By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — It is hoped that the Casco comp plan will not need any changes after the public hearing takes place this Tuesday.

After all, many voices in the community were included in the pages of the comp plan.

This spring, the Casco Comp Plan Steering Committee began the process of including in the document all the comments, recommendations and opinions of residents who provided that information. This fall, the committee handed off the document to Planner Vanessa Farr for the final edits. About a month ago, the completed comp plan was returned to the town, and it was promptly put on the town’s website for residents to review.

Now comes the final stretch — the public hearing that determines whether or not the comp plan will face voters at Special Town Meeting in January. 

“This is a joint public hearing between the planning board and the selectboard,” according to  Naples Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward.

“The Public Hearing occurs on Dec. 19 [Tuesday], and the planning board makes a recommendation to approve, amend or reject. If approved, the selectboard votes to place it on the town meeting warrant,” Ward said.  

“The Board would approve the special town meeting warrant on January 2, 2024, and the special town meeting would occur on Jan. 16,” he said.

“I anticipate the planning board voting on moving the plan forward,” Ward said.

In related news, the Town of Casco is looking for citizens who are interested in serving on the up-and-coming Casco Comp Plan Implementation Committee.

What: Public hearing for the proposed Casco Comprehensive Plan

When: Tuesday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m.

Where: Casco Community Center, large meeting room

Why: The public hearing is required before the comp plan appears as warrant at Special Town Meeting.