East Hampton Streetscape Steering Committee
Regular Meeting
Minutes
November 14, 2007
6:30 PM
East Hampton Town Hall Meeting Room
Agenda Item #1: Call to Order Streetscape Steering Committee Chairperson Elizabeth Harris called the meeting to order at 6:34 pm. Other committee members present were Kevin Burnham, Ralph Stoeckle, and Sue Weintraub.
Others present: None
Agenda Item #2: Approval of Minutes, October 17, 2007, Regular Meeting Minutes from the October 17, 2007 regular meeting were unanimously approved.
Agenda Item #3: Communications and Announcements Regarding investigation of a gateway at the Maple Street/West High Street intersection, Kevin Burnham contacted the DOT and was given an old survey (?1950’s). Because of difficulty locating the pins, a copy of the signal survey will be necessary. It does appear, however, that the signal could be moved adjacent to the signal box. Since the latter is located in the right-of-way, it is possible that the corner could be utilized for informational signage and other gateway designs.
One appraisal of the DiStefano property has been completed and is awaiting review by acting Town Manager Bob Drewry. A second appraisal is anticipated based upon plans by former Town Manager Alan Bergren.
Bob Drewry has asked the committee to consider design features for the 16-ft span bridge over Pocotopaug Creek on Main Street. Bidding is expected to ensue in February, 2008, with construction planned for August of the same year. Sue Weintraub suggested honoring the Town’s history of shipping and bells with a design incorporating both features, such as by emulating the bow of a ship.
Agenda Item #4: Consider TPA’s schematic plan According to Val Ferro, TPA has completed the schematic plan and is working toward the preliminary design. At a meeting with acting Town Manager Bob Drewry, Mary Ann Dostaler of EDC, Linda Parquette of Connected to CT, and Elizabeth Harris, it was learned that letters to all property owners within the project area are nearly ready to be sent. One-on-one property owner meetings are planned for December 4-6, and will be attended by Bob Drewry and Val Ferro of TPA. Bob Drewry has questioned whether the current construction budget, along with 10% in contingencies, will be sufficient for the project, given recent increases in materials costs; Val Ferro will be contacted regarding an updated proposed construction budget..
Agenda Item #5: Next Steps Property owner letters and meetings are planned, as above. The committee will plan to unveil the streetscape plan at a public meeting, to which EDC, DECD, P&Z, and Public Works will be invited. With property owner meetings planned for early December, and the need for TPA to follow-up on those meetings, it is possible that the public meeting will occur in January.
Regarding areas of concentration for Phase 2, much will depend upon the ability to utilize Phase 2 funds for unfinished Phase 1 projects. The committee would like to see completion of the north side of the East High Street project area, if regulations allow. Additionally, possible implementation of a Town water system in the village center could temporarily complicate a streetscaping project there. Alternatively, funds could be used to construct a greenway from East High Street to the village center; thereby improving pedestrian (and, maybe, cyclist) access to the center. The committee would also like to address signage, possibly with assistance from the design review board. There should exist more regulation of temporary signs, sign placement, and sign size. Particularly, an enforcement officer willing to follow-through
with violations will be valuable. Placement of the village wayfinding sign will need to be addressed.
Agenda Item #7: Public Comments There were no public comments.
Agenda Item #8: Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 pm by unanimous vote. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, 2007, at 6:30 pm in the East Hampton Town Hall Annex.
Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth Harris.
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