Current Projects

NMCOG is providing technical assistance to update the Town of Billerica Planning Board’s Site Plan policies and zoning bylaws. This work includes a comprehensive analysis of existing bylaws and regulations, research on best practices to streamline the site plan review process, development of recommended amendments, and coordination with the Planning Board. 

NMCOG is finalizing Chelmsford’s 2025 Open Space and Recreation Plan, which is currently under review by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation Services. This forward-looking plan serves as a comprehensive blueprint to preserve, enhance, and expand Chelmsford’s open spaces and recreational resources, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, environmental stewardship, and resilience.

The planning process featured extensive community engagement, including surveys, focus groups, outreach at the Chelmsford Farmers Market and an Ice Cream Social, and engagement across the community. A partnership with Chelmsford High School introduced a train-the-trainer model, empowering students to play an active role in shaping the plan while building youth leadership skills.

The 2025 OSRP identifies five overarching goals:

1. Increasing community engagement

2. Enhancing accessibility and equity

3. Promoting climate resilience

4. Maintaining and upgrading facilities

5. Expanding recreation opportunities for a diverse and growing population

Together, these goals provide a clear path to ensure Chelmsford’s open spaces continue to thrive as vital community assets for generations to come.

NMCOG is partnering with the Town of Dunstable to finalize its 2025–2035 Open Space and Recreation Plan, now in the final stages of development. The plan reflects Dunstable’s strong commitment to preserving its rural character, protecting farmland, and expanding recreational opportunities that serve people of all ages and abilities.

The planning process has been guided by an OSRP Working Group and shaped by community input through surveys, interviews, and three public forums. Key priorities include maintaining and improving trails and fields, enhancing accessibility, supporting local agriculture, and integrating climate resilience into open space management.

The Ten-Year Action Plan outlines practical strategies—such as improved trail signage and ADA assessments, development of community gardens, and nature-based resilience projects—to guide future investments.

Once completed, the OSRP will provide a clear framework for balancing Dunstable’s conservation values with evolving community needs, ensuring that the town’s forests, fields, and farms remain vital community assets for the next decade.

The Merrimack River Revive is a regional project that helps communities understand flooding and water quality across the Merrimack River watershed. Led by NMCOG with the Northern Middlesex Stormwater Collaborative (NMSC), the project brings together cities and towns to plan for flooding, protect water resources, and support more equitable solutions across the region. 

Learn more about Merrimack River Revive. 

NMCOG is working with the Town of Tewksbury and the OSRP Committee to develop a new Open Space and Recreation Plan. The project is currently in the initial outreach phase, which includes a community survey and upcoming public engagement events.

Early discussions with the Committee have highlighted several themes that will guide the plan’s development: a strong tradition of community commitment to land protection, Tewksbury’s role as a regional hub for youth sports, and residents’ pride in local stewardship and beautification efforts. Additional priorities include improving education and signage for open space, expanding outreach to seniors, youth, and people with disabilities, and strengthening accountability for implementing future actions.

The OSRP will build on these values to create a clear framework for protecting open space, expanding recreational opportunities, and ensuring that Tewksbury’s natural and recreational resources continue to serve the community over the next decade.

NMCOG, in partnership with the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC), is supporting efforts to reduce trash and debris in the Merrimack River. Five municipalities—Tyngsborough, Andover, Lawrence, Methuen, and Haverhill—are participating in the initiative.

Floating river booms have been installed along local stretches of the river to capture debris such as plastic bags, Styrofoam, and other litter before it flows downstream. The booms are cleared and reset on a monthly basis to ensure continued effectiveness.

Participating communities are also hosting shoreline cleanup days to remove trash along the riverbanks. These efforts improve water quality, protect ecosystems, and enhance the natural character of the Merrimack River.

See more information on the Merrimack River Clean Up Initiative.

Where Westford Plays

NMCOG is currently working with the Town of Westford to prepare its new Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP). Building on the Town’s Strategic Plan, the OSRP emphasizes Opportunities for Recreation and Preservation of Open Space. Westford is committed to protecting open space, while also expanding opportunities for recreation. Key goals include improving connectivity through safe walking and cycling routes and supporting a variety of multi-generational recreational activities for people of all ages.

The OSRP planning process is designed to reflect broad community input. NMCOG and the Town are engaging residents through a town-wide survey, community events, virtual public forums, and interviews with staff and local leaders. A partnership with Westford Academy is also helping to involve students in shaping the future of recreation and open space. Together, these efforts will ensure the OSRP captures a range of perspectives of people who live, work, and play in Westford and sets a strong foundation for future investment in parks, trails, and natural areas.

NMCOG is supporting the Town of Westford Planning Board in updating its Site Plan policies and zoning bylaws. This work includes a detailed analysis of existing bylaws and regulations, research on best practices to streamline the site plan review process—including evaluating tiered review classifications such as administrative review—drafting recommended amendments, and meeting with the Planning Board. Town Meeting will vote on the amendment to the Town's Zoning Bylaw incorporating updated site plan review policies at Fall 2025 Special Town Meeting.