Planning and Community Development
E-Notify
Now Accepting Applications for the Façade Improvement Program!
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, on behalf of the Town of Ware is now accepting applications for their Façade Improvement Program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through October 1,2022. This program is intended to assist commercial property owners in the renovation of the exterior of their buildings in order to improve the visual quality of the downtown and to enhance the area as a place to visit, shop and work. Any business interested in applying must be located within the Opportunity Zone, formerly known as the slum and blight area.
For more information Click Here!
Contact the Planning & Community Development Department if you have questions or concerns
Department of Planning & Community Development
126 Main Street, Ware, MA 01082
(413) 967-9648 ext. 120
Rob Watchilla
Director of Planning & Community Development
rwatchilla@townofware.com
Kristen Jacobsen
Administrative Assistant to the PCD Dept.
kjacobsen@townofware.com
The Charter amendment specifically addresses the Community Development Authority: There shall be a Community Development Authority which shall consist of five (5) members. All members shall be appointed by the Board of Selectmen for terms of three (3) years each, with terms staggered. The Community Development Authority shall have the following powers and duties:
- Oversee all CDBG grants awarded to the Town and other grants which were obtained through the Planning & Community Development Department;
- Oversee loans provided to businesses from the Economic Development Fund;
- Oversee loans provided to individuals through any other loan programs administered by the Planning & Community Development Department;
- Determine which areas of the town constitute decadent, substandard, or blighted open areas as such terms are defined in MGL Chapter 121B, and prepare plans for the redevelopment of such areas;
- Working with stakeholders, prepare plans and oversee implementation of strategies to revitalize the downtown and millyard areas;
- Participate in general economic development projects; and Any other activities as needed to effectuate positive change in regard to community or economic development.
The Planning and Community Development department is responsible for performing studies and preparing plans related to land use and development of the town, (including the Master Plan); to draft regulations which carry out those plans, and to administer said regulations (see the CD page for more on those efforts). The department includes, among others, the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
2022 Submittal ScheduleSpecial Permits, Major Site Plan Reviews, Approval Not Required (ANRs), Preliminary Subdivision Plans, Definitive Subdivisions, Non-Conforming Special Permits, Variances, and Appeals.
FEES
All application fees and fees associated with public records requests must be paid by check or money order. We are unable to accept cash.
Rules and Regulations of the Planning Board
Planning & Community Development Department News
Meetings:
The Community Development Authority (CDA) meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30pm in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Ware Town Hall (please check postings for current dates and cancellations).
2022 meeting Dates HERE
Meeting Agendas HERE
Meeting Minutes & Supporting Documents HERE
The Planning Board meets on the first and third Thursday starting in 2020 of each month at 7:00 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Ware Town Hall (please check postings for current dates and cancellations).
2022 meeting Dates HERE
Meeting Agendas HERE
Meeting Minutes & Supporting Documents HERE
The Zoning Board of Appeals meets as needed, at 7:00 PM in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Ware Town Hall (please check postings for current dates and cancellations).
Meeting Agendas HERE
Meeting Minutes & Supporting Documents HERE
To attend public hearings virtually:
Click HERE
Meeting ID: 784 604 1861
Passcode: 01082