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Where We Stand Natural Resources:
Land Use
Land use
In 1985, LWVM focused on helping local Leagues respond to the
overwhelming impact of growth and development on local services and the environment. A
series of regional workshops were offered, a video tape produced, handbook assembled and
several public forums held on the development process.
Approximately 50 local Leagues participated in some way in this action
focus, applying a variety of League positions to growth and development issues. Activities
included: studies of existing zoning laws and regulations, growth and change in the
community and open space plans; lobbying for professional planners, land acquisition and
city charter reform; educational forums regarding housing and regional approaches to
growth, land use, transportation issues and county government.
The Land Use Symposium Project in 1976-77, funded by the Massachusetts
Foundation for the Humanities and Public Policy, was a major League effort to encourage
public discussion of land use and growth-policy-related issues. Other land use activity
included testimony to the Bureau of Land Management regarding off-shore drilling, support
of farmland preservation through development rights purchase and participation in the
Coastal Zone Management Plan process.
Growth policy was the major focus of LWVM's land use action in 1975 and
1976. The League reviewed and commented on a 1975 publication of the state's Office of
State Planning and supported the Growth Policy Development Act. The League also monitored
and encouraged local League and public participation in the growth policy process and
commented on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council regional report.
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