2011-05-16-GCC-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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2.6. Easement Monitoring Updates (see assigned list in April minutes Tom Whelan will monitor Shire easement (conservation restriction) planning. Paul — Victory Garden Way easement for a trail is shown on a map on the developer's web site. Stew: School engineering is planning to build a sidewalk from the Diamond Middle School side which will join that one, so this one seems to be clearly established now. 3. Old Business 3.1. Continue /finish discussion re defining design standards for the Minuteman Connector portion of the West Lexington Greenway, i.e. designate as a Regional or Local connector. Keith led the discussion: Keith: A hard surface trail will be problematic. In short term, we can designate it as a local - quality trail, and likely construct from Minuteman Bikeway to Wood St. at the power lines. Stew: Wood St. to Battle Road (MM Nat. Park) — NSTAR is installing a hardpack gravel surface road over Bloody Bluff. It may eventually cross the entire length between the Battle Road and Wood St. (NSTAR representative at recent tour of site was not sure of the planned extent.) That would establish a very functional connection on the south side of Wood St. Keith: Are we as GCC ready to make a recommendation to the town on this issue? Stew: Close to abandoning the idea of a regional quality trail. But Duke Bitsko thought it might be feasible. Would like to get him involved with decision. Paul: Recent unblocking of culvert under Hartwell Ave. lowered water levels in the area significantly. Keith: We need to come to some closure and make a recommendation to the Town soon. We also need time to prepare an application to CPA and get support from various board, committees, etc. in order to be seriously considered. Michelle: Is cost of the Minuteman Connector project as a regional connector known? Stew, Keith: About 1.7 miles, at about $2 million per mile, close to $4 million. The VHB proposal was for extensive earth- moving and filling; but Conservation Commission would prefer more boardwalk due to its lower impact on wetlands. Richard: NSTAR requirements need to be considered. Keith: Crossing preferred NSTAR truck routes at close to right angles would minimize interaction. We've recently looked at ways to do that, with a local connector trail in mind. We can avoid the main truck access routes in much of the areas where boardwalk construction is needed. Stew: Are we at a point where we should form a subcommittee to make a recommendation? Bob: Would like to try to plan a walking tour of the Minuteman Connector area. Paul — Will lead a tour. (ACTION) Details: Date: Monday, May 23 Time: 5:00 to about 7:00 PM Meeting place: Back end of parking lot at 110 Hartwell Ave. (Last drive on left before Wood St.) Route: About 4 miles — Paul to send map (ACTION) Preparation: Waterproof shoes /boots; mosquito /tick repellent clothing, walking stick for balance on some water crossings. Meeting Adjourned : 6:00 4. New Business [Agenda item not considered due to lack of time.]