BURKE – The Planning Commission has approved a draft update to the Burke Town plan and voted to send it to the Select Board for a required second public hearing, marking a key step in bringing the community’s long-range blueprint back into compliance with state law.

Commissioners held a public hearing Aug. 28 to review proposed edits to the 74-page plan, last updated in 2017, which guides policy on land use, infrastructure, energy, housing, education, economic development and flood resiliency.

The document also helps the town qualify for state and federal grants and technical assistance, including Community Development Block Grants, Municipal Planning Grants, Bicycle and Pedestrian Grants and brownfield redevelopment funds, and is required for any zoning bylaw amendments.

During the hearing, commissioners and residents focused heavily on technical and clarity fixes.