Tuesday’s vote settled the bitter battle over Measure M, but the scars could last for some time.

As the healing process begins, the town council, planning commission and future developers of Planned Community 2 also find themselves with a clear mandate from Truckee residents. Although the measure failed, the tremendous interest generated by this election (54 percent of voters made it to the polls) shows how deeply people care about Truckee’s future.

This week’s election mandates that the town hold itself and PC-2 developers to higher standards as the area near the Interstate 80/Highway 89 intersection develops. Promises were made about no big boxes and phasing of commercial development.

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The current and future councils must ensure those promises are kept and, as proposals go through the specific plan process, be the watchdogs that require development compatible with the wishes of Truckee residents.

The Measure M process represented an open debate that, overall, has been healthy for the town. Now it’s time to make peace. Representatives of both sides of the issue said this week they hope people can overcome their differences and work toward common ground that benefits the town rather than tear it apart.

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Those promises, although easier said than done, also should be kept.