Date: 11/22/2022
Now is the time to shape the future of Longmeadow. The town is calling on all residents and stakeholders to help envision and inform Longmeadow’s future as we update our Long Range Plan for the first time in nearly two decades. Long Range Plans shape how a community grows over one to two decades. Ours will be unique in that it will set priorities for climate resilience and social equity in addition to the traditional arenas of development and land use, municipal services, public health, education, housing, and other quality of life issues.
In the years since Longmeadow’s original 2004 Long Range Plan was adopted, we have experienced increased challenges related to climate and weather. Longmeadow has had at least seven extreme weather events over the past decade that required an emergency response. Most recently, these include: Tropical Storms Henri and Fred, which hit during the same week in August 2021 and caused extensive property damage; and this year’s Level 3 Critical Drought in our traditionally “water-rich” region, which ignited a debate among residents regarding water conservation.
The town’s demographics are also changing as our population is aging and diversifying. Since the original Plan, Longmeadow’s racial diversity has grown by roughly 10 percent, and seniors have grown to comprise over 20 percent of our current population and are projected to comprise nearly 33 percent by 2040.
It is now impossible to have a conversation about Longmeadow’s present and future without considering climate change and equity and, taking it one step further, engaging the community in robust and creative discussions to develop a viable long range plan that has community buy-in and momentum.
On the topic of community engagement – there are many fun and engaging ways to participate across a variety of platforms. Longmeadow residents and stakeholders are invited to attend two public workshops and complete a comprehensive survey to take stock of existing conditions and collaborate on ideas for Longmeadow’s future.
A less traditional form of engagement is our community-wide digital storytelling initiative, featuring Longmeadow residents sharing their perspectives on climate despair, resilience, and action. Arts Integration Studio will curate these personal narratives, culminating in a public art exhibit that will bring to life the voice of the community.
Finally, we are implementing age-specific engagement campaigns. For youth, Mass Audubon is leading a climate change and civics action curriculum in the public high school and middle schools. For elders, we will host a series of focus groups and surveys to understand senior citizens’ unique needs and perspectives on life in Longmeadow. Of interest, this targeted program will qualify the town for the AARP Age Friendly designation.
If you are interested in participating in any of these activities, please reach out to: planningdept@longmeadow.org. We will publish dates and locations of all of these activities in the Long Range Plan newsletter, www.longmeadow.org/LongRangePlan, and on the town’s social media. We look forward to partnering with you during this exciting time for our town.
Town of Longmeadow Planning Board
Cheryl Thibodeau, Chair
Walter Gunn, Clerk
Bruce Colton
Donald Holland
Chris Legiadre
