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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-05 ad Hoc - Northern Area Greenway Task Force MinutesR CL ,'I- rC' ' ; CLER1'J~ Town of Reading t A ; , i"1 Ad Hoc Northern Area Greenway Task Force Town Hall Conference Room Ci October 5, 2006 Minutes Attendance: Dave Williams, Will Finch, Brant Ballantyne, Charles Moran, Frank Driscoll, Fred Alexander Absent: Mark Rumizen, Marsie West Also present: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager; John Feudo, Recreation Administrator; Kim Honetschlager, GIS Coordinator; Joan Hoyt, Town Forest Committee Associate Member The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM. Introductions were made, then Peter described the derivation of the task force, his vision for the greenway, issues that the task force should keep in mind, and answered questions. He also advised the task force of its legal requirements (posting meetings, quorum, taking minutes, etc.) • Peter recommended a cable TV spot on the Ipswich River produced by John Surrette. • He envisions an accessible trail, not necessarily paved, with side-trails that could be more rugged. Part of the trail could be a boardwalk with railings where necessary for safety. He envisions the greenway as the equivalent of "walking the lake" in Wakefield in the sense that it will be a recreation destination. • He believes that there is grant money available for this type of project. He stated that Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds could be used if the town passed the CPA. • Peter stated that water department land is under the control of the Selectmen and that other areas are controlled by the Town Forest Committee. He sees no legal restrictions on the use of any of the lands under consideration. Ben Nichols is available for home visits and knows everything there is to know about the acquisition of specific parcels within the Town Forest. Peter stated that no state or federal funds were used to purchase any of the Town Forest or adjacent property with the exception of Marion Woods, which received a state self-help grant. [Bare Meadow also purchased with state funds?] • The "log cabin" site on north Main Street is under agreement for purchase by the Town, but the property has not cleared probate. $400,000 (of the $800,000 purchase price) has been approved from the state and $400,000 has been promised by a private party. An additional $50,000 is anticipated to be needed for demolition of the adjacent house and for site work. • The Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is likely to be demolished next summer. The high lift building and garage will remain and will be available for reuse. It is anticipated that the parking area will remain as public parking. • A question was asked as to the task force's role in recommending or planning playing fields in the WTP area. Peter said that the task force should discuss their feasibility, make recommendations, and then "hand it over" to the Recreation Committee. • Peter discussed the history and purpose of the Reading Open Land Trust (ROLT). He suggested that any new trails or parking should be built on Town property, anticipating that ROLT would not want to be legally liable for either. • A design hearing has been scheduled for the replacement of the Route 28 bridge over the Ipswich River (Nov. 15 at 7:00 PM at North Reading Town Hall). Peter suggested that the bridge be raised for canoe passage. Peter called for nominations for chairperson. Frank nominated Dave Williams. Seconded. Approved 5-0-1. Peter then left the meeting and Dave took over. krh Page 1 12/1/2006 The following dates were set: • Saturday October 14, 9:00 AM - site walk from Haverhill Street to Main Street through Anderson Meadow and Bare Meadow Conservation areas, ending at the log cabin. John will ask the owners if we can tour the cabin. • Thursday October 19,7:30 PM - next meeting. • Saturday October 28 - next site walk, time and place to be decided. • Thursday November 2, 7:30 PM - meeting. Discussion ranged widely with task force members pointing out areas that they are familiar with, including both assets to and constraints on a linear trail. Mapping was requested to include flood plain, rare species habitat, and vernal pools. The length of the greenway was questioned [approx. 2.5 miles]. Concern was raised about increased public use in general and of sensitive areas in particular. John stated that he was surprised by a conversation with a resident who did not want to see increased use of the Town Forest. Dave followed up with concern for bird habitat in some areas. Concern was stated over increased traffic if ball fields are built at the WTP and over the availability of parking for access to the greenway. Ideas were suggested including "spokes of activity', "pockets of parking", and creating zones for different types of activities. Some felt that the task force might not, in the end, recommend creating a linear path. Phased development was recommended by several task force members. Public notice, publicity, and opposition were discussed. It was agreed that the task force should launch a publicity campaign soon, but not immediately. Brant suggested that the task force start roughing out its report early on. Crossing Main Street/Route 28 between the log cabin and Marion Woods was a concern. Brant suggested looking to Mass Highway for pedestrian crossing improvements in conjunction with replacing the bridge over the Ipswich River. John stated that the Minuteman Bike Trail in Lexington crosses many busy streets. Trail surface was discussed. Dave expressed the concern that bicycles couldn't use a boardwalk. Will stated that the Conservation Commission (Cons Corn) does not allow bicycles on its properties. He stated that this could probably be changed. John updated the task force on the potential uses of the log cabin. He feels it is within the task force's mandate to make recommendations as to its use and financial upkeep. He stated that Boy Scouts were interested, but that it would be too expensive to be maintained by a troop. Discussion centered around using the log cabin as a community meeting space and of using it as an "outing center" taking advantage of its proximity to Bare Meadow. Kim stated that the greenway could be renamed to something other than "NAG". Joan will fill out paperwork to become a member of the task force representing the Town Forest Committee. Brant offered to take minutes at the next meeting. Frank offered to do so at the first site walk. Fred offered to bring a camera on the first site walk. The meeting adjourned at 9:13 PM. Voted 6-0. Respectfully submitted, Kim Honetschlager, GIS Coordinator krh Page 2 12/1/2006