The Planning Grant will update the town's Comprehensive Plan which is now over ten years old. Many state and federal grant programs require the town to have an up-to-date Comprehensive Plan.

A Downtown Action Plan will also be produced as a result of successfully receiving a Planning Grant. A current Comprehensive Plan and Downtown Action Plan will serve as a springboard for the town to apply for grants to revitalize the downtown.

The strengthening of the downtown businesses would be a strong focus for Monson in the next several years. The town already has an antique, craft and art emphasis which could become a major tourist and visitor attraction for those traveling to and from the Moosehead Lake region and Quebec.

Examples of future grant opportunities for downtown Monson would be for an improved streetscape, facade grants for businesses to improve their store fronts, and money for new and improved parks.

A public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2009, at 6:00 pm in the Town Meeting Room at the Monson Town Office to discuss the Planning Grant application. Those interested in downtown revitalization and the town's Comprehensive Plan are encouraged to attend.

Further information may be obtained by calling Dr. Kenneth Woodbury, Community Development Specialist for the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, at 564-3638.