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Historic commission stresses minimal roadway widening, granite curbs, and materials for MassDOT Section 106 reviews
Summary
The local historical commission reviewed two MassDOT Section 106 submissions and urged designs that minimize roadway-width increases, use slanted granite curbing and brick-colored crosswalk panels, and harmonize materials with surrounding historic context.
The local historical commission reviewed two MassDOT Section 106 requests and provided recommendations to minimize impacts on historic character, a staff presenter told the planning commission on March 21.
Holly (representing the historical commission) said the commission asked that project designs minimize increases to roadway width, deploy slanted granite curbing (Belgian block) around islands, use detachable warning panels at crosswalks with colors compatible with the historic character (brick tone rather than contemporary colors), and select materials and landscaping that harmonize with the existing environment. The commission also recommended minimizing signage and keeping landscape maintenance needs consistent with existing plantings such as daffodils.
Holly noted that MassDOT uses MACRIS (the Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System) to identify contributing historic resources, but the local survey work has identified properties not currently listed in MACRIS; the letter from the local historical commission adds those properties to the project record. Staff and National Grid field visits identified utility poles and guy wires; National Grid indicated most guy wires can be removed or adjusted, which staff said increases design flexibility.
The historical commission reviewed the items at its Feb. 14 meeting; staff described the outreach and asked commissioners if they had questions. Commissioners and abutters also discussed localized signage concepts developed to look consistent with Nantucket’s style. The planning commission received the historical commission’s comments and asked staff to continue coordination with MassDOT, the Land Bank, and abutters.
