HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-09-24 ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee MinutesRECEIVED
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Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
FAX: (781) 942 - 5441 RECREATION DIVISION: (781) 942 - 9075
Ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee
September 24, 2007 - Town Hall Berger Room
Meeting Minutes
Attendance: James Bonazoli, Roger Frechette, Mary Ann Kozlowski, Shannon Fratto,
Gary Gresh, Bob Hunt
Gary Gresh called the meeting to order at 7:05
Gary shared some of the hard copy surveys and other materials that John F. supplied him.
There was a report from several of the committee members on the site visit to
Tewksbury. The one main idea for the Birch Meadow area that came from that visit was
the thought of an open air pavilion in the area where we have been discussing a snack
shack and bath room. This would be an alternative to a snack shack that would have
vending machines. Bathrooms could be placed in a different location or adjacent to the
pavilion.
Question for John: James asked about the plans for the softball field between the tennis
courts and the High School. Are the plans for that location final, and if not is there still
time to see if that area could be used for something different?
The hill next to the parking lot was discussed at length. In past meetings it has not been,
discussed other than as the only topographical relief in the area, and that it should be left.
The committee revisited that thought in this meeting. If the hill is removed and leveled, it
would open up the area where a picnic / gathering area is currently being recommended
by the committee. An equal or greater number of trees could be planted in that location.
The ropes course could be moved to the Higgins area.
Question for John and Jamie: Could that hill be removed if the committee decided to
make that our recommendation?
James is looking into creating a bigger field at Castine and working with the town
manager and conservation committee on the possibility of adding an extra layer of loam
or other material to the field for better drainage.
Mary Ann will make sure there is one more mention in the Chronicle regarding the Birch
Meadow survey that also states that the survey will conclude at the end of this week.
Gary will talk to Chris about tabulating the results of the survey.
The committee again talked about the potential for moving the tennis courts toward the
tot lot in order to create more open / common space.
The committee would like a person from the engineering department to attend the next
meeting. The committee is interested in:
• The area and amount of space that will be available in the Imagination Station
area, and if three full softball fields can fit in that area.
• A draft map on the committees initial thoughts for a plan
Perhaps John F. can coordinate this without a person attending the meeting.
The committee would like to begin work on the final draft and will begin making
assignments at the next meeting.
Motion to close the meeting by Gary, Mary Ann and James second. Motion passed 6-0-
0. Meeting adjourned at 8:35.
Next meeting is scheduled for October 1 at 7:00 at Reading Town Hall.
Submitted by Gary Gresh