Department Spotlight: Planning Department

Overview

The Abington Planning Department literally helps shape the town's future. Guided by the Comprehensive Master Plan, the Department, along with the Planning Board, works to ensure thoughtful growth and development that balances land use, recreation, housing, transportation, economic vitality, and preservation of our historic and natural resources. By managing key grants, coordinating with other departments, and engaging with residents, the Planning Department turns long-term community goals into actionable projects. From securing funding for green infrastructure and accessibility improvements to planning trails, gardens, and public facility upgrades, their work strengthens Abington's infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for years to come.

Master Plan: The primary responsibility of the Abington Planning Board is to prepare a Comprehensive Master Plan to guide the growth and development of the community, including strategies for accomplishing goals for Land Use, Open Space and Recreation, Economic Development, Circulation and Transportation, Housing, Historic and Cultural Resources and Public Facilities. The town uses the Master Plan as the public policy statement to guide future growth and development, and in decision-making for public improvements. Updating the plan makes the town eligible for more grant funding.

Services and Impact

Land and Development: The Planning Department provides assistance to landowners, residents, and developers with applications that go to the Planning Board for review and determination.

Grant Fund Management: The Planning Department manages applications to the One Stop for Growth Program and additional grants that fund town projects, which provide guidance for the town on climate resiliency, recreation, open space, and what kinds of housing are needed. Recent grants include:

Updated Open Space and Recreation Plan ($25,000)
Phase II Municipal Vulnerability and Preparedness ($45,000)
Downtown Initiative: Facade/Beautification Improvements to North Abington ($30,000)
Housing Production Plan ($35,000)
Installed Heat Pumps at the Senior Center and Town Hall ($200,000)
Rebuilding of Pavillion at Island Grove ($50,000)
Hazard Mitigation Plan ($50,000)

Food Access: Funding managed by the Planning Office will pay for community gardens in parks around town, giving residents access to fresh vegetables.

Did You Know?

Community Partnerships: The Planning Department interacts with a number of other departments in order to accomplish our goals. For instance, they work with the schools to include the students in our stormwater projects.

Grant Funding: Liz and Kevin work hard to pursue grant funding to achieve goals outlined in the Master Plan that move Abington toward federal compliance on lowering the town's carbon footprint. For instance, heat pump installation has recently been completed in both the Town Hall and Senior Center. EV chargers were installed at Town Hall and the Department is working towards having some installed at the High School.

MBTA Community Zoning: In 2024, after a comprehensive resident education campaign, voters adopted the necessary changes to be compliant with the MBTA Community Zoning requirements. Now, because Abington is ‘compliant’, the Town is eligible for grants from the State’s newly formed ‘Catalyst Fund’.

Goals and Projects

Projects

Island Grove Bridge repair remains a focus. The Federal Government awarded the town $1 Million for the project and we are currently conducting their mandatory environmental study.
Greenwave Connector Trail: The Greenwave Connector Trail, which will run behind the library to Orchard Ln./Buckboard Ln. area is nearing the end of its design phase. A phased funding plan for the trail, which is expected to come in at a cost of over $1.5 million, will be devised. This trail will allow residents across town to walk and bike to and from West Abington and connect residents to the town amenities on Gliniewicz Way.
MVP 2.0 Community Gardens - Through a series of surveys and community engagement, community gardens were identified and selected as the MVP 2.0 project. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs is providing the grant funding through its MVP 2.0 program.
Downtown Initiative - through a state funded grant, new lights and planters are being installed in North Abington to improve the appeal of the downtown business area.

Grants Awaiting Decisions:

Funding to map the Abington/Rockland watershed area,
Funding to identify additional potential water sources (jointly applied with Rockland),
Funding to assess pedestrian access in North Abington.
Paving Centre Avenue
A water pipe installation in Central Street for the new municipal buildings
Funding to review our current zoning bylaw and make changes to outdated portions
Funding to assist our new ADA commission in producing a transition and self-evaluation plan in order to pursue accessibility grants.
Safe Streets For All grant to do work in several areas in town to improve safety.

Volunteer Information

The Planning Board generally meets on the first Monday of the month. The Board also holds off-schedule meetings when working on projects or for other reasons.

Staff Team

Liz Shea, Town Planner
Kevin Cogan, Deputy Town Planner

Town of Abington