MARLBORO-What could Marlboro look like 10 years from now? What opportunities could strengthen the town, support local businesses, reduce energy costs, and bring the community together?
The Marlboro Energy Committee invites residents, business owners, families, and community partners to a free, interactive workshop Saturday, Oct. 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Marlboro Community Center, 524 South Rd.
Organized around the theme "Dream–Plan–Do," the workshop will bring people together to share ideas and identify opportunities for the town's future, focused on sustainable energy and its connections with local economic development, transportation, recreation, and community.
"This is an invitation to think creatively about Marlboro," Tamara Stenn of the Marlboro Energy Committee said in a news release. "We have tremendous assets here - our people, land, buildings, businesses, and energy resources."
"We want to bring everyone together to imagine what Marlboro could look like 10 years from now and what we can start doing today to get there," she said.
The event builds on Marlboro's history of community planning. In 2010, more than 150 residents participated in a townwide planning initiative identifying priorities such as creating a community center, improving walking and biking opportunities, and expanding energy initiatives.
Residents have since also proposed town-owned solar arrays, a system for shared thermal cameras to improve home insulation, and electric vehicle charging stations along Route 9.
The workshop will revisit these ideas while exploring new possibilities, including opportunities involving the former school building, Marlboro College campus, local businesses, and recreational resources.
Participants will hear ideas from knowledgeable community members and work in small groups to imagine and prioritize new projects.
The goal is to grow engagement and develop three to five promising ideas for the Selectboard and community partners to consider.
Proposals will be on display at the Marlboro Community Center through November for public comment. A report of the results and next steps will be shared with the community in December.
The event will be recorded by BCTV.
Everyone is welcome, and no experience in energy or community planning is needed. Residents of all ages are encouraged to bring their ideas, questions, and hopes for Marlboro's future. The workshop is free with food from local establishments and childcare provided.
To register, visit bit.ly/887-marlboro. For more information, contact Stenn at 802-579-3386 or TamaraStenn@gmail.com.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.