Director of Planning and Building Danica Miller is kicking off Peterborough’s 2026 master plan update with help from local second-graders, inviting two classes at Peterborough Elementary School to design “I helped plan our town’s future” buttons, with three of the 30 submissions to be selected by the Select Board.
“My number one criteria for picking is can you read it?” select board member Bonnie Tucker said. “It needs to be clear what the button represents.
Member Bill Kennedy provided his own criteria.
“The second feature is I’d like to see something that shows a town building,” he said.
The Select Board will have their decisions ready for the May 2 Master Plan kick off event.
Miller also updated the Select Board about the town’s FEMA flood map changes concerning the Contoocook Watershed.
The flood maps were last updated in 2009, according to Miller. She said there are three floodplain classifications — 500-year flood zones, 100-year flood zones and flood ways.
Following the recent Contoocook watershed assessment, many properties were reclassified from 500-year zones to 100 years. Mortgage holders in the affected areas may need flood insurance Miller said.
According to Miller, the new flood maps take effect June 10 and the planning office sent mailers to all impacted property owners.
FEMA is scheduled for an April 30 open house from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Town Hall. Miller encouraged residents to attend the event.
She and Zoning Administrator Tim Herlihy will be at the event to answer questions.
The Select Board also approved a contract for a hazard mitigation plan consultant.