HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-02 Board of Selectmen Minutes Board of Selectmen Site Visits
November 2, 1996
The Board convened at the Bear Hili recreation site on Hopkins Street. Present were George
Hines, Camille Anthony, Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Recreation
Director Joe Connelly, Mr. and Mrs. Gerry McDonald, Lance Watson, and Hope Boghosian.
The Board reviewed the site and its access. Ms. Boghosian suggested a gazebo and no play
equipment. This would be an attraction for the neighborhood as a play spot.
Mr. and Mrs. McDonald suggested that the property be given back to the developer and that
there be no development.
Mr. Watson asked whether Cedar Street would be kept as a public street or return to its natural
state. The Town Manager noted that other than a sidewalk for access to the open space, the area
would be returned to its natural state, with access for water line work if needed.
The Board asked for the following clarifications:
1. Is there a legal right of access by the Town to use Cedar Street for sidewalk purposes to
access this location.
2. Can we draft a plan of how a tot lot would layout on the property.
3. What is the possibility of securing additional land - work with the developer to acquire the
"house lot."
4. Can we get the developer to construct a sidewalk along his access road from Hopkins
Street into the Recreation site and to access the remainder of the development to Hopkin
Street.
At approximately 10:05 a.m. the Board of Selectmen adjourned to the Town Common. At the
Town Common, the following people were present: Chairman George Hines, Vice Chairman
Camille Anthony, Secretary Bruce MacDonald, Selectman Dan Ensminger, Town Manager Peter
Hechenbleikner, Recreation Administrator Joe Connelly.
The Board would like the Public Works Department to outline with snow fence or some other
temporary mechanism on the Common, the size that a bandstand would be. Joe Connelly will
work with Public Works to accomplish this. The site reviewed was the northwest corner of the
Common. It becomes especially practical if the piece of Lowell Street in front of Town Hall is
closed. Providing some edge or barrier along at least portions of the Common would also be
important. Connelly felt that the size, especially if Lowell Street is closed, would be plenty for the
purposes noted. MacDonald noted that he prefers the Common because of the positive effect on
enhancing Downtown.
The Board then walked to Memorial Park and looked at a site near the tennis court, the site of the
existing concrete slab, and the site at the intersection of Harrison and Charles. The Board
determined that if it was going to be located at Memorial Park, it should be at the site of the
existing concrete slab. Some drainage work may be required. The Town Manager suggested that
construction of curbing along Charles Street from Main to Harrison may relieve the problem of
concert goers parking on peoples lawns and treelawns.
At approximately 11:00 a.m. the field trip adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
retary
cc: Joe Connelly
Engineering
Ted Cohen