HomeMy WebLinkAbout1994-10-26-DAC-Depot Square Study Group-min.pdf EMERY PARK / DEPOT SQUARE STUDY GROUP
October 26, 1994, 7:30 p.m., Room G 15
Present: Steven Hurley DAC, John Frey DAC chair, Don Olson DAC, Kathy
Green Garden Club, Betty Taylor Garden Club, Betsy Whitman DAC, Barbara
Hulsizer DAC, Marjorie Kent Garden Club, Kathy Yates Garden Club, Tom
Coffman DAC,Barbara Labitt, Barbara Lucas Lexpress, Marjorie Blanchard
Board Garden Club - Civic Imp., Joanne Fray Garden Club, Bob Ossman LCC,
Sally Castleman Transportation Advisory, Ivor Morgan, Betty Eddison
Selectman liaison.
Steve Hurley had everyone introduce themselves. Many wore several
hats in their service to the Town. He expressed that the purpose of the meeting
was to be consensus building.
Don Olson recapped the history of the study, beginning under the auspices
of Jack Eddison. He spoke of the many locations having been studied, the uses
determined, the various solutions offered. He related what is fixed, what is
negotiable. He described the Park as not just the area within the curb, but rather
the whole space framed by its buildings. (There was some opposition to this
assessment.) Some of the edges could be nicer. Problem areas, i.e. toward the
entrance to the Meriam Street lot, tend to be uninviting.
Joanne Fray observed that the Garden Club is the only one concerned with
the beauty of the Park.
Betsy Whitman responded that the DAC and the Study Group has long been
concerned. The status report of Dec. 3, 1991, points out that this space is a jewel
of the center.
Bob Ossman, speaking as a member of the USLA, said the focus is to make
this a better place.
John Frey said this is a part of a larger space.
Ivor Morgan asked if other parking had been explored. There was
considerable discussion about this. Several areas which have been studied
were described.
Tom Coffman suggested that we focus on the issue at hand - Emery Park /
Depot Square.
A question was asked about the Concord Bank's land and this was clarified.
Bob Ossman presented his plan (C) with the Lexpress stop behind the pet
store called "Warm Hearts and Cold Noses". This scheme assumes no entrance
to the Meriam Street lot from Depot Square. There would be crosswalks to get
across the driveways.
Barbara Lucas said she is not in favor of that location for Lexpress from a
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visibility and access point of view. If it were necessary, she would hope
Lexpress would not be put there until all the elements were in place, i.e. new
opening to Meriam Street lot, negotiations with bank, etc.
John Frey spoke about Plan B, with Lexpress stopping on the Yangtze
River side or the Bank of Boston side. He summarized some history of meetings
with abutters. If it were presented with the extra width of the sidewalk, the trees,
the benches, the promenade it would form, it might be an attractive option for
businesses to support. They could be a part of the revitalization.
Don Olson described the island at the top of the Park, its surface being
even with the Park with a safe area for loading and unloading.
He then asked if people wanted a straw vote to get consensus. The result
favored Scheme B (widened sidewalk on east or west side of Depot Square)
fairly strongly, Scheme C (behind "Warm Hearts") next, and Scheme A (as is,
with island at head of Park) receiving the fewest votes.
Barbara Lucas pointed out that the Transportation Advisory Committee
recommends that Lexpress be placed within the confines of Depot Square.
Joanne Fray stated that the Study Group was reacting to political pressures.
She questioned to whom ad hoc committees report.
Betty Eddison said when these committees have gathered their facts, it is
ultimately to the Selectmen. The Selectmen want a written report, not 50
different opinions.
It was expressed that Norm Cohen has said that the Town is caretaker for the
Park and may alter it for improvements.
Ivor Morgan observed there was no focus.
Betsy Whitman referred again to the document of 1991 exploring the charge,
the needs, and the hopes of Emery Park / Depot Square.
Steve Hurley summed up the work to be done. There are many other
committees that must review this: the Planning Board, HOC, Chamber of
Commerce, LCC, DPW, Traffic Safety, abutters, and others. These groups need
to be polled. Costs must be considered. People need to support the project.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
Scribe pro tern: Betsy Whitman
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