HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-17-GMA-min
Grain Mill Alley Ad Hoc Steering Committee
Meeting Minutes 6/17/15
Fred Johnson, chair, reviewed the agenda and noted that Lynn Hopkins was
present instead of Paul Ross from the HDC. All other committee members were
present except for Mr Pato and Mr. Trani, who could not attend.
There was discussion about prior pro bono design work performed by Carl
Oldenburg in 2005-06, and more recent design work performed by GroundView.
Melissa Tintocalis updated the group about plans for a temporary installation
in the space for the summer months, which will likely include donated furniture,
flower barrels, some sort of lighting, and possibly umbrellas.
Melissa also provided an update on the town’s legal rights regarding the
space. She reported that the town has an access easement, which appears to date
from the late 19th century and likely relates to access to the then-existing rail line.
Eric Gunn reviewed his understanding, based on prior discussions, of some
of the limitations inherent in using space next to a bank. These include: any plant
growth must be below window height; there cannot be sitting fixtures that would
offer a view through bank windows; tree canopies must be at an elevated level;
and, there cannot be movable furniture. He mentioned that any final design would
have to be approved by the Bank of America.
There was discussion of how consistent the look of the park should be with
(a) the Center Streetscape project, and (b) the Toole signage plan for the
Minuteman Bikeway. Both these other plans are still in progress, with further
development not anticipated until the Fall, so waiting for them would cause more
delay in this project.
Regarding the design work by GroundView, the committee members
supported the concept of an alternative transportation “node” adjacent to the
bikeway. There was preliminary consensus around the following elements: that
the space should be relatively prominent, so as to attract use; that it provide space
for bikers and others to pull over from the bikeway; that there be bike racks; and
that there be permanent, vertically-oriented maps, likely showing both the town
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layout and the bikeway as a whole. There was also discussion of installing a
“raised table” or some other safe crossing of Edison Way. Finally, there was
discussion about the possibility of using space currently occupied by one or two
parking spaces, with the understanding that a larger amount of bike parking would
be provided.
There was also preliminary consensus around some sort of visual (and
possibly audio) barrier at the south end of the park, along Mass. Ave., provided
that it would be harmonious with the Center Streetscape palette and layout.
However, the “flower mound” proposed by GroundView was not a viable
implementation.
There was preliminary consensus around the idea of some sort of interactive
sculpture or element to the space that would be child- and family-friendly.
Finally, we agreed to begin our next meeting at 8:30AM July 8 at the Alley
itself (for a fresh perspective) and then walk from there to the Town Office
Building to continue.
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