Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Route 140 Corridor Plan topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
SERPed presents Route 140 corridor vision to council, outlines TOD and pedestrian improvements
Summary
Consultant SERPed presented a corridor study framing Route 140 as a gateway into Taunton, offering recommendations on transit-oriented development, downtown connections, crosswalks and access to the Wild and Scenic river, and a menu of implementation steps and funding sources.
The full City Council received a presentation from planning consultant SERPed on a Route 140 corridor study that frames the roadway as a gateway into Taunton and outlines a multi-year vision for transit-oriented development, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, and enhanced connections to the nearby Wild and Scenic rivers.
Robert Cabral and Jackie Jones of SERPed described the study as a high-level roadmap focused on four conceptual zones—downtown, the four corners, the future transit-oriented development (TOD) area near the commuter rail site, and the Wild and Scenic river approaches. The study summarizes existing conditions, offers recommendations informed by public feedback, and proposes implementation steps and likely funding avenues.
Highlights presented included strategies for pedestrian-scale development in the TOD area adjacent to large retail parcels; options to reinforce Hart's Four Corners with building siting and pedestrian facilities; mid-block and intersection crosswalk improvements; and signage and access improvements to better connect the corridor to the Wild and Scenic river, including consideration of a kayak launch.
Councilors and city staff asked about coordination with MassDOT on improvements to its section of Route 140 and about how the city can use the report in near-term planning. City economic development staff said several parcels referenced in the study are already under discussion with developers, and that MassDOT has been consulted and may include bicycle and pedestrian connections in planned work at its site and driveway realignments.
SERPed and councilors emphasized the study's role as a toolbox for the city to prioritize projects and pursue grants; no council vote was required. City staff said several housing and redevelopment projects on Route 140 are moving forward and that the study supplies a framing to guide future decisions.
