GORHAM – Gorham town councilors began their discussion Tuesday on a new comprehensive master plan for the town.

The process of adopting a new plan will likely be lengthy.

“This is a document that will be worked on over time,” said Shonn Moulton, vice chairman of the Town Council, during the workshop meeting.

Consultant Mark Eyerman, president of Planning Decisions, briefed the council on proposed changes in a draft of an updated plan he assisted town planners in developing. The present comprehensive plan dates back to the 1990s.

A proposed updated comprehensive plan draft was unveiled in January.

On Tuesday, Eyerman walked the council through the various sections of a proposed updated plan. Eyerman said if the council adopted proposed land uses in the plan, it would become “the underpinning for zoning” that would have to be consistent with the plan.

Issues the Town Council will review include transportation, parking in Gorham Village, affordable housing, a vision for South Gorham and the future of agriculture in the community.

Eyerman said Councilor Benjamin Hartwell, a farmer, raised agricultural issues and that the majority of Hartwell’s concerns would be addressed in a draft.

Town Council Chairman Michael Phinney said farmers don’t want to be told what to do, but rather what they can do.

Town Councilor Matthew Robinson said in Tuesday’s workshop that he wants the “town to encourage” agriculture.

One proposed plan change, which would rezone the Longfellow Road area from rural to suburban residential, sparked opposition at the February Town Council meeting from a number of residents. This week, Eyerman said what happens on Longfellow Road has been a long-term issue.

“The council needs to weigh in,” Eyerman said.

This week’s workshop drew several residents, many from the easterly part of town, though none were able to speak since public comment is not usually allowed during a workshop.

Phinney said public comment would be allowed at upcoming meetings on the issue.