Mashpee Planning Board
Minutes of Meeting
April 6, 2013 at 11:30 am
Events Meeting Room #1, Mashpee Public Library
Approved 4-0 on 4/17/13
Planning Board Members Present: Chairman Mary Waygan, David Kooharian, Dennis Balzarini, Joe Cummings, Joe Mullin
Also Present: Tom Fudala-Town Planner, Roy Roberts, Joyce Fuller, Evelyn Bushenfeldt, Beverly Kane, Don DePola, Larry Gentiwicci, Geoff Spilane, Thomas Fox, Lee Stommes, Ann Stommes, and Nancy Soderberg
Absent: George Petersen
CALL TO ORDER
The Town of Mashpee Planning Board meeting was opened by the Chair at 11:35 am
MASHPEE GREENWAY
Chair Waygan welcomed the participants to the special meeting of the Planning Board on the conceptual Greenway park system. Ms. Waygan gave a brief overview of the history and status of the Greenway, noting the intent of the system was to connect the Town’s commercial and residential areas to the nearby high quality, natural resources.
David Kooharian followed by citing as a model for the Mashpee Greenway the Blowing Rock park system in North Carolina where the down town shopping and restaurants have been successfully connected to local parks and nature trails. Mr. Kooharian reported that he and Tom Fudala met with the Board of Selectmen and were given a green light for the project. At the request of the Board of Selectmen the project has been broken into three phases. Town Planner Tom Fudala reviewed the maps showing phases I, II and III. Phase I includes a trail to the High School with a bridge to cross the Quashnet River, a park across from the public library, a path to and around Trout Pond, a fitness trail, and smaller links to residential/condominium neighborhoods.
Mr. Koharian and Dennis Balzarini emphasized the importance of a public space/park in the commercial center of Town.
The Chairman opened the meeting up to comments. Evelyn Bushenfeldt reported on the Town’s efforts to improve the Community Park (across from Town Hall) and Heritage Park (located on Main Street/ Rt 130), noting the historic center of Town is Town Hall. She encouraged the Greenway to link to these parks.
Participants were supported of the Greenway and expressed a desire to assist wit the project. Rob Roy and others stressed the importance of good, safe bike paths. Don DePolo offered volunteer services to improve the existing trails, noted the need for trail signs and maps, and that Trout Unlimited works to protect the Quashnet River.
The participants brainstormed on potential resources and community partners. The chair seeing support for the Greenway briefly discussed the creation of Friends of the Greenway group, and set the next Greenway meeting to Wednesday May 1st at 6 pm at Town Hall.
Chairman Mary Waygan, David Kooharian, Dennis Balzarini, Tom Fudala-Town, Roy Roberts, Joyce Fuller, Evelyn Bushenfeldt, Beverly Kane, Don DePola, Geoff Spliane, Thomas Fox, and Nancy Soderberg then walked the proposed trail from Job Fishing Road to the High School, noting the Quashnet River crossing without the concrete walls was more appropriate.
No motions or votes were taken.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary E. Waygan
Chair
LIST OF DOCUMENTS
- Greenway Maps I, II and II (Shown but not distributed)
- Map of Mashpee showing open space
- Brochure of Phase I of the Greenway
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