HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-Depot Square Study Group-Mission Statement-rpt.pdf EMERY PARK DEPOT SQUARE
MISSION STATEMENT
As part of the design guideline process which took place a few years ago,Depot Square
was highlighted as a significant urban space of great value to our downtown.Volume 1 of
the "Design Guidelines for Commercial Districts" presents various ideas on pages 47
through 50,available through the Selectman's Office or at the Library.
However,the space has served many uses over time and continues to be the hub of many
formal and informal activities.We are not discussing the interior of Emery Park at this time.
The Design Advisory Committee,DAC,believes that with appropriate analysis and thought
this dynamic part of town could be more useful to the individual activities while at the same
time offering even greater opportunity to serve the community as a whole.
The DAC is seeking to define the square so that it can continue to be the venue for all the
current activities while at the same time knitting the space more coherently into the fabric of
town especially with the existing benches and wide sidewalks along Massachusetts Avenue.
WHAT'S HAPPENED
A number of years ago the DAC set out to initiate a dialogue with interested parties to
discover who had interest in the Square and what might be accomplished in the future.
Through a series of discussions over the last three years the DAC has been leading an effort
to try to develop a consensus in defining the future of Depot Square.The Committee was
pleased to find that there was a great deal of interest in the square but has been unable to
develop a consensus of opinion to date.
We began with an initial survey soliciting information from various organizations in town.
Based on the response,the DAC developed a number of concepts to help identify
opportunities and constraints effecting any further consideration of the Square. It should be
noted that these concepts are to be considered only as possible direction for future design
opportunities which remain undefined.Three concepts were selected by the DAC as valid
diagrams for use in the ongoing discussions.A list of groups involved in discussing these
concepts include:Traffic Safety Committee,Lexington Field&Garden Club,Lexington
Chamber of Commerce,Lexpress/Transportation Advisory Committee,Warm Hearts and
Cold Noses,Yangtze River,Planning Board,Lexington Center Committee,Historic
Districts Commission,the Town Manager's Office. Concord Cooperative Bank and Bank
of Boston,as well as many other interested residents.
WHERE ARE WE TODAY
The DAC would liketo bring this process to conclusion by making a final recommendation
to the Board of Selectman by the end of March 1996.
To accomplish this we have planned one final general meeting of all interested parties.This
final meeting will allow one more opportunity to hear from one another and to provide final
input to the DAC prior to its recommendation to the Selectmen.
We believe divergent views will continue to be expressed and that they are helpful in
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analyzing the issues.We hope that individuals expressing these differing ideas will provide
their input in a positive and succinct manner.Because of time constraints we would
appreciate a single spokesperson,from any organization wishing to be heard,express that
group's thoughts.
Those individuals not with an organization should identify themselves when providing
comments.
WHAT'S NEXT
Within one week after this last meeting the DAC would appreciate receiving comments in
written form articulating issues expressed at our March 13th meeting.This letter must
identify the author and/or organization.Again,to make this as meaningful as possible we
would appreciate only one letter from each organization.The DAC will review these written
comments and provide its final recommendation to the Board of Selectman for its review on
March 25, 1996.
Prepared by the Emery Park-Depot Square Study Group.
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