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     I have been honored to be elected to serve as President of the Old Colony Planning Council for the coming year.  The Old Colony region has been the fastest growing area of the Commonwealth for many years.  Our member communities face significant challenges as they are pressured to grow and develop.  They must decide whether to continue to facilitate a low-density sprawl development pattern or break with convention and provide a range of choice in new housing developments and opportunity for locating new commercial and business enterprise.  It will not be an easy decision for residential development does not generate sufficient tax revenues to pay for the cost of services required.

     The Council's work for the immediate future will be to focus on the implementation of the Regional Plan recommendations that include providing for a range of development opportunities.  Such choices should include areas of compact development, proximate to existing infrastructure that can be efficiently and economically provided with services.  To implement the Plan, the Council must convince local officials that the Plan recommendations are sound and will preserve and protect the quality of life that makes this region such a special place.  We know this will not be an easy task.  Although many local officials may agree in principle with the regional plan recommendations, having the courage to implement these at the local level will be difficult.  The Council will do its part in assisting our member communities to plan and develop more intelligently.

     I would like to use this opportunity to recognize the contribution of the members of the Council and the Committees of the Council for their active participation and involvement.  The OCPC staff is also recognized for their dedication and performance during the year.  Finally, I would like to thank all of the individuals who actively participated and supported the works of the Council over the past year and who are not listed in this report.  To each of them I extend my sincere thanks on behalf of the organization for a job well done.

     I look forward to their continued support in the coming year.

Sincerely,
 
 

Jeanmarie Kent Joyce
President

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