1999-04-BOS-min - Laserfiche WebLink

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61-345 Selectmen's Meeting Minutes April 7, 1999 A regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Wednesday, April 7, 1999 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Office Building at 7:00 p.m. Chairman Enrich, Mrs. Eddison, Mrs. Krieger, Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. McKenna, Mr. Cohen, Town Counsel, Mr. White, Town Manager and Ms. Smith, Executive Clerk were present. Depot Square Project Mrs. McKenna explained that she had asked for a discussion among the Board members on whether to revisit the Depot Square project. Both she and Mrs. Abbott in the course of campaigning had heard a lot of concern about the proposed plans. Since that time Mrs. McKenna have talked to both the Town Engineer and Ginna Johnson about the biggest concern; namely, traffic impact. While the exit is two-car width, the approach is only one car width. Mrs. McKenna felt she would rather not undertake the project. Mrs. Eddison disagreed and felt the project had been proposed by professionals, received full review by all groups and a consensus had been reached. Mrs. Krieger agreed with Mrs. Eddison. There are other exits including the alley to Meriam Street and the possibility of opening the Meriam Street part of the parking lot. The project has gone through a long-drawn out process. It is the best plan that has come forward after several years. Mrs. Abbott has also spoken to the Town Engineer and indicated she shares concern about the impact of traffic and remains concerned about the traffic on the West side and would be more comfortable with the sidewalk not being narrowed on outgoing side. It wouldn't take very many cars to back up so that other cars can't get in. There are a number of times during the day where that could be a problem. Mrs. Abbott indicated she is less concerned about the project going forward; however, and does not feel the project need be reopened. Mr. Enrich indicated that the Board has voted not once, but twice to proceed with the project as proposed. We need to send a clear message to Mass Highway that the project has real value and should go forward. Mrs. McKenna made a motion to reopen the project. There was no second to the motion. Article Positions Minuteman Vocational Technical High School Board members discussed reducing the assessment amount of the Minuteman line item and decided to support reducing the amount by the maximum while still appropriate the legal limit.