Hingham, Mass.— Barrett Planning Group, a planning and community development consulting firm serving communities throughout New England, has reached a major milestone in the Town of Salisbury’s Master Plan update process following the Salisbury Planning Board’s adoption of Phase 2 of the plan on May 27, 2026.
The adoption marks the completion of the final planning phase and allows Barrett Planning Group to move forward with assembling the comprehensive Master Plan document, which will combine recommendations from both Phase 1 and Phase 2. Once finalized, the plan will serve as a long-term roadmap for Salisbury’s growth, development, and community priorities over the next 10 to 20 years.
Phase 1 of the Master Plan update, completed in 2022, focused on land use, transportation, economic development, climate resiliency, and community health. Phase 2 expands the plan’s scope by addressing four additional areas critical to the Town’s future: housing, natural resources and open space, historic and cultural resources, and community facilities and services.
The Phase 2 planning process included a comprehensive assessment of existing conditions, identification of community needs and opportunities, and the development of goals and implementation strategies for each focus area. Public participation played a central role throughout the process, with community feedback gathered through multiple engagement opportunities helping to shape priorities and recommendations.
“The Phase 2 elements build on the foundation established in Phase 1 by completing the remaining components of the Master Plan,” said Laurel Mire, Community Planner at Barrett Planning Group. “This is a key moment for Salisbury as the Town shapes how future growth, infrastructure needs, and resource protection are aligned. What people can expect moving forward is a continued focus on housing needs, protecting natural and historic resources, and strengthening amenities like the Rail Trail, all grounded in community input.”
Town officials emphasized the importance of the updated Master Plan in guiding Salisbury’s future decision-making and investment priorities.
“Master Plans are critical tools for shaping a community’s future, and Salisbury has evolved considerably since its last plan in 2008,” said Neil Harrington, Town Manager for the Town of Salisbury. “The work Barrett has led reflects that evolution and provides a clear vision to help guide the Town’s growth and decision-making for years to come.”
According to Isabella Sollazzo, Planning Assistant for the Town of Salisbury, the updated plan reflects extensive collaboration between local officials, residents, and planning professionals.
“Over the past year, the Salisbury community worked to create a vision for its future,” Sollazzo said. “With Barrett’s expertise, that vision has been translated into a Master Plan that will help guide the Town over the next decade.”
Upon completion of the final document, Salisbury officials will use the Master Plan as a strategic framework for implementing policies, investments, and development initiatives designed to support the community’s long-term goals while preserving its character and natural assets.
Project materials, including the Phase 2 presentation and supporting documents, are available on the Town of Salisbury’s Master Plan project website.
