Background

To address local growth and plan for future development, cities and towns in Massachusetts are encouraged to prepare local comprehensive plans. The Sandwich Local Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 1996. This process began in the spring of 1992 with a grant from the Cape Cod Commission, and the Land Use Collaborative was hired to help the Sandwich Local Planning Committee (LPC) prepare the plan. Data was collected by the committee, and a series of workshops were held beginning in July of 1992. Initially, draft elements were prepared by the consultant; however, the final draft was prepared by the Director of Planning and Development and the LPC. Other committees and department heads provided significant contributions in preparing the plan.

Updating the Plan

In updating the Local Comprehensive Plan (LCP), the Town of Sandwich set out to prepare growth management strategies that preserve and enhance the community's historic character and cultural heritage, protect natural resources, and expand economic opportunity. In addressing and balancing these community goals, the town hopes to improve the overall quality of life of local residents.

LCP Update

Beginning in late 2007, the town partnered with the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce, the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce, Barnstable County, and the Cape Cod Commission to develop this extensive update and expansion of the 1996 LCP. This LCP update was made possible through a state grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism received by the Cape Cod Canal Region Chamber of Commerce (and in cooperation with the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce), a grant from Barnstable County acting through the Cape Cod Economic Development Council, and the Town of Sandwich.

With this update, Sandwich seeks to become one of the first towns in Massachusetts with a local comprehensive plan that incorporates the principles and design techniques of smart growth and sustainable development. For example, the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program and several low-impact design (LID) applications are incorporated into the elements of the comprehensive plan related to future growth and development. These initiatives will not only save public funds and improve environmental health but will preserve the unique character of Sandwich as an outstanding place to live, work, and play.