Alpine residents attended the second Alpine Master Plan Open House. PHOTO/NORA BLAND

On February 18, 2026, residents gathered at the second Open House for the Alpine Master Plan, eager to learn about the progress made in Phase 3 and the future direction of Alpine. Consultant Nora Bland from Cushing Terrell shared insights into the development of the Future Land Use Map and draft recommendations, illustrating the importance of community engagement in shaping the town’s future.

Bland emphasized that the drafting process heavily relied on three main inputs: community input, data, and best practices. Various engagement activities, including an online survey, focus groups, and open houses, have been instrumental in gathering residents’ sentiments regarding Alpine’s growth. An Existing Conditions report provided the baseline, comparing current data to the previous 2006 Master Plan while projecting future population trends.

“The Future Land Use Map is a guiding tool for town leaders as they plan land use decisions,” Bland explained. “While it’s not zoning, it informs those decisions.”

At the Open House, around 60-65 residents expressed their views on the draft recommendations and the Future Land Use Map, which highlighted areas designated for future development, including a proposed Riverwalk District near the reservoir. This concept aims to leverage town-owned land to encourage complementary uses, such as recreational rental shops, restaurants, and lodging, contributing to the community’s long-term goals.

Despite some initial concerns over misinformation about town-owned land rezoning, early concepts for the Riverwalk District garnered positive feedback. “This is an opportunity to create a walkable destination along the river,” Bland noted, reassuring residents that any future developments would undergo public review processes.

The planning team will release a Draft Plan for public review in late Spring or early Summer, inviting further community feedback before moving forward with the adoption process. Public hearings are planned with both the Planning Commission and Town Council, targeting final adoption in June 2026.

Bland emphasized the significant effort that has already gone into the Master Plan, stating, “An immense amount of work has been put into this project so far, but it is a guiding document. An important next step for the Town will be to update the Land Development Code to have the tools to implement the Plan, for which there is guidance provided in the draft recommendations presented at the Open House (and online).”

For those who missed the meeting, additional information and opportunities for feedback are available online at  alpine-master-plan.com/engage.