The Common Council approved the 2026 Comprehensive Plan at the Monday, March 2 public meeting. The City of Charlestown’s Advisory Plan Commission, in conjunction with Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group and OCRA, conducted the study that included a steering committee, online public feedback, public hearings and public meetings to receive feedback.

A copy of the Comprehensive Plan can be viewed online.

Section highlights in the plan include:

EXISTING CONDITIONS – Looks at previous studies, updated demographic analysis, physical conditions like street network, flood hazards, trails, sidewalks, emergency services, schools, utilities, and zoning structure.

VISION, GOALS, STRATEGIES – Overview and goals of public spaces and placemaking, enhancing the downtown area, expanding housing options, connectivity, and economic development.

LAND USE AND TRANSPORTATION – Future land use and citing areas for transportation improvements.

IMPLEMENTATION – Action step phasing that categorizes items as ongoing, immediate, short-term, mid-term, and long-term.

Next in the process is developing a Unified Development Ordinance for the city.