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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMaster Plan Comm. 05/28/1996IE � MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE MAY 28, 1996 _ .Present: Kathleen Nash, Shirley Hanlon, Bernie Dolan, Tom'Fiefi02f 7oM j : (1 Sullivan, Donna Sennott, Shaun Burke, Chris Marion, Chair Bonda l Absent: Jim Burke, Lionel Brooks, Ralph Penney, Peter DeTfolto, Biljl,,.aigt, Tom McShane, Duane Frederick. Meeting called to order 7:30 p.m. II. Correspondence: 1. Letter from Dr. Nicoletti, requesting meeting changed from June 16th, to June 27th. Motion for the same unanimous - (Dolan -Sullivan) PASSES 2. Letter from Master Plan Committee Chair Bonda to the Buzz regarding interview with Karl Klemmey. 3. Motion to approve minutes April 23rd (French -Flynn) unanimous PASSES 4. Motion to re -send goals and objectives letter, minutes of May 16, original letter to School Committee of 5/2 to homes of School Committee members. (Flynn -Nash) All in favor PASSES III. Discussion with consultant Ken Kreutziger Mr. Kreutziger had spent time going around Mansfield, i.e. downtown, East and West Mansfield, developments, etc.. He asked for priorities, none stated, using goals/objectives list as a springboard went through'obser- vations one by one. 1. Preserving Mansfield's small town character and open space- fast developing into a surburban community, not rural any longer. Changes within the last 10-15 years -areas like Mansfield more affordable to a greater number of people, number of jobs increased within the 495 belt. These pressures caused character of the town to change. Ken feels town with fields, agricultural use is a town of the past. Sees Great Woods area as primarily the undeveloped area, along with small pockets undevel- oped in Southwest corner, near Airport. 2. Central role for downtown: Mr. Kreutziger feels there exists a good supply of interesting housing, properties well maintained, walk to train desirable, questions adding additional trees, streetscape, banners, in- creased attention to painting the facades of buildings. 3. Manage growth and development with insight to the future- feels re- garding prevention of strip development- such areas presently exist. 4. Protection of waterways, aquifers, and groundwater recharge areas - Ken had questions - are open spaces connected? 5. Minimize the need for public expenditure. Ken stated the Industrial Park was an asset, not only for jobs but also for a tax basis. 6. Maintain and improve the quality of life in Mansfield- feels all factors go in for the recipe for quality of life. Education- Ken's thoughts include: the biggest correlation to excellence is not how much dollars per student but the average salary of teachers. Statistical data does not include important factors such as kinds of programs, computers, a wide of subjects including arts and drama. Ken stated the more de— sirable communities have not taken the axe to these kinds of programs. --,z Mr. Kreutziger fielded many questions from the board including: how much detail concerning education is included in other town's Master Plans? (school committees sets plans, through process of working with the school committee goals, priority basis is expressed in the Master Plan). The consultant stated certain elements, or structure to the town that sets groundwork for the plan: 1. Transportation— detailed major routes, streets on the map, questioned tying together open space, parks, downtown for bicycle trails. 2. Focus on assets— identify, enhance short term, long range, establish priorities. 3. Financial analysis of the community— taxes, decisions town as a whole wants to invest, what investment does the town want to make for its future. Ken requested that as the members of the Master Plan, be cognizant of what it is you want the community to be and what are the priorities. Next milestone: Ken will be doing— documenting structure of the commun— ity. Land use— how lands have been allocated 1985-1992— what has happen— ed to the town land use, land development, build —out. Ken will fill in the gaps with existing data and pull together with one statement. Economic development— how does that interrelate with land use— business, jobs optimized— what kinds of activities are going on, what has happened as related to factors and what projections have been used. Statistical analysis— will look at meaning and how the town can address that in the future. Will be looking at how does business view town goverment, do they assist businesses locate, is there an ombudsman, does the town assist in complying with zoning (Ken will assist is finding mechanisms to do this). Mr. Kreutizer envisions returning in July, advised the Master Plan Committee to map what do you envision for the community— in addition to the goals— in more concrete terms. Some problem areas— traffic from Great Woods, concerns, different aspects of train service. V. Public Comment: Mr. Karl Klemmey asked if boundaries of east, west Mansfield etc. would be established— given copy of the minutes from that M.P. meeting that defined boundaries. 21 Signature of Clerk Date of Approval VI. Mr. Chris Marion to bring summary to selectmen's meeting May 29th. VII. Adjourned 10:00 p.m. (Dolan —Sullivan) All in favor PASSES Date of Next Meeting: June 11, 1996 7:30 p.m.