(WALPOLE, NH) – Walpole’s Planning Board has launched its new web site where citizens can voice their opinions about Walpole’s future development.  The URL for the site is www.walpoleplanningboard.org.

The board established the website, in part, to make it easier for more of the town’s residents to take part in revision of the town’s master land-use plan. 

“Creating the master plan is a public process, but not everyone who would like to take part can come to regular public meetings,” says Jeff Miller, board chairman.  “Our web site makes it possible for anyone with Internet access to join the conversation.”

By clicking the “Citizen Input” button on the website, visitors can call up a list of 14 survey questions and respond to each one with their opinions about the future of commercial, industrial, and residential development in Walpole; the protection of wild and agricultural land; and the proper role of the town in determining and controlling how land in Walpole is used.

Anyone who would prefer to complete the survey on paper can receive a copy of the survey questions by calling the selectmen’s office at 756-3672 and leaving their name and address.

The site also includes an agenda of the board’s next meeting and minutes of past meetings.  Soon, visitors to the site also will be able to download copies of the master plan and zoning and site-plan review regulations.  In addition, visitors will find links to other Walpole web sites, such as the town’s government and historical society.

The web site was designed and engineered by artist, graphic designer, and Walpole resident Harry Bernard, who donated his expertise to the project.

“We hope that our web site will lead to greater public involvement with decisions about Walpole’s future,” Miller adds.  “The more people who take part, the more Walpole will reflect what our town’s residents actually want.”

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