When it comes to Marion’s future, participants at a master plan workshop expressed interest in developing Route 6, land conservation and affordable housing.

A master plan is a community’s blueprint for at least the next 10 years. It must be updated per state law. Master plan elements include: statements of goals and policies, land use, housing, economic development, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, services, transportation and implementation.

Specific recommendations included making the town pedestrian friendly, creating opportunities for seniors and retaining the town’s historical character through zoning bylaws.

Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) employees led the three-hour workshop on Saturday in the Music Hall. SRPEDD is a regional planning agency that serves cities and towns in Southeastern Massachusetts.

The Planning Board is tasked with revamping the town’s master plan and Saturday’s workshop allowed for public comment.

“You’ve heard that in real estate it’s all about, location, location, location. The master plan is a way to unify all of those aspects,” said Bill Napolitano, environmental program director at the SRPEDD.

“When you plan with all of these in mind it becomes about function, function, function.”

After introductions and an explanation of the master plan process, residents broke into groups to discuss the different master plan elements.

One person from each group then presented the results of the brainstorming session.

Napolitano represented the open space group. The need for local and regional cooperation on a proposed bike path was discussed.

“We need to look at how to make that a reality. It’s a regional issue that needs to be looked at locally and at a larger scope,” Napolitano said.

Infrastructure was also important to participants who emphasized developing Route 6 in accordance with the town’s historic nature.

Robert Raymond, speaking on behalf of the economic development group, said attracting light industry would be in the town’s interest.

“Those businesses are a good way to expand the tax base with little impact,” Raymond said.

At the end of the session, attendees voted on what issues they thought were most important to focus on.

The Planning Board will use the information to develop a master plan in the coming months.

SRPEDD encouraged residents to become involved in the process by attending board meetings when the master plan is discussed.

Interactive maps, master plan documents  and more materials are available for review on the Marion master plan website at www.srpedd.org/marion-master-plan.