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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 11/28/1983DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE 6711WHI MB&A November 28, 1983 Present: Chairman Seifert, Jackson, Stearns, D'Onofrio, Tartufo, Anagnos, and Joseph Zeneski, DPW Director 1. Meeting called to order at 7:30 P.M. 2. Ralph Seifert asked Joseph Zeneski if there will be enough money left from the commuter parking to put a sidewalk on Highland Avenue. Joseph Zeneski informed the committee that $120,000• was appropriated, and they may be able to complete the improvements for half that amount. The question is whether that money may be used on Highland Avenue. Highland Avenue may be classified under the traffic improvement part of the grant. Motion: To include a sidewalk on Highland Avenue as part of the improvements. (Tartufo - D'Onofrio, all in favor) VOTED Joseph Zeneski will be reporting back to the committee reaardinq how much it would cost to install a granite and,concrete sidewalk on Highland Avenue; and also.if.this may be installed with the grant money. He will be reporting back to the committee no later than March, 1984. It was pointed out that the reason the residents requested a sidewalk is due to the increase of traffic that will be coming down that way. 3. Ralph Seifert asked Richard D'Onofrio his status report on the ownership of land under the present train station. Richard D'Onofrio informed the committee that he has a letter from Andy Warren which indicates that people in Connecticut are looking into the ownership. He also informed the committee that if the MBTA purchases the land, they would have to pay fair market price. If the town were to purchase it, they would not have to. At this point, he drew a map showing the ownership as it is presently thought to be. This indicated that half the station is owned by the MBTA and half is owned by Conrail. There was some discussion as to where a new station would be constructed. It was also suggested to find out how much Conrail would sell their half of the land for. It was suggested to com- pose a developers kit. One of the stipulations would be whoever builds the new station, would have to purchase the old one. Motion: To request that the Town Manager deal directly with Conrail to find out if the land may be < purchased; and if so, at what price. Also the committee would like a response no later than the January meeting. (Tartufo - Anagnos, all in favor) VOTED Downtown Advisory Committee's minutes Page 2 November 28, 1983 4. In reference to the transportation bill, the DAC sent a letter to William O'Leary on November 2, 1983, regarding the construc- tion of two shelters on the inbound side of the tracks. The committee has not received a response yet. Therefore, it was suggested to write to Bill Vernon inquiring whether or not he has heard a response to this yet. 5. Land swap between Clemmey, the Town, and the MBIA. Chadwick Maurer had submitted a sketch of the proposed area of the land swap. The MBTA was suppose to be doing the appraisals, which they have not done yet. Motion: To send a letter to the MBTA requesting a response in writing outlining a time table, or acknowledging what was written in the prior letter. (Stearns - Jackson, all in favor) VOTED Chadwick Maurer and Joseph Zeneksi will draft a letter and report back to the committee in January. This letter should address whether the sketch submitted was appropriate, when the appraisals will be done, and when the lands swap may take place. 6. Land swap between Graphic Labs and the Town. Joseph Zeneski informed the committee that the land has been swapped, and the Eorm A has been signed and filed. He also informed the committee that he had a site plan prepared on the design of the parking lot. This was submitted to the Planning Director and Bertram Cook for their review. One of their comments is the need for screening. It was suggested to erect a 4 to 5 foot fence for screening. The committee would rather see a 6 foot fence to prevent people from climbing over it and also to limit vandalism. There will be a guard rail at the end of the fence. It was suggested to ask Bertram Cook exactly where he would like the screening. This will not be put up until the spring. The paving of the parking lot could be done in one day. Lynch is doing the paving. If the paving is done this week, the painting could be done this weekend on the base coat. The finish coat will be put on in the spring. There is also a need for five handicapped spaces. These will be marked near the station. Two flood lights will be put in. The locations will be:designated by John Larch, Light Department Director. Concensus: To send a congratulation letter to the DPW for a job well done. 7. High Hazard funding: Joseph Zeneski talked to Bob Hartnet of the Traffic Commission. He received a copy of Mr. Cronin's letter which recommends the project for assistance. This letter of recommendation needs to be sent to Boston. Joseph Zeneski will draft a letter to William Vernon. There was discussion as to the status of putting utilities underground. Richard D'Onofrio will discuss this at the next Light Commissioners' meeting. Downtown Advisory Committee's minutes Page 3 November 28, 1983 8. In reference to the hearing which was held on November 21, 1983, Ralph Seifert said that he would like to have the committee meet on a Saturday morning and walk the entire area starting at Fairfield and discuss what the committee and private developers have done so far. He informed the committee that this was done a while ago, and it proved to be worthwhile. The walk will take approximately 2 to 2; hours. It was the concensus of the committee to meet this Saturday, December 3, 1983, at 9 A.M. Ralph Seifert suggested that all members meet between the professional building and the bank, and they should park in the rear. First, the committee will walk to Fairfield, i.e., coffee will be served. Next, walk through the elderly housing project. The next concern is parking for the elderly. He pointed out that presently, when functions take place at the old age center, cars are parked and left up town. There will be a few rooms in the new Park Court which will be used for functions. Ralph suggested making 12 to 16 parking spaces available on the north side of Park Street; therefore, the cars would be left off the Main Street. Next, the committee will walk across to Court Street and meet with the neighbors in the Court Street area; continue up in back of the grain mill, then up to the middle common. Joseph Zeneski will bring the plans with him to point out curb cuts and explain their benefits. Ralph Seifert will be getting in contact will two of the Court Street residents, who may then inform the neighborhood. 9. Ralph Seifert informed the board that he will be meeting with the Planning Board this Wednesday night at 9 P.M., and he invited all members to attend. It was pointed out that the Planning Board members do not have a copy of the 1977 Downtown Report or the Everett Associates' Report; therefore, Ralph Seifert suggested that copies of these be given to each member. He will not be meeting with the board until December 14, 1983, at 8:30 P.M., rather than this Wednesday, so that the Planning Board members may obtain copies of the above reports and read them. *DAC meeting with the Planning Board on Wednesday, December 14, 1983, at 8:30 P.M. Motion: To adjourn (Anagnos - Stearns, all in favor) VOTED 10. Adjournment 8:35 P.M.