2000-01-11-MGWG-min.pdf - Laserfiche WebLink

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character. Mapping resources are being developed by others in town (i.e. computer graphics) . We can use them to study demographics. Check out what was done for the bike path. Look into what Brian Gilbert is doing. The Conservation Commission's land aquisition study committee chaired by David Williams and assisted by John Andrews made extensive colored maps in their project of identifying endangered open space in town, along with criteria for evaluating properties, such as types and numbers of wildlife, biodiversity, etc. Because the properties are vulnerable the Commission protects their identity; special arrangements for sharing the Commission's information with us will have to be worked out. Ione Garing introduced as background material several reports made to past Town Meetings--"Town Open Space Plan, " "Land Use Change in the 80's, " a population report, a solid waste committe report. She was appointed to assemble a list of these and other suggested background reading materials, which should be available at Cary Library (probably in the Lexington Room) . Glenn Garber reported that the Planning Board is working on a comprehensive plan for the town, expected to be completed in two years, which will include detailed zoning proposals to be brought to Town Meeting for approval. They expect to complete a first phase, site analyses of undeveloped spaces and assessing growth potential under current zoning, by the end of the summer. Glenn described what he saw as our group's role in relation to the Planning Board. Our task is to define values that can serve as guidelines for the Board's more specific actions, and to answer questions such as: what are desired densities? what character do we most value? what ultimate residential and commercial growth levels are wanted? We should supply the endorsement for the Planning Board's going in a particular direction. He advised reining in "creative" ideas for practicality's sake. Recommendations for specific sites such as changing the use of one on Clarke Street to a parking lot or garage should be avoided; instead, this site might be used as an example to help focus on the need for additional parking in the center. We should regard our project as an opportunity to look not 3 to 5 years ahead but 20, starting from an examination of what is already in place. Then, consider: Do we want to maintain growth? Slow it down? Do we want certain parts, like the center, to grow--change density--differently from others? We'll need to address the question of erosion of the older urban core. We'll need to address people's dependency on the automobile (although 58% of the population--children, the elderly, and lower income people--does not drive) . Are there alternatives to automobile travel? The relationship of transportation availability to the location of developments such as the proposed redevelopment of the Met State property. What will validate the decisions our small group makes for the town at large? Answer: our ability to back up our suggestions with information, and ultimately the actions taken by Town Meeting in response to Planning Board [and other?] proposals.