Town of Lincoln

The Town of Lincoln's Comprehensive Plan acts as a roadmap for future development, integrating public input to protect and enhance community character and resources. It aims to ensure the sustainable coexistence of diverse land uses, including industrial, commercial, and residential villages, while preserving their unique historic qualities and facilitating appropriate growth. Key areas of focus include natural resource protection, open space and recreation, historic preservation, housing, economic development, municipal services, energy, transportation, and addressing natural hazards and climate change.

The 2025 Comprehensive Plan for the Town of Lincoln aims to guide future growth and policy decisions over a 20-year planning horizon. It focuses on key areas such as natural resources, open space, recreation, historic and cultural resources, housing, economic development, agriculture, municipal facilities, energy, transportation, natural hazards, and land use. The plan emphasizes community engagement, addressing challenges and opportunities, and setting goals and policies to achieve the town's vision, while also considering the unique characteristics of its villages.

The strategic plan for Lincoln focuses on key issues identified through inventory, analysis, and public participation. Priorities include amending the zoning ordinance to comply with state requirements and the Lincoln Comprehensive Plan, increasing office and industrial development within the Industrial Corridor while maintaining a residential-to-business land ratio of 3.6 to 1, and preparing development and protection guidelines for Areas of Planning Concern. Additional efforts involve maintaining alternative access routes, exploring zoning techniques for grouped single-family homes with open space, prohibiting strip commercial development, protecting historic structures and landscapes, adopting clearer standards for environmental and design review, and reviewing environmental regulations to discourage development on constrained land. The plan also aims to maximize benefits from the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, revise the Airport Hazard Zone, and encourage brownfield redevelopment for mixed-use development.

The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Comprehensive Plan Update focuses on preserving and interpreting the historic and cultural resources within the Blackstone River Valley. It aims to promote regional economic development through tourism, improve transportation and access to key sites, foster partnerships and cooperation among local communities, protect natural resources, and integrate traditional land use patterns with current needs. The plan emphasizes citizen involvement, environmental stewardship, and the enhancement of the Valley's unique character.

The 2003 Comprehensive Plan Update for the Town of Lincoln focuses on maintaining a balance between growth and conservation. It addresses land use, housing, economic development, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, municipal services, and circulation. The plan aims to protect critical natural and cultural resources, build a dynamic economic and social community, and offer a variety of choices for visitors, residents, and businesses. It also seeks to enhance village identities and promote sustainable development.