Master Plan meeting seeks input from public on downtown improvements

ROCHESTER - The city will host a Downtown Master Plan Community Input Session on Nov. 21 at both 6 and 7 p.m. at the Frisbie Memorial Hospital, Strafford Conference Room.

Residents will have a chance to attend one of the two identical sessions where they can learn more about the ongoing efforts to update Rochester's Downtown Master Plan, ask questions and offer their feedback on goals they believe should be set out in the master plan.

A "Master Plan" is a local document that lists goals, aspirations, concepts, and action items that are used as set of directions/directives to guide growth and development/redevelopment.

Steve Whitman of consulting agency Resilience Planning, along with members of the Rochester Planning Department, will provide introductory remarks about the process before facilitating an interactive discussion with all in attendance about their hopes for the future of Rochester's downtown.

"This is a unique opportunity to have a hands-on role in shaping the future of our city, and I hope residents will capitalize on the chance to provide feedback and input on this process," Senior Planner Michelle Mears said. "The Downtown Master Plan will serve as a blueprint that will shape the face of our downtown for years to come, so it's something our entire community has a significant stake in and something everyone has a chance to be involved with and make tangible contributions."

Rochester Government Channel has also created two informational videos residents can watch in order to more fully understand the master planning process:

Part 1: "What is a Master Plan?" featuring Planning and Development Director Jim Campbell and City Manager Blaine Cox

Part 2: A discussion of the process and the current conditions in Rochester featuring representatives from Resilience Planning

Free child care will be available on-site for those who would like to attend the sessions, though parents and guardians seeking to take advantage of this service are asked to register by Nov. 18 at RochesterRec.com.

Light refreshments will also be provided.

While there is no cost to attend, residents are asked to RSVP ahead of time by emailing Mears directly at michelle.mears@rochesternh.net or by calling 603-335-1338.