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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-10-04 ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee MinutesEC IV D TOWN CLERK R'I: ADIINS, MASS. Town of Reading ' S 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942 - 5441 RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942 - 9075 Ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee October 4, 2007 - Location: Birch Meadow Fields Meeting Minutes Attendance: James Bonazoli, Roger Frechette, Mary Ann Kozlowski, Gary Gresh, Bob Hunt, John Fuedo, Jamie Maughan, Ben Ream, George Zambouras, the Town Engineer Gary Gresh joined the meeting at 5:30 > The first major finding from the committee's walk was that the body of water between the football field and the old Imagination Station (extending all the way through Castene Field, is "Not a river." George explained that there had been a change in regulation and definition. This is a Big Distinction for the committee to consider. The next areas of major interest were • Realigning the fields to get three, and even possibly four, fields • Options for the Hill (including use of it as a possible future site for I. S.) • Options for Castene Field, ""The largest piece of often-unusable land in B.M." Jamie pointed out that, river distinction or not, it was imperative to give a minimum of 35' - 40' as a "conservation buffer" along the "stream." This buffer zone would be planted with grasses, foliage, and other landscaping. One member suggested perhaps some "green space" in the old I.S. lot. Another suggested perhaps keeping the new I.S. in the old I.S. lot. John Fuedo then clearly stepped out of the (batter's?) box and envisioned, using the old I.S. space, a configuration for three four fields, which would be a real boon as long as not to th detriment of other high priority initiatives. The configuration for such a 4-field plan would look something like this: This plan might necessitate installing more lights, another "walk-underable" safety net like the one between the fields and the lacrosse field. Before this plan moves forward it will be necessary for the town engineers to conduct a civil survey of whether there is sufficient land to support 3 or 4 full fields, or three full fields and one undersized field. The committee then considered the hill, the grove of trees and the batting cage. - There is room at the far end of the softball field currently under construction near the tennis courts. John suggested this space be used to create a second softball field with enough room for a multi-use field in the middle. The town engineer is looking into that potential. Currently, the batting cage sits on prime Birch Meadow real estate, which may not be optimal. The cage cannot be moved any closer to residential housing due to noise. Since the tennis courts could be moved south by several feet, one idea would be to place it on the back side of the tennis backboard wall. Another suggested site was adjacent to the parking lot surrounding the field house. A new Imagination Station type of playground could not be located in the grove of trees as suggested. It would be difficult or impossible to clean and there would also be safety issues. To develop the center of Birch Meadow for greater public use, the cutting of trees is unavoidable. George indicated that some of the smaller trees could be transplanted. And the committee agreed that should tree-cutting occur, that new, additional trees be planted, but in spots that will not obstruct the many planned activities for the area. Wherever the new I. S. winds up, planting some shade trees nearby seems a natural. Once the batting cage is moved, that prime real estate can be the site for such highly sought-after facilities as an open air pavilion, snack shack/vending machines and bathrooms. Lowering the hill to a useful, adaptable height and gradient would not be an overwhelming task according to George. "We have all the equipment and Movers right here!" he joked. Some was suggested that rather than a "Big Bang" approach, that this process be done incrementally; clearing out all the overgrown brush for starters. As such renovation occurs, a natural order or plan accommodating the many desired uses and facilities of the Birch Meadow area may very well emerge. The meeting was called for darkness at 6:40 PM.