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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-12-09 Board of Public Works Minutes December 9, 1976 The Board of Public Works met at 7: 30 P. M. in the Audi- torium of the Community Center . Present were Chairman Russell , Secretary Dustin, Board Member Price and Superintendent Louanis. Mr. Dustin read Notice of Public Hearing regarding "Dis- cussion of Parks and Recreational Needs of the Town." Approximately sixty people attended the Hearing. Chair- man Russell greeted those in attendance and following appropriate opening remarks turned the meeting over to Acting Assistant Superintendent Bergeron. Mr. Bergeron reviewed the lengthy study as prepared by the Engineering Division pointing out that the increase in urbanization in the Town of Reading has brought about the realization that the provision of recreational facilities and programs is an essential function of the Town. The increased density of population has substantially decreased the available ' open green space and the time has come to examine the present park system and insure that future generations will be able to derive benefits and enjoyment of a well established park system. Mr. Bergeron outlined the areas within the Town that can con- ceivably be utilized for playlets, vest pocket parks, neighbor- hood parks, district parks and special areas and facilities . Following a review of the existing facilities and a report on the Questionnaire answered by the Town Meeting Members and a sixth grade class at the Joshua Eaton School as well as input from the Planning Board, Conservation Commission and Recreation Committee Mr. Russell asked for comments from the audience. Several of the working committees were represented and all were favorably impressed by, and congratulated the Board on having the initiative to proceed with a study but expressed con- cern over the fact that they had not actively participated in its preparation. The Superintendent stated that the study was merely a plan and outlined what could be done in the future were funds made available. It was suggested that when funds are requested for Parks at Town Meeting that the request be strengthened by pictures or slides visibly displaying the need for new play equipment, materials to be used for maintenance or equipment to be used in maintaining the park system. The point was well taken. There was a considerable negative response ? in that it was suggested we exercise a greater degree of care and . maintenance with the facilities at hand rather than increasing the park area. A strong desire to keep Batchelder Field avail— able for those interested in training and riding horses was evinced and it was suggested that perhaps it would be possible for groups to work together in an effort to develop ideas whereby Batchelder Field could serve other interests also. Following a period of questions and answers between the audience and the Board, Mr. Gergeron reviewed the reason for presenting the study; to provide the Town with a plan tailored to the Town 's recreational programs and goals in order to provide adequate facilities at proper locations for future generations. Meeting adjourned at 9:45 P. M. Respely submitted, Secretary r JON,, H. RUSSELL, Cb°tmwn PAS, C. DUSTIN, 9enefan OFFICE OF LAWRENCE R. BLOOD JOHN W. mu •OyfrN OF READING BOARD OF PUBLIC WORKS ALEXANDER T. BOMA E. ROGER LOUANIS. SuJK�n[¢nRaff MUNICIPAL BUILDING READING. MAEB. 01887 MASSACHUSETTS ' COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss- the Town The undersigned, Board of Public of Reading, in compliance with the provisions of General Laws, y Chapter 63 Of the Acts of 1933, here- Chapter 80, as amended bs herewith contain the names of per— by certify that the listmade betterment assessmeYhel 'mP sons against whom we have rove- gether with the location of the land benefited by ment and the nature and amount of such betterment assessment. 7,366.40 t. Sewer Frontage 24 843 .68 '., Serer House coentst�on Construction > TOTAL 5119,715.47 .VIPSuch ose of Such list is certified to you for the p P as provided by law- committing the same to the Tax collector, of December WITNESS our hands this twentieth day A.D. 1976• See Commitment Sheets For Lists es