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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-24-GCC-minMINUTES Greenways Corridor Committee September 24, 2012, 4:30 -6 pm Legion Room, Cary Hall Members Present Rick Abrams, Alex Dohan, Peggy Enders, Eileen Entin, Bob Hausslein, Stew Kennedy, Paul Knight, Keith Ohmart, Mike Tabaczynski Members Absent none Other Attendees Deb Mauger (Select Board liaison), Jay Sklar 1. Votes: • July 23 meeting Minutes - approved • September 4 ACROSS Lexington Subcommittee Minutes -approved 2. Current Business Review: • Report on ACROSS Lexington project (Rick/Alex/Eileen) -Rick passed out the MAPC 1012 Greater Boston Walking & Cycling Map prior to reporting on subcommittee activity. • ACROSS Lexington has recieved unanimous approval from various Town committees and commissions, thanks in no small part to Rick's tireless efforts. • Post locations have been marked by Mike, Stew & Rick with approval from Bill Hadley of DPW, and Dave Pinsonneault, tree warden. • Peggy & Rick walked Bike Path portion of pilot route and reduced signage requirements. • The pilot route will remain on the Diamond Middle School property until the Victory Garden Way construction is complete, even though the fence has been opened and the new path completed. • The posts are ready to go in and Keith will "do a doodle" to get digging crews scheduled. • Route A will, hopefully, be up and going by October 15. • Marketing of ACROSS Lexington will be kept local for the time being. Citizens for Lexington Conservation will lead a walk on Route A on October 28. The Minuteman will publish an article, and we hope the Patch and Colonial Times will do the same. LexMedia may do a video for us as well; Peggy is the liaison. • Arrow colors: Along the pilot route there will be only logo signs except where directional advice is needed. A VOTE was held to determine arrow sign coloring. The majority voted for a white arrow on a blue background in which the blue will match the blue of the ACROSS Lexington logo (color PMS 299). • CPA Application for future ACROSS Lexington funding (Deb) -Deb pointed out the the rules for applications to the CPC have changed in the past year, so now the ACROSS Lexington project can be eligible to apply. • The upcoming deadline is November 1. We should speak with Nattie Rice, CPC staffer for the Town, and also coordinate with the Recreation Committee. • This could be a good way to get the GIS consulting we need, as well as maps, an online presence, and perhaps informational signage. • The ACROSS subcommittee will meet to discuss. Current Business Updates: • Wood Street trail improvement (Paul) -Jay Sklar reported on the project to date. He showed the route on the map connecting Conestoga Rd and Bates Rd through the NStar power line area. A new trail, including two new footbridges, will connect to existing trails making a 2 -mile loop. Progress is on hold pending the Conservation department's addressing of abutter concerns regarding the trail entrance on Conestoga Rd. Jay would like GCC help working with other trail abutters who are happy about the proximity to convince those who have reservations. • Highland Ave/Pelham Road (Bob) - Bob, Stew and Tom Whelan met with Youville Place administrators. Turns out they have sold the property in question, but they like the idea of the trail. Bob will keep working gently with various abutters. • Diamond Trail project (Stew) — Trail is done. 4. New Business: • Report on NStar site visit (Stew) - hold for next meeting • Busa Farm trail development (Keith) - Board of Selectmen is preparing an RFP for hiring a farmer. We should consider trail prospects on this property. Mike will help Keith. Get in touch with Keith if you also want to help. • Changes in committee membership /officers - Stew has decided to step down from the GCC, and thus his vice chair -ship, in order to avoid conflicts with the Conservation Commission. He will speak with Duke Bitsko about becoming the Cons Comm liaison to the GCC in Duke's place, thus remaining active on the GCC. The GCC now needs a new vice chair, and also has an open spot on the committee. Please consider possible appointees. • Strategic Planning (Keith) - GCC shall develop a list of potential trail connection locations and open space trail access locations to coincide with future town planning. To consider: town acqusitions, DPW coordination, the Open Space & Recreation Plan, Planning Board activities. • Annual Report - Keith will draft. Can use last year's photo. Action Items: CPC grant proposal - ACROSS subcommittee Highland/Pelham link follow -up - Bob Busa Farm consideration - Keith, Mike New Committee member suggestions - all Next Meeting: October 22, 4:30 -6 pm, Legion Room, Cary Hall Remaining 2012 Meeting Dates: 4:30 — 6 pm, Legion Room, Cary Hall November 26 December 17 Future Agenda Items: • Fall — Develop revised West Lexington Greenway plan. Report to Board of Selectmen, Community Preservation Committee Respectfully Submitted, Alexandra Dohan, Secretary