Dartmouth residents envision a future for their town that avoids suburban sprawl, features a clear plan for business development and protects the harbor area and town waterways.

Those were among the goals cited in a draft version of the master plan that was posted on the Planning Board website Aug. 31.

The draft was placed on the site to solicit additional feedback before a final version is created. The Planning Office will be providing feedback to the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District for the final chapter, Town Planner Christine O’Grady said.

A final version could differ from the draft, she said.

A master plan will serve as a “road map’’ to the future, the report states.   

Creating a master plan serves as “an opportunity for a community to take stock, to examine what its optimal vision of the future is and to suggest policy changes at the local level that will assist the town in arriving at that intended future,’’ the report reads.

Among those goals, residents seek to avoid suburban sprawl by shaping growth in a way that is “least impactful to the environment and preserves the rural qualities of the town.’’ 

The plan advocates for “smart growth’’ techniques that accommodate both growth and conservation.  

These include cluster development, higher relative densities when appropriate, expanding housing options, adjusting bylaws to allow for low-impact development and continued use of the open space residential development subdivision options.

Residents also hope to support Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust in their land preservation efforts, redevelop existing commercial areas rather than building new and encourage development with respect for natural resources and significant natural communities.

Developing a clear, understandable plan for business development to achieve a healthy and sustainable tax base is another overall goal cited in the plan. Residents want to encourage a “coordinated approach to economic development’’ that could include establishing a local chamber of commerce, the plan states.

The plan cites support for protecting the harbor and Dartmouth waterways and “increasing and promoting public access to the waterfront.’’

In the call to enhance communication from the town, the plan wants the town to “promote policies and proposals so that citizens can take informed action and voice their support in forums like Town Meeting.’’ 

The plan also encourages civic engagement from the town’s youth population, which might include “greater coordination with UMass Dartmouth.’’ 

The master plan was developed through a series of meetings with residents, local officials and workforce members, all of whom served as “the experts on life in town,’’ the report reads.

Six public meetings were held from June 2019 to December 2020, each with a specific topic. The subjects included land use, economic development and housing; open space, recreation and natural and cultural resources; climate change and resilience; and transportation, services and facilities.

The finalized plan can serve as a reference point when the town looks at issues going forward, according to the report.

“Built from community input, the core values articulated in the Dartmouth Master Plan can help the town to navigate new circumstances, weigh potential policy trade-offs, and make decisions that reflect community priorities,’’ the report reads.