The Plymouth Select Board meeting on December 3, 2024, focused on the ongoing update to the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan, emphasizing community involvement and environmental priorities. The planning process is being led by the Department of Planning and Development in collaboration with various town departments, including public works and health services, to ensure a comprehensive approach to open space conservation.

A significant aspect of the meeting was the public participation efforts, which included a community survey that garnered nearly 500 responses and a public listening session attended by over 60 residents. Feedback from these engagements highlighted the community's strong desire to protect natural resources, particularly water sources, and to maintain access to recreational areas such as beaches and hiking trails. The draft plan is currently open for public comment until December 11, 2024, and is available on the town's website.

Key themes emerging from the public outreach include a focus on balancing development with the preservation of open space, enhancing recreational opportunities for all ages, and improving pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The committee aims to integrate these priorities into the updated plan, which is expected to be finalized and submitted to the state by the end of the year.

The meeting also addressed the importance of maintaining Plymouth's existing open space, which currently comprises over 37% of the town's land. Discussions included the potential risks of losing unprotected open space and the need for strategic planning to ensure that future development does not compromise the town's natural resources. The Select Board expressed support for the ongoing efforts and the necessity of finding a balance between growth and conservation.

Overall, the meeting underscored the town's commitment to preserving its unique environmental assets while accommodating growth, reflecting the community's values and priorities for a sustainable future.