SOUTHAMPTON - Residents can voice their opinions on issues and goals for the town as part of the Southampton Master Plan Committee's invitation to residents to complete a 35-question survey.

Results of the survey will be used to develop a comprehensive Master Plan to guide decision-making in Southampton for the next 10 to 20 years.

The survey will cover topics such as land use, housing, economic development, education, public services and transportation. Topics were chosen based on public input at small discussion groups that took place in December.

The survey is available at Town Hall, Edwards Public Library, the Transfer Station and Pure Foods, or online at southamptonmasterplan.org. Responses will be accepted until April 2.

The results of the survey will be presented at a series of visioning workshops on April 8, 10 and 14. All Southampton residents are invited to attend the workshops, where they will determine the common goals and community values that will be included in the Master Plan.

Henry Barton, a member of the Master Plan Committee, said he's not sure the town has ever engaged in such a comprehensive plan before. "If the town did have one at one time, it's long gone," he said. "This will provide some guidance for townspeople, the Selectboard, the Conservation Commission and others for years."

The Master Plan, expected to be finalized and implemented by June 2012, will include a vision for the town and strategies to achieve that vision, Barton said. The goals, strategies and actions outlined in the plan will dictate decision-making on land use and open space, public services, economic development and zoning, among other topics.

Barton said that the survey will also allow the Master Plan to address the larger issue of the town's identity as either a rural or a bedroom community.

"Southampton has undergone a lot of growth, and we're still seeing it even though we're in a housing slump. Some people feel the growth will change the feel of the town," Barton said. "The town is inevitably going to grow and change, and the plan will make sure it is rational and consistent with the identity of the town."

Barton said he hopes citizens will spend about 30 minutes completing the survey and thinking critically about issues facing the town.

"People have their own worries, they're not always thinking of town affairs, but it's important that people take the survey and participate in the visioning workshops," Barton said. "We're hoping a lot of people take part and take the chance to get in and share."

Rebecca Everett can be reached at reverett@gazettenet.com.