HomeMy WebLinkAboutmin of planning brd 08/27/03
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Planning Board Minutes
August 27, 2003 fQ: 27
Present: Tom Frenc~ Chair; Bernie Dolan, Doug Annino, Mark Cook, Fre4 J\rmstron~,
Ken Torman 1,1 l, ~:," " i UJ
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Shaun P. Burke, Director of PI and Develo ment ",:)c 1 TS
1. Meeting called to order at 7:30 p.m.
Motion: To a int Mr. Annino Act" Chair Dolan-Cook) All in favor. PASSES
3. Form A Plans
West/Tremont Street. Mr. Burke explained the frontage is not being changed, so the
board must endorse the plan even though there is a pre-existing non-conformity. He said
the lot bas the required frontage, which will remain following the line change. This
change will increase the existing non-conformity; however, the violation is not with the
frontage.
Motion: To sign the Form A (Dolan-Cook) All in favor. PASSES
[Mr. French arrived at this time]
I 2. Correspondence
1. Minutes August 6, 2003
Motion: To approve as submitted (Dolan-Cook) All in favor. PASSES
4. Planning Board Workshop - Downtown Issues
Mr. Burke presented a new zoning map showing downtown, as well as a handout
showing the Bl, B2 and 13 Table of Uses, Density and Dimensional Regulations, parking
requirements and landscaping requirements. He explained this would be the first of
several workshops on downtown and should be a process meeting, with the result being a
mission statement, timeframe, and who should be involved. The downtown merchants
have asked to be involved, with concerns about parking and building reuse.
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Mr. Burke said downtown will be changing significantly, with several prominent
buildings being demolished and reconstructed soon. Recently, there have been more
residential units proposed than business uses, including residential units being proposed
for the first floors, which bas traditionally been a space for business. Mr. Annino said he
was concerned about how that would effect downtown; Mr. Dolan said he would not be
inclined to approve special permits for residential uses on the first floor of buildings.
Ralph Penney suggested satellite parking lots as an option for the parking problem.
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Mr. Annino said downtown bas been stagnant for many years, and parking is the number
one problem. He said the only way to get people to shop downtown is to provide
convenient parking. He said anchor stores are important, but there are no areas in
Mansfield large enough for an anchor store. He said restaurants are parking intensive
uses with high turnover, and do well in large communities or in communities with large
tourist draws. He said getting national retail uses downtown would be a key, and retailers
now recognize downtown areas as viable locations for their stores.
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Mr. Cook asked how large retail developments like Erin's Centre and the School Street
property would effect downtown businesses. Mr. Annino said he didn't think it would
effect downtown. Mr. Dolan agreed, saying he had spoken to the owner of Schofield's
hardware, who said he isn't concerned about Home Depot affecting his business.
Dr. Torman said he thought most of the downtown businesses are stable, and he was
concerned about preserving and protecting what is there now.
Mr. Dolan said his concerns were about parking and keeping businesses on the first floor.
Mr. Annino suggested the downtown area should be two-way traffic; Dr. Torman said
that area is too narrow for two.way traffic. Mr. Cook said he doesn't think the existing
parking spaces are full all the time, and one of the issues may be that people cannot find
parking spaces right in front of the business they want to use.
Mr. Annino said it doesn't make sense to bring people into town through Old Colony
Way, which shows off the backs of several buildings rather than the fronts.
Mr. Annino presented the board with some photographs he had taken of downtown spots.
He said there should be signs to direct drivers toward downtown, which could help to
provide an identity.
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The board discussed the issues involved with two-way traffic on North Main Street. That
area was made a one-way to accommodate parking on both sides ofthe street; if that were
to go back to two-way, parking would be lost. Mr. Burke noted the recent loss of a few
parking spaces for the bike path has caused problems with the downtown merchants.
Mr. Dolan said he thought business signs make a big difference in a downtown areas. Dr.
Torman said a big problem is no left turn green arrow at Route 106, which dissuades
drivers from coming downtown. Mr. Cook said he has spoken to several companies
about getting a left turn signal, but cannot get a response until the state approves it.
Mr. Dolan said he was very concerned there are no parking requirements in the B2 zone.
Mr. Penney said the legislature allows a third classification, Downtown Business, and
suggested the board send the selectmen a recommendation about that. He said that could
create an incentive for new businesses to come to town, and encourage existing
businesses to invest in infrastructure.
Mr. Burke suggested the town could look at taking the Fales Oil site, which abuts the Old
Colony right-of-way, as a possible satellite parking facility.
Mr. Annino asked how many parking spaces there are downtown.
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Mr. Cook said many of the streetlights downtown must be replaced; he said every other
light would be eliminated and the sound structures would be relocated. Mr. Annino said
the storefronts should be well lit. Mr. Cook said there bas been a proposal for the middle
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common involving elaborate signage and a rotating clock. The board agreed that didn't
sound like a good idea.
Mr. Cook said many of these types of decisions tend to be made by very small groups.
Mr. Burke said the vision for downtown should begin with a larger group. Mr. Annino
suggested that be publicized.
Mr. Penney asked about dual uses for some parking lots, like the Winthrop Street lot. He
suggested free parking after 6 pm with a trail to go under the bridge to downtown.
Mr. Burke said there has not been a significant disinvestment in downtown properties,
with many well-established and well-maintained residences.
Mr. Annino presented the board with some researc~ including articles about town centers
and other planning concepts and various zoning by-laws from other towns.
Mr. Penney suggested the train station be kept in mind during downtown discussions.
Mr. Burke said station parking could be utilized by downtown businesses after hours.
Mr. Burke said he would prepare a draft mission statement for the board to review. He
asked if the board would like to have another meeting, then invite others to join. He
suggested inviting the town manager specifically.
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Mr. French suggested concentrating on North Main Street/Old Colony Way area, rather
than going out beyond the traditional downtown area. He asked if the area should be
called something more specific than "downtown," like the Central Business District.
Mr. Dolan suggested encouraging the owners of buildings being redeveloped come in to
discuss their plans with the board.
Mr. Burke said he will get in touch with the Mansfield News to begin publicizing the
board's plans and will draft a mission statement.
Mr. Dolan said public safety would have to be involved in any traffic changes. The
second workshop session will be held on October 8.
I 4. Adjournment
Motion: To adjourn at 10:00p.m. (Dolan-Cook) All in favor. PASSES
Date of next meeting: September 10,2003 at 7:30 p.m.
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Signature of Clerk ~ "
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Date of Approval
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