Douglas Master Plan Committee Drops Late Workshop, Confirms Project Can Finish On Budget

DOUGLAS — January 21, 2026 — Douglas Master Plan Committee eliminates planned public workshop and confirms $12,862 project balance. The committee voted to drop a tentative May community workshop from the master plan schedule, relying instead on a required public comment period opening around May 21 once graphic design is complete. Chair Rich Preston confirmed with Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission representatives Emily and Sam that the remaining contract balance of $12,862.18 is sufficient to complete the $145,000 plan, with the District Local Technical Assistance Program available as a rolling contingency if a small shortfall emerges. The committee also agreed to add a second March meeting on the 26th and move the April meeting from the 15th to the 23rd to avoid conflicts with Planning Board nights, with a formal schedule vote deferred to the next meeting. Approximately 50 photos have been submitted to the master plan photo contest, with the submission window open through February 15.