in 1999 with the hiring of a consultant, according to Planning Director Rick Gillert.

In spring 2000, the technical and research portion of the plan was completed and presented to an advisory committee of residents, professionals and businesses.

In February 2004, the Town Board accepted the plan. The plan adopted last month was similar to the 2004 version.

"The Bicentennial Comprehensive Plan is a series of policy statements that outlines the town's growth," Gillert said, adding that it also is a guideline for development of the civic infrastructure.

As the town develops, the comprehensive plan will give guidance as to how that should happen.

Gillert said the final product isn't a town government project but a reflection of a great deal of community outreach, dialogue and resident input.

"It is how the residents would like to see the community grow," he said. "It's what (they) want the town to be in 2020."

A major emphasis involves the development of the older parts of town.

Gillert said the comprehensive plan is a "values based plan" and if development were to continue without one, it could have negative consequences.

The plan offers a universal guidebook for everyone involved in town development. Gillert said the plan also reduces conflict and keeps everyone on the same page.

An outline of the plan details its major parts: land use and development, natural and cultural resources, transportation, housing and neighborhoods, infrastructure, community facilities and services, focal planning areas, implementation, and priority action programs.

Gillert noted that the guidelines are not 100 percent final and can be reviewed. When development is proposed, the plan will be referred to, but changes can be made.

Along with the plan, the town is reviewing zoning for areas of the town to make sure the two coincide.

Gillert said through the development of the plan, the town's relationship with the University at Buffalo has improved, which is important for both to grow.

"UB is looking at land use in their 2020 plan, and we can provide a tool to use when looking at land around the university," he said. "The two plans can be sympathetic with each other."

According to the plan, a town the size of Amherst should be considering responsible development and preservation.

For details on the comprehensive plan, visit the Web site at www.amherst.ny.us keyword: comprehensive.