Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDAC 08/12/1983DOWNTOWN ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES August 12, 1983 Present: Ralph Seifert, Mitchel Seifert, Edward Tartufo, DAC representatives; Dick D'Onofrio, Board of Selectmen; Chadwick Maurer, Town Manager; Joseph Zeneski, DPW Director; Joseph Mannarino, Planning Director; William Vernon, State Representative; Andy Warren, William McDonnell, Daniel Breen, MBTA Representatives; Frances Gay, GATRA Representative; Andy Barr, Historical Commission; John Glen, Train Station Conces- sionaire; Eleanor Small, Mansfield News. The meeting opened with Mr. Ralph Seifert presenting an introduction and over- view of the issues behind Downtown Advisory Committee (DAC) proposals to upgrade the commuter rail service in Mansfield, particularly concerning the train station and surrounding parking areas. After a few minutes, the meeting shifted to the platform area where the land swap proposal was discussed. Mr. Maurer explained the details of the swap and recommended that the transaction be made by the MBTA and Clemmey, Inc., with the town assisting in negotiations. The meeting resumed within the train station after a brief walk around the property. Mr. Maurer discussed the land swap in greater detail with the aid of a plat map, and he pointed out that portion of land going to the town would be slightly larger than the piece going to Clemmey, Inc. However, when evaluating the two parcels more closely, it is expected that the actual value will be nearly equal. At that point, Mr. Warren affirmed that the swap would have to be equal in value. Mr. Warren also stated that the appraisal of the property in question would be done at the expense of the MBTA and based on a fair market, per square foot, value. The MBTA would need a plot plan of the land before it could begin the appraisal. Mr. Maurer mentioned that Mr. Clemmey would like some type of buffer between the proposed parking area and the Clemmey factory to avoid any possible damage to parked cars from paint sprayed at the adjacent factory. Mr. McDonnel began discussing MBTA policy concerning train stations. He stated that shelters were needed only on the in -bound side of the tracks and that many of their out -bound side shelters are being eliminated to save mainten- ance costs. The MBTA does not replace train stations as a policy, but it would lease the station to the Town of Mansfield for a 10 to 20 year period. Mr. Warren stated that in a lease agreement, the MITA would take into considera- tion any costs the town would incur for services and maintenance to the leased facilities. Mr. D'Onofrio emphasized that the town's concern in a lease agreement would be the protection of its ridership and residents so that if the town were to sublet the station to a concessionaire, service would be assured. DAC Minutes Page 2 August 12, 1983 Mr. McDonnell stated that a new train station shelter is currently priced at $35,000, and the new facility at Norfolk, which is a little larger, will cost over $35,000. Mr. Gay stated that the latest audit showed ridership at the Mansfield station to be up to approximately 700 per day, and that the Mansfield line was becoming the fastest growing line. Mr. Ralph Seifert mentioned the pro- blem of overcrowding and the poor physical condition of the station. Mr. McDonnell agreed that the Mansfield station is probably inadequate for its growing ridership. The discussion shifted to the potential lease agreement between the MBTA and the Town of Mansfield. Mr. Maurer asked Mr. Warren what stipulations there would be if the town wanted to sublease the station to a concessionaire. Mr. Warren stated that any sublease agreement would have to be approved by the MBIA. The MBTA would not be concerned with any new construction done to the building. Mr. D'Onofrio stated what he believed to be the major alternatives in solving the train station problem: (1) rehabilitate the existing structure; (2) construct a new building; and (3) lease an adjacent building to be used as a train station. He also emphasized that any discussion would have to be considered on a planning standpoint to ensure meeting future needs. Mr. McDonnell was asked about the cost involved in constructing parking lots, and he stated that it would cost approximately $110,000 to complete a 79,000 to 80,000 sq. ft. lot and that included engineering fees. Mr. Warren stated that the MBTA would have to research the records at the Registry of Deeds to determine whether the Penn Central Railroad owned the value plant on the station site. Some agreement would try to be reached by the MBTA if Penn Central did in fact have title to that property. Mr. Seifert asked if there were any questions, at which time Mr. Glen (Concessionaire) stated he has serviced the commuters for five years, and the existing location of the building is good for the ridership. Mr. Seifert thanked everyone and closed the meeting. JM:AL