BERKSHIRE PLANNING TOOLS
Introduction

At its 2001 Annual Meeting, BRPC unveiled the new Berkshire Planning Tools reference binder.  Provided as the "next step" in the Regional Plan project, the Berkshire Planning Tools reference binder focuses on providing pragmatic information on tools and implementation techniques that are innovative, cost effective, legal and most importantly do-able.  The purpose of this “toolbox” is to provide communities and those who plan with a comprehensive menu of strategies to address growth goals and challenges.

Within the binder, one will find numerous tools and techniques described, with local case studies and model bylaws where appropriate on such topics as telecommunication towers, building reuse, and stormwater management among others. Also included are BRPC’s Land Use Memorandums, updates of data originally contained in the Plan, as well as BRPC’s Annual Work Program.  Berkshire Planning Tools is designed to provide the citizen planners of the Berkshires with the tools and techniques they will need to successfully accomplish their duties and help them plan for, rather than react to, the growth and development pressures that continue to shape the Berkshire region.    Like the Regional Plan itself, the “toolbox” will be modified and expanded over time. 

The tool box is divided into four main sections:

Preservation fo Sensitive Environments and Open Space
Community and Quality of Life
Economic Development and Fiscal Responsibility
Efficient Land Use Development and Management

Berkshire Planning Tools also includes a complete listing of BRPC’s Land Use Memoranda.