Rutland Master Plan

A Comprehensive Master Plan prepared with support from the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission

Town Overview

Home to over 9,000 residents, the Town of Rutland is a friendly small-town community nestled in Central Massachusetts. Boasting a rich history and scenic agricultural lands, Rutland offers charming village centers and close-knit neighborhoods.

As Rutland’s population continues to grow, this Master Plan aims to direct new development toward walkable village centers, while encouraging agriculture and managing growth within current public water and sewer capacity.

Rutland aims to be an inclusive community through affordable housing, increased senior housing, and mixed-use centers.

The Town continues to improve publicly owned facilities and services, including the Board of Health, Council on Aging, Fire Department, Recreation, Public Library, Police Department, Veterans’ Service, and Wachusett Area Schools.

Rutland is home to the Massachusetts Central Tree, the Old Burial Ground, a historic Prison Camp Site, and a “lost village" in West Rutland. Many historical and cultural commissions work to preserve Rutland's history, including the Cultural Council, Historical Commission, Historical Society, Council on Aging, and the 300th Anniversary Committee.

The Town is home to major routes MA-56, MA-68, MA-122, and MA-122A. Rutland is looking to provide accommodations for all transportation types to enable greater accessibility and mobility throughout the community.

This Master Plan, created by and for the community of Rutland, provides a step by step guide to improve quality of life for all Rutland residents while preserving the Town's history and character.

Vision

RUTLAND IS WHERE...

  • We respect the past while being focused on the future.
  • Everyone can enjoy the lush rural landscapes and natural beauty of our Town.
  • We seek sustainable growth that protects our natural, historic, and agricultural resources while preserving our values, qualities, and culture.
  • Life is more enjoyable, peaceful, serene, and a whole lot friendlier.

RUTLAND IS WHERE...

  • The community is inclusive and is built on deep and lasting connections.
  • We take pride in our schools, parks, and public places.
  • We celebrate the traditions of our community and welcome new opportunities to draw residents and visitors together.
  • We promote housing opportunities to meet the needs of all ages, incomes, and families.
  • Local businesses provide goods, services, and jobs that help sustain the town.
  • Movement around and through town is diverse, safe, and connected.

RUTLAND IS WHERE...

  • We value our public services and infrastructure as part of a healthy and sustainable town.
  • Municipal government embraces initiatives to help create a welcoming atmosphere for residents, businesses, and visitors.
  • Fiscal and environmental health are in balance and wisely stewarded.
  • All residents take part in democratically and transparently governing our town.
  • We work together making our long-range vision a reality for the next generation.

RUTLAND IS WHERE...

  • We are ready for the future.

Population and Housing

Rutland’s population is expected to reach over 10,000 people by the year 2040.

In 2021, the median sale price of a single-family home was $418,000, an increase of $161,000 since 2010. The median monthly rent in Rutland is $1,046. School enrollment for the Wachusett School District has remained relatively stagnant over the past 10 years.

At only 3%, Rutland falls far below the State-mandated 10% affordable housing requirement and housing in Rutland is not affordable for all of its residents. To become inclusive and accessible to all residents in Rutland or desiring to move to Rutland, more affordable housing is necessary.

There is a tremendous need for senior housing units in Rutland and the Central Massachusetts region. By constructing more senior and accessible housing, Rutland residents will have the option to “age in place.”

Housing affordability is especially important to Rutland residents, as 44.7% of survey respondents noted housing cost as an influence toward the decision to live in Rutland.

About 41% of respondents also noted Rutland's residential neighborhoods as a determining factor in their decision to live in Rutland. Ensuring that Rutland residents can stay in Rutland through life, financial, and familial changes is crucial for maintaining a desired community structure.

Rutland can increase its housing stock while maintaining the small-town character of its neighborhoods by adopting low-impact development and cluster development bylaws; and increasing height limitations and reducing minimum lot sizes while requiring design guidelines.

Encouraging Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) through zoning will support aging residents looking to downsize. Community Preservation Act funds are one option to support new senior housing units.

To align with the Commonwealth's affordable housing goals, Rutland should maintain its status as a Housing Choice Community, develop an Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and explore policy changes to incentivize affordable housing units within new developments.

Allowing for slightly increased densities and smaller lot sizes in targeted locations (e.g., those with mixed-use zoning) will help prevent sprawl and associated traffic.

Goal 1

Encourage housing developments that prioritize preservation of open space, utilize low-impact development methods, and are consistent with community location and dwelling unit preferences.

Goal 2

Pursue creative policies that support the sustainable development of new housing units and expand the diversity of housing options.

Goal 3

Pursue policies and partnerships that will support the development of truly affordable housing.

Goal 4

Improve streetscape and pedestrian infrastructure to support future housing development and its impacts on traffic volume.


Land Use

Rutland has historically consisted of rural residential housing and agricultural land. Rutland’s developed land is focused in a few locations.

The Town Center area, centered on the intersection of Route 122A and Route 56, includes most of Rutland’s municipal buildings, churches, and mixed use, retail, and dining. There is limited multi-family housing as well as single family housing. In all directions along the major routes, the density reduces into a consistently exurban and rural landscape. One of the key features of Rutland is the amount of land taken up by Rutland State Park, and that natural resource’s proximity to Rutland Town Center. Rutland retains a significant amount of agricultural land, with many named farms, and agricultural parcels.

Other developed areas include the Four Corners area, west of Town Center at the intersection of Route 122 and Pleasantdale Road, and North Rutland, south of Route 62 at the intersection of East County Road and Intervale Road. Both areas have limited retail and commercial development, alongside rural residential areas.

Rutland’s population has grown by over 60 percent since the year 2000, alongside rapid housing development, primarily in former agricultural and open space areas. This has created concern about land conservation and the preservation of an agricultural economy in Rutland.

Focusing development in Town Center, Four Corners, and North Rutland, which already have residential and commercial development, will allow the Town to build housing for the future while reducing development pressure on Rutland’s key natural and agricultural assets.

Rutland should continue planning for Healthy Aging to service its aging population to improve affordability; inclusive mobility options; elderly and emergency response services; and multi-generational community spaces.

Areas along Route 68 with existing commercial development could be targeted as Village Center zones for mixed-use commercial and residential development. The Village Center zone in the Four Corners area could be expanded south along Route 56 towards Paxton, or that major road frontage could be zoned as Business and Light Industrial, in line with existing districts along that area of Route 56.

Implementation of updated Low Impact Development and stormwater bylaws, a reappraisal of the Open Space option for subdivision development, and implementation of conservation commission bylaws will continue land conservation efforts.

Goal 1

Encourage development that is in harmony with the community's rural New England character & heritage.

Goal 2

Identify key areas for specific types of land use within the Town and create mechanisms to encourage such uses in those areas.

Goal 3

Develop strategies to preserve agricultural land, support the existing agricultural community and encourage the growth of local agricultural and agro-business.

Goal 4

Concentrate new development around existing traffic infrastructure to protect natural resources and improve walkability.

Goal 5

Preserve open space & encourage use for active and passive recreation.


Economic Development

Rutland's median household (MHI) income is $132,000, significantly higher than Worcester County’s.

The town’s MHI has increased by twenty-eight percent since 2010. Rutland's 4,800 resident labor force has grown by 15.5% over the past decade, twice the speed of the Commonwealth's labor force growth rate.

Advantageous to commercial development, Rutland's single-rate tax rate is 15.68 per thousand valuation. Commercial uses are contained within five zoning districts, located along Route 122,Route 122A, Route 56, Route 68, Campbell Street, and Interval Road. Rutland residents desire additional commercial development along Route 68, but anticipate congestion concerns. The Town has a well-built identity as an agricultural community with a strong informal network of farmers.

Rutland is currently redeveloping Rutland Heights, led by the Rutland Industrial Development Corporation. The Town's recently formed Economic Development Committee operates to support Rutland's current and future economic development.

Water and sewer infrastructure is considered in fair condition and within capacity; however, reservoir draw limits may hinder future development opportunities.

Rutland should develop an agricultural tourism and ecotourism strategy through the Economic Development Committee and additional stakeholders.

As an essential gateway corridor, Route 68 should be prioritized through aesthetic improvements, landscaping, wayfinding, placemaking, and incentives for small businesses.

The Town should engage with Home-Based Occupations through creating an inventory of businesses, facilitating public/private dialogues, and promoting vacant commercial spaces.

The Town should engage in smart growth strategies to protect the natural environment and create more attractive neighborhoods, including low-impact design, cluster development, village-style development, and pedestrian infrastructure.

Goal 1

Encourage the development of small business amenities including commercial and professional services.

Goal 2

Grow and diversify the commercial tax base to promote a fiscally sound future and allow the Town to provide and improve services, including recreational opportunities and pedestrian infrastructure.

Goal 3

Ensure that all economic development initiatives are considered in the context of residents' desire to maintain Rutland's natural beauty and small-town character.

Goal 4

Improve the Town's streetscape and sidewalks to allow and promote more pedestrians and bicycle access to the Town's businesses and public facilities.

Historical and Cultural Resources

Rutland is home to the Massachusetts Central Tree, the Old Burial Ground, a historic Prison Camp Site, and a “lost village" in West Rutland.

It is vital to Rutland residents that the town’s historic assets are prioritized and protected, especially when new developments arise. Planning for historic and cultural preservation will allow the town to better protect the stories and heritage of Rutland for generations to come.

Many historical and cultural commissions shape Rutland, including the Cultural Council, Historical Commission, Historical Society, Council on Aging, and the 300th Anniversary Committee.

The Historical Society offers a range of activities to educate on the heritage of the area. The Rutland Town Common has been the place of community gatherings, holiday celebrations, fairs, concerts, protests, speeches, parades, and other events in Rutland for centuries. Each year, residents and visitors come together on and around July 4th to partake in road races, parades, concerts, bonfires, a strawberry festival, and fireworks.

There are several bylaws and policies that Rutland should pursue to preserve the Town’s historic character, including Local Historic Districts, a Demolition Delay Bylaw, and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places.

To gain widespread support for preservation initiatives, the Town must actively engage with community members of all ages to instill local identity and a sense of pride in the town’s heritage and unique history. Field trips, tours, lectures, open houses, summer programs, celebrations, and concerts give residents and visitors the opportunity to engage with the town’s past.

The Town should maintain a publicly accessible inventory of structures, artifacts, documents, and other historical resources that tell the story of Rutland.

Awareness of the Lost Villages Scenic Byway should be strengthened by actions such as maintaining roadway signage, distributing print and online promotional materials, and collaborating with other Lost Villages towns.

The Town should also take steps to ensure it is economically viable for agricultural land and businesses to remain operational.

Goal 1

Preserve the Town's historic character and cultural resources.

Goal 2

Provide cultural opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Goal 3

Increase familiarity and awareness with the Town's historic and cultural resources.

Goal 4

Balance growth with preservation of historic and cultural assets.


Transportation

Rutland is home to major routes MA-56, MA-68, MA-122, and MA-122a. The Town has eight registered bridges, six of which were inspected by MassDOT in 2020 and 2021. Rutland does not provide public transportation other than an Elderbus for senior residents

Rutland and surrounding communities (Holden, Hubbardston, Oakham, Paxton, Princeton) are not serviced by the WRTA. This means the area is very inaccessible to anyone lacking access to a car. The American Community Survey reports that 97.6% or working Rutland residents work in Massachusetts. A full 79.5% work in Worcester County.

The top transportation priority of Rutland residents is the condition of roads and bridges, rising gas prices, and speeding. According to MassDOT’s Top Crash Locations database, there is one accident cluster at the intersection of Route 122 (Barre Paxton Road) and Pleasantdale Road.

Providing accommodations for all transportation user types enables greater accessibility and mobility throughout the community. The top priorities for pedestrian facilities in Rutland are sidewalk conditions and crosswalk striping.

Roads that need improvement include Wachusett Street, Pleasantdale Road, and Pommogussett Road. Sidewalks should be improved on Main Street near the Elementary School, and on Pommogussett Road, Pleasantdale Road, and Glenwood Road. Traffic and Safety conditions should be improved at the intersection of East County Road and Wachusett Street.

The crash cluster on Route 122 and Pleasantdale Road should be improved through a Strategic Highway Safety Plan. The Town should prevent crash clusters and problematic areas by incorporating more speed limit signs, warning signs, and public awareness of the rules of the road.

The Town can encourage environmentally friendly transportation practices by installing no-idling signs in popular areas, installing electric vehicle charging stations at public buildings, and greening the municipal vehicle fleet.

By exploring alternative mobility options such as ride share and paratransit, Rutland can become more accessible for all residents and visitors. Rutland should explore the expansion of the Central Mass Rail Trail to connect core streets to bikepaths.

Goal 1

Maintain and improve the condition of Rutland's existing transportation network.

Goal 2

Increase the safety of Rutland's roads for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

Goal 3

Mitigate negative impacts resulting from the transportation system.

Goal 4

Provide transportation alternatives to car travel.

Goal 5

Improve the Town's streetscape and sidewalks to allow more pedestrians and bicycle access to businesses.

Goal 6

Take a proactive approach to emerging transportation technologies, trends, and issues.

Goal 7

Better connect the Town's roads, streets & sidewalks to be consistent with the Town's small-town and environmental character.


Public Facilities and Services

Rutland has a five-member Select Board, a Town Administrator, and an open town meeting form of government. This style of government gives Rutland's 6,000 voters power to directly affect decision-making.

The Town funds services such as the Board of Health, Council on Aging, Fire Department, Recreation, Public Library, Police Department, Veterans’ Service, and Wachusett Area Schools. The Town’s Capital Planning Improvement Committee has identified several priorities that will be challenging for the Town to afford. Town departments will need additional support.

According to the Master Plan survey, Rutland residents are proud of the available services and facilities. Many are satisfied with services such as online resources, town events, water and sewer services, the Emergency Communications Center, the Rutland Public Library, and the fire and police departments. Similar results are seen for town facilities. Town services and facilities are broadly considered adequate for the needs of residents.

The majority of survey responders indicated satisfaction with town services. However, the survey also indicated that some services are underused. The Town’s water and sewer, library, and online resources are the services that get the least use.

The Town can experiment with involving more community members in the budgetary process.

The Town should start an economic development strategic planning process to bring more tax dollars into Rutland.

Rutland can expand services and programs by ensuring ADA accessibility, expanding the current Council on Aging shuttle, creating additional office space for the recreation department, expanding the public safety building, and hiring more Department of Public Works employees.

Rutland should focus on buildings in poor and very poor conditions, including the Community Center, Fire Station, Town Pool, and Town Hall.

Goal 1

Ensure town facilities are at their optimal state to serve Rutland residents.

Goal 2

Ensure all relevant plans and action items are implemented.

Goal 3

Ensure and expand quality town services to all Rutland residents.


Read the Master Plan