HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 11/19/1984DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES
NOVEMBER 19, 1984
FB 51 5
7`C3LE
Present: Chairman Stearns, D'Onofrio, Jackson, Anagnos, Seifert,
Genatossio, Carpenter, McNatt, Kertgen
Planning Director Joe Mannarino,
DPW Director Joe Zeneski
Downtown Construction Update
Joseph Zeneski reported that work was done for the winter months,
except next to Stearns store. Mr. 'Zeneski and John Larch walked the
downtown with the Telephone Company and found that in front of Mary
Fisoli's the telephone conduit drops down, and the poles carry only
light department utilities and cable. Mr. Zeneski discussed design
for the island, which presently calls for low growing shrubs.
Suggested adding some taller trees that could be seen under, also to
have local landscapers submit ideas, possibly in the form of a
contest, to create some public interest. About from the corner of
Church Street in front of Cataloni's will be a straignt line that
will allow for parking and traffic line. Future discussion: possibility
of eliminating parking space at the bend in the road, crosswalk to
lengthen radius in the curve, landscaping and removal of light poles.
Motion made by Mrs. Carptnter and seconded by Mr. Seifert to
S, get a landscaping fact finding session in January to consider
what shrubs, trees, etc. to put in the island, with consideration
given to the east side area across from Musto's and south of
Cataloni's. All were in favor.
Mr. Zeneski reported there is nothing new on Mr. Brown, that he and
his attorney agreed they wanted an opening and would put up a gate
so that it could be closed at night.
Mr. Zeneski requested the members have comments for the next meeting
regarding parking, traffic flow, s gns, islands and landscaping.
Discussion of Winthrop Street parking and high hazard of Pratt and
North Main Streets. In taking public funds the town gave away the
authority to restrict parking to Mansfield residents. In order to
recover those funds the Committee should be willing to recommend and
support a proposal to have the town develop funds from other sources
to reimburse and use those funds for North Main and Pratt Streets.
Suggestions were to raise and appropriate or use free cash from last
year. It will be necessary to find out whether or not the Mass.
Department of Public Works would allow a transfer of funds. Mr.
Zeneski questioned whether the Town can charge for use of the parking
area and suggested a parking fee would be used to develop more parking
in the future.
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Downtown Master Plan
4-
Discussion of the possible relocation of the Post Office and what
would be the best use of that location. Possibility of meeting
with the Post Master in January.
Joe Mannarino reported the Master Plan is in the hands of SRPEDD
for review and they will make recommendations to the Planning Board
as to how it can be updated. Regarding the CARD District Plan,
Mr. Mannarino has been advised by EOCD that it out of date, and
needs to be reviewed. There were four parcels of four acres of land
that were part of the objectives to be revitalized, one was the
elderly project which was supposed to have some commercial space in
it, but is now a closed issue. Question of whether EOCD is looking
at property for housing or commercial use. Mr. Mannarino requested
assessments from the members of the DAC and suggested a walk of the
downtown area in the Spring. Mr. Mannarino and Mr. Stearns will get
a draft together.
Spaulding School
Mr. Stearns received a letter from the Housing Authority stating they
are in the process of submitting application for the purchase of
constructing a Chapter 689 development, and would like to discuss
obtaining the Spaulding School site. They are not yet at a stage
where they are ready to come before committee and explain what they
want todo. Question of inviting them to the next meeting. It is
not clear whether the School is under the control of the Board of
Selectmen or the School Department. In any case the DAC could only
make recommendations.
Mr. Seifert suggested that the members visit the newly remodeled
train station.
Mrs. Carpenter reminded the Committee that it has not had its
annual recognition of the downtown improvements for 1984•
R spectfu ,y submitted,
Rodne Stearns
Chairman