By Heather Killen

The Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

Over the coming weeks Middletonians will be asked to make a wish list.

Jemma Lambert, chief administrative officer for the Town of Middleton, is holding a series of focus groups to find out what Middleton residents want their town to look like.

“While most residents probably won’t be experts in the field of municipal planning, they are experts in their own opinions,” said Lambert. “We want to know how people see Middleton today, and what they would like to see in the town in say, 20 years.”

She added that finding out what residents want helps guide council and staff to develop a strategic plan for the future.

“It’s the best way the elected officials will have a clear understanding of the visions, wishes and priority of the citizens here,” she said. “Their wishes will guide our priorities.”

Lambert said that a few years ago she participated in similar working groups in Cape Cod. Residents of Hyannis were asked to offer their input into plans for a major downtown revitalization.

“Citizens were asked what they thought of the town, and what they wanted to see in the future,” she said. “What types of businesses they wanted, what types they didn’t want; the types of parks they wanted.”

Other issues such as parking spaces and traffic concerns were discussed. These responses were considered when officials were drafting zoning bylaws.

She added she wants to hold similar meetings in Middleton with residents of all ages and various interests. Over the coming weeks she will be meeting with seniors, students, parents, and business owners.

“While at first it seems like these are very diverse groups with different opinions, eventually you begin to hear similar ideas expressed around certain issues,” she said. “And that is when you begin to develop a consensus.”

Lambert plans to open the meetings with general discussions surrounding people’s ideas of the town’s strengths and weaknesses.

“This is a really important process that will help us to do our jobs better,” she said. “This is a priority for me, and I’m thrilled to be able to form these working groups and begin the process here.”

Lambert is holding a public meeting at Town Hall on May 22 at 7 p.m. The meeting will last approximately an hour and refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact the town office at 825-4841.