Environmental and Readiness Center Planning

PLANNING

Planning at the Massachusetts Military Reservation

Planning at MMR was a critical factor in the reservation's infancy. Time was short and the flurry of construction in 1941 was considerable. Significant thought went into the development of MMR in the months prior to World War II. Since then, comprehensive planning has not been a major factor in the evolution of the base.

The Massachusetts National Guard has entered a new era in the 21st Century and places effective planning of its facilities as a high priority. With regard to MMR, these planning functions include:

- Compliance with all environmental regulations and procedures pertaining to the MMR

-Planning for utilities and utility improvements serving the MMR

-Planning for expanded water supply capabilities to serve Upper Cape Cod communities

-Interacting with local and regional planners on issues of mutual concern

-Assisting base commanders in planning for improvements and new facilities
-Developing a comprehensive physical planning context in which the future of the MMR can be properly directed and fulfilled.

-Working with military and non-military organizations regarding development of facilities at the MMR

-Assisting the Massachusetts National Guard with planning issues affecting its properties throughout the state

-Investigating new initiatives for the Massachusetts National Guard at the MMR or for other properties involving the Massachusetts National Guard

These aerial photographs from 1943 and 1994 depict the presence of planning (in 1943) and absence of planning (in 1994). In 1941, a massive construction project was undertaken in the months before our entry into World War II. The first sewerage system and sewage treatment plant on Cape Cod were built, as well as a water supply system. Cells of self-contained military support buildings were constructed around a large quadrangle. Four lane highways were built from the new Bourne Bridge directly into the quadrangle, and convenient pedestrian circulation within the quadrangle was promoted and maximized. A hospital was built and rail service came into a major logistics area, convenient to the quadrangle. An airfield convenient to the quadrangle was also constructed. For its purpose as a major military base in a wartime situation, the planning for MMR in 1941 was effective and brilliant.

The 1994 aerial photo to the right depicts the remnants of the 1941 plan, but not much planning since. Functions are spread around the base in the few buildings remaining from 1941. Interaction between activities seldom can be done without a car. Buildings are deteriorated. Environmental protection is at a high level; however, planning for the future is currently in its infancy.

Links To Planning Web Sites:

Cape Cod Commission: http://www.capecodcommission.org/

American Planning Association (APA): http://www.planning.org/

Mass. Chapter APA: http://www.massapa.org /

Mass. Dept. of Housing and Community Development: http://www.state.ma.us/dhcd/default.htm

Town of Sandwich Planning Office: http://www.sandwichmass.org/TownGovernment/PlanningDevelopment.htm

Town of Bourne: http://www.townofbourne.com/

Town of Falmouth Planning Office:
http://www.town.falmouth.ma.us/planning/Mainpage.htm

Town of Mashpee Planning Office: http://www.ci.mashpee.ma.us/departments/planning/planhome.htm