be easy.” To manage that reality, town officials are preparing to engage planning consultants and the broader community to explore the best options. “I guess that’s going to be the crossroads that we’re looking at, and probably quite a significant debate at town meeting at some point,” he relays. A PROGRESSIVE VISION Collaboration remains a priority and Lakeville maintains close ties with neighboring municipalities such as Taunton and New Bedford, as well as regional organizations.“We will be working with the Cranberry Country Chamber of Commerce,” Carboni relays.“They are a very active group bringing in the collaboration of business owners and representatives in the communities on a regular basis.” Carboni also credits the Southeastern Regional Economic Development District as a valuable resource. “I believe there’s 31 or 32 communities that are part of that in the south coast,” she explains. “We meet once a month, and we go over the big issues in the area, those that affect each and every one of us.” Looking ahead, Lakeville’s focus remains on building a sustainable path forward that protects the town’s character while responding to the need for growth. Carboni recounts, “The first priority that comes to mind is creating a budget that we can sustain each year with only the two and a half percent increase 7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 LAKEVILLE, MA
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx