HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin conservation com 03/12/01
('.......t: Conunisslo.e... Panl Boyden, Christine Flass, Diane Ready, Bob Bean, Carol Matthew, aud J""k
Smith; Dick Lewis, Environmental Planner
Mansfield Conservation Commission
Minutes of Meeting - March 12, 2001
The Meeting was called to order at 7:40 P.M.
Discussion of the Update to the 1995 Open Space and Recreation Plan
Purpose of the meet to discuss the update to the Plan and review possible goals and objectives to
inclusion into the 2001 Plan. Present were members of the Conservation Commission, along with the members
ofthe Recreation Commission [Dave Leary, Charlotte Falkner, Lynne McDonnell, and Danielle Fish].
Recreation Staff persons Lorilee Fish and Kathy Codella also present. Residents Lout Andrews, Lenny Flynn,
and Karl Clemmey present.
D. Lewis introduced the purposes of the meeting and had those persons present identify themselves. The
relationship between future planning and a set of goals and o,*,"tives in the Open Space plan were reviewed.
The plan is a necessary requirement to quaii1y fur funding fur certain state and fuderal grant programs. Of most
importance are the Self-Help and the Land & Water Conservation Fund programs. These two programs provide
money for either passive [the former] or active [the latter] uses.
A revised plan showing the locations of conservation and recreation parcels was displayed and reviewed. Both
the Town and the local land trust, the Natural Resources Trust of Mansfield, have added substaotiaJ acreage to
their holdings in the past 5 years. The Water Dept. has also added land fur well site exploration, development,
and protection. The School Dept. has added some land, and some corrections have been made to the total of
(""own land holdings. The development of fields and programs at the Plymouth Street Recreation area was
teviewed, along with some of the improvements to Memorial Park.
Discussion of goals and objectives for new plan was held. The fuct that East Mansfield does not have any
recreation land was mentioned. It was suggested that the open land near the East Mansfield Common be
reviewed for possible recreation uses. The increased demand on recreation lands throughout Town was
mentioned. It was noted that the Town is looking at exercising its options under Chapter 61A fur a parcel on
Essex Street This could he possible recreation land, although the existence of wetlands limits the development
potential.
It was noted that the Canoe River Aquifer AdvisoIY Committee has perfurmed some GIS work in the watershed
and this infunnation and data will assist the Town in helping to determine the best parcels to acquire fur Open
Space. The Anti-Sprawl legislation in the Town of Ayre was mentioned. Also discnssed was the Community
Preservation Act. A petition drive to get this on the Spring ballot is underway. Money from the increase to the
property taxes could go towards passive and active land uses, affordable housing, and historic protection. This
measure is being reviewed by several area communities and would be a big boost for Mansfield.
From here, work will continne to Update the text of the plan, the inventory sections and maps. A proposed
outline of goals and objectives will be prepared. A second public meeting/hearing will be scheduled as
necessary.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.rn.
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