Town of Mount Desert Kicks Off Comprehensive Plan Update
MOUNT DESERT — The Town of Mount Desert is pleased to announce the start of their comprehensive plan update with the formation of a Comprehensive Planning Committee and the release of a community survey. Comprehensive plans are required by the State of Maine and serve as the guiding document for a town’s long-term development, zoning, land use, environmental conservation, infrastructure, and community services.
Approved and adopted in 2009, the town’s current comprehensive plan provided solid guidance for Mount Desert over the last sixteen years. Town leadership determined that it is now time to revisit and update the plan to address new challenges, opportunities, and priorities. The Comprehensive Planning Committee is tasked with updating the town’s existing comprehensive plan and this work is an important step in managing change for the next ten or more years.
The Comprehensive Planning Committee will begin its work immediately, gathering input from residents, business owners, and the wider community about what they value and hope to see in the future. The committee will look at data and trends over time, examine current policies, assess changes in the community, and propose updates that reflect the priorities of Mount Desert’s residents.
“Our goal is to ensure that the updated comprehensive plan truly reflects the aspirations of the community and sets a clear vision for Mount Desert’s future,” said Heather Jones, Chair of the Comprehensive Planning Committee. “We look forward to collaborating with all members of the community and incorporating their feedback to create a plan that balances growth, environmental stewardship, and the preservation of what makes Mount Desert special.”
The initial timeline for the update aims to bring proposed recommendations to the 2026 Town Meeting for review and approval, though this timeframe may be adjusted as the project progresses. A major priority of the committee is to keep the community informed and engaged throughout the entire process, with multiple opportunities for public input and feedback. Meetings, workshops, and surveys will be scheduled in the coming months to encourage participation.
The Town of Mount Desert Comprehensive Planning Committee’s work will be facilitated by Noel Musson and Susanne Paul of The Musson Group.
For more information about the Comprehensive Plan update, including participating in a survey or submit ideas and feedback, visit https://www.mtdesert.org/comprehensive-plan-committee-0. Please direct question to compplan@mtdesert.org.