Capital Policy promotes regional planning

BOSTON – Gov. Deval L. Patrick this month released the latest version of the Commonwealth Capital Policy – a document that Patrick’s office said has inspired hundreds of improvements in how municipalities plan for and regulate development.
The Capital Policy endorses planning and zoning measures consistent with the state’s Sustainable Development Principals. The policy also uses state funding as an incentive for municipalities to implement the measures.
Chief among the recommendations in the latest version of the policy is regional planning. The state, believing that a regional approach is the best method to tackle water and transportation concerns, is rewarding communities that have taken “formal and significant action to work with neighboring communities.”
The Capital Policy is also looking to reward communities that implement rules that avoid, minimize or mitigate environmental concerns and encourage the use of clean energy.
Expedited permitting is also another key facet of the policy. &#8226