Dodson & Flinker led the development of a new Master Plan for the Town of Charlemont, a small rural community in western Massachusetts known for its outdoor recreation economy and scenic river valley landscape. The planning process integrated review of existing plans (including the previous Master Plan), analysis of physical & regulatory constraints and existing conditions, impacts of recent state law changes on Charlemont’s zoning, and engaging public participation.
Dodson & Flinker worked with local stakeholders in identifying which components of the previous Master Plan were still relevant, and which sections needed to be updated. To encourage creative input from residents, business owners, and board and committee members, Dodson & Flinker employed hands-on tools such as a scaffolded brainstorming exercise with a series of visioning prompts, Mad Libs-style vision statements completed by participants, and a custom card game in which participants prioritized, took ownership for, or discarded potential actions for the plan. A key focus throughout was strengthening resilience, as much of Charlemont’s critical infrastructure—including emergency services and Route 2, the town’s main thoroughfare—lies within the Deerfield River floodplain. The resulting plan reflects Charlemont’s values, constraints, and opportunities, offering clear, implementable steps to guide future growth, support economic vitality, protect natural resources, and build long-term community resilience.
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