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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 06/18/1984DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE'S MINUTES June 18, 1984 Present: Chairman Stearns, Tartufo; Jackson, Seifert, McNatt, Genatossio, and Benjamin* 1. Meeting called to order at 7:35 P.M. 2. Correspondence Letter from Chairman Stearns to the Planning Board regarding the DAC's 1984 work program. 3. Master Plan Joseph Mannarino, Planning Director, appeared before the committee to discuss updating the master plan for Mansfield. He explained that the first master plan was started and finished in the late 60's. It was then updated again around 1970. This update was done in connection with SRPEDD. The master plan has not been updated since then. The Planning Board has broken the master plan down into elements to be updated one by one. Conservation/recreation is the first element as they need a updated element to apply for funding. The downtown master plan is what the DAC will be working on. This is a "micro master plan". The downtown should be evaluated in all functional areas, i.e., transportation and housing, ect. Through the DAC, the Planning Board will be able to adopt plan, which may be updated as you go along. The studies which have been done for the downtown consist of: May, 1974 - Land Use Study - Wheaton College 1977 - Future Direction for Downtown Mansfield - prepared by the Downtown Development Committee 1982 - Revitalization for Downtown Mansfield - prepared by Everett Associates. What the DAC should do is review the studies done for down- town and prepare a future direction. Joseph Mannarino would like to obtain as much information on current statistics from the Bureau of Census. Items to base the plan for down- town are: a) What it is now b) What the DAC would like to see c) How do you get there Joseph Mannarino will provide other town's downtown master plan for the DAC to review. The committee should look at an over -view of what the downtown perimeters are considered Downtown Advisory Committee's minutes Page 2 June 18, 1984 and what the CARD District is: Define the district first. It was noted that the DAC may decide to either expand or confine the downtown district after further study. *David Benjamin entered the meeting during this discussion. 4. Spaulding School Chairman Stearns explained that the DAC received suggestions for the Spaulding School, approximately 50 to 60, from the exhibition at the Sheraton. The general categories are: 1) Sell the building 2) Town development for municipal use 3) Private development/put together a developer's kit for civic use. Gale Feruga said that the Council on Aging is looking for a new site. She had previously worked with Paul Folkman on obtaining a grant, which did not come through. She would like to see it developed as a community center for the elderly and youth to share. The Council on Aging is looking for about 6,000 square feet. They are open from 8:30 to 3:30 Monday through Friday. She noted that parking may be a problem. Judy Amidon spoke on behalf of the non-profit theater group for children. They need room for visual and performing arts. This would be used for rehersals, recitals, and storage of props. The group would use the area three nights per week from 6 to 9. The have three productions per year. They would be using the area from September through June. Dr. Leko from Attleboro appeared before the committee. He is interested in purchasing the school and converting it into eight apartments. He explained that the building would have to be gutted, as he is planning to have three floors rather than the two existing. Denis Vachon is an abutter, and he has been interested in the school for the last two years. He is also interested in converting this into apartments. He has had an architect look at the building. It was pointed out that if a new library is built, perhaps the theater group and the Council on Aging could occupy the old library. The Spaulding School could be put out to bid and the money received could go to the proceeds for the new library. It was noted that State Law would require that the old library be completely renovated to accommodate elderly and handicapped, i.e., the installation of an elevator. The Council on Aging presently occupies approximately 2,000 square feet which they pay $240 per month for. The town pays for this. Downtown Advisory Committee's minutes Page 3 June 18, 1984 4. Spaulding School Continued Judy Amidon requested that the committee allow her time to look into the possibility of purchasing the school for the theater group and providing space for the Council on Aging. Motion: To re -invite people interested in the school back to the DAC's September meeting to hear their reports. (Seifert - Benjamin, all in favor) VOTED Grace Genatossio suggested that Judy Amidon explore the possibilities of funding through agencies, i.e., EOCD. 5. Downtown Grant Joseph Zeneski, DPW Director, informed the committee that they are opening bids on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Brown, owner of Catalano's Liquor Store, has requested an injunction to stop the grant progress. Town Counsel has advised not to award a contract pending the court's decision. The parking lot behind N. Main Street will be paved with a finished coat on it through the sewer project. This should be done before the end of June. This will have to be closed off for at least 24 hours. 6. Around the Table Chairman Stearns said he would like to see the representatives of the DAC reporting to their committee or board on what the DAC is working on, and report back any imput received. This should be done after the minutes have been received. The Light Commissioners reaffirmed placing their utilities underground. They will continue working with the telephone company to see if they will put sleeves underground. Also perhaps they will bring services to the rear, rather than having them on North Main Street. 7. Adjournment 9:05 P.M.