HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 02/02/2021Town of Mansfield
6 Park Jinx, Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048
Downtown Committee n,
Meeting Minutes 2.2.2021
Present: Kevin Dumas; Chair, Beth Ashman Collins, Neil Rhein, Jack Cooney and Eileen Cusack. Guests: Lee
Azinheira (DPW), Craig Miller, Waterfield Designs. Minutes: Nancy Griffin
Call to Order: The Downtown Committee was called to order at 4:36 pm by Director Kevin Dumas.
Acceptance of Minutes
Motion to accept the minutes from January 28, 2021 made Eileen Cusack, 2od by Jack Cooney. Roll Call Vote:
Eileen Cusack — Yes, Martha O'Connell — yes, Neil Rhein — Yes, Jack Cooney — Yes, and Kevin Dumas — Yes.
Vote 5-0 PASSED
Update on Parking Rules & Regulations: Mr. Dumas told the Committee that the new Parking Rules & Regulations for
the Downtown have been approved by the Select Board. In summary, the commuter parking on Thomas Street and 214
Rumford lot has been changed to general parking and is no longer commuter parking. All downtown parking has been
changed to four hours. After hours parking in commuter and downtown lots are unrestricted between 6:00 pm — 6:00
am. Mr. Dumas gave the Committee and update on the increased number of parking spaces that were gained in the
redesign of downtown, the net was 103 additional parking spaces between the lot behind Jimmy's Pub, the old Fales lot,
the 214 Rumford Lot, the diagonal alignment on Thomas Street, West Cottage, Crocker Street and the public lot at
Bluestone Bank.
Ideas for other beautification efforts:
Banners: Mr. Dumas reminded that in the past the Committee had discussed the possibility for purchasing four
banners that would change during the year. He suggested that this could be something Downtown Committee
member Jack Cooney could take to the Finance Committee for consideration as we approach the end of the fiscal
year if there is any money left. Mr. Dumas said he can put some pricing together for the brackets and the banners
to take to the Finance Committee, so they are aware that there may be a request later in the year. Mr. Azinheira
asked if this would include the MassWorks banners. Mr. Dumas suggested that we list them by area and gave the
Committee an idea of the areas where he would like to see the banners in the Downtown.
Discussion regarding planting area along Thomas Street at Chauncv: Mr. Dumas ask Mr. Azinheira to check on
the quote for the pruning in the area (the moat) that abuts the Winthrop Street lot where overgrowth is growing
over the wall and to prune all the trees, and for a planting area on Thomas Street at Chauncy. Mr. Rhein wanted
to know if the quote could be to maintain it on an ongoing basis because it has been difficult to get a local
landscaper to do as part of their Adopt -A -Spot commitment. Mr. Dumas clarified that the quote should include
the backside of North Lowney Common that abuts the handicap area because there is a scrub area in there that
needs to be cleaned out and for something to be planted with something that is less intrusive and easier to
maintain. After it has all been removed perhaps it can be replaced with rock or be heavily mulched — something
that's easy to maintain going forward.
Mr. Rhein described the Thomas Street area as being a location where there is an opportunity to make it look
better than it does. There are large pine trees that shed pine cones. If we could beautify that area that is our
gateway to downtown it would improve the whole look of that area. There is a tree near the memorial that is in
tough shape that should come down. Mr. Dumas asked Mr. Azinheira to follow up on that area as well.
Discussion of public art and sculptures alone bike path: Mr. Rhein stated that he saw some art along the bike path in
Hudson and it got him thinking that our bike path could be a lot more interesting if we have some art to enhance the
attractiveness of our area and attract more people to our area to make it a more interesting walk. Mr. Dumas stated
that we could consider other ideas as part of the shared path than will be going toward the airport leading outside of
the downtown. Mr. Rhein stated that we may have more success getting Mansfield's downtown designated a Cultural
District if Mansfield had more of this type of art. Ms. Cusack stated that the Mansfield Cultural Council is very interested
in moving forward with this, but there is very little movement at the State level. Ms. Cusack stated that the MCC will
have an update for the Committee at the next meeting. Mr. Dumas asked Mr. Rhein to share with him the images that
he captured in Hudson. Mr. Rhein added, he created a Facebook page called Friends of the Mansfield bike path that may
be used as a resource. Mr. Dumas asked everyone to bring thoughts and ideas of sculptures that could be shared at the
next meeting. Mr. Cooney offered that whatever is done should be consistent with the plan that Craig Miller is putting
together for Harry Chase Place. Mr. Rhein offered that the Mansfield Democratic Committee is working on a Heritage
Trail Museum which might tie in as well. Mr. Dumas let everyone know that he has a meeting coming up with the
representative from Mansfield Democratic Committee to discuss their plans.
Path signage: Mr. Dumas told the Committee that there are new Shared Path signs that will help people using the path
to know where to walk and ride. Mr. Rhein asked if we could consider marking or stenciling the paved path to the airport,
and beyond when it gets extended, to separate bike and walking lanes. Mr. Dumas stated that he believes the new path
signage does delineate the use.
Mr. Rhein asked if it would be possible to name the parking lots to make it easier for people to identify. Mr. Dumas
stated that the new Parking Rules & Regulations have named the lots and he gave examples. Mr. Rhein stated that he
would like to see a name on wayfaring signs. Mr. Dumas said that if we were to add signage and names we should then
give the lots lettered names. Mr. Azinheira asked if the lot names would need to go before the Select Board for approval.
Mr. Dumas suggested that Mr. Azinheira present a sample of the signs to the Downtown Committee, and with their
approval it would then go before the Select Board.
Review New Business: Mr. Rhein asked to start a discussion at the next meeting on the Fall Festival.
Next Meeting Date: The Committee members agreed to meet next on Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
Beth Ashman -Collins arrived in the meeting at 5:25 pm.
Any items not known 48 hours prior
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 5:34 pm made by Neil Rhein, 2nd by Jack Cooney.
Roll Call Vote: Beth Ashman Collins — Yes, Eileen Cusack — Yes, Neil Rhein - Yes, Jack Cooney — Yes, Martha
O'Connell - Yes, and Kevin Dumas —Yes. Vote 6-0 PASSED
Kevin
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