Historic district approves pocket park design for 2 Bay Street

The Berlin Historic District Commission approved a renovation to transform the asphalt corner at 2 Bay Street into a small public pocket park, commissioners said Tuesday.

Travis Loringo, a landscape architect with Topia Landscape Architects, described the plan as "to open it up into a public park so it could be used for multiple uses throughout the year," adding that the proposal includes permeable pavers, raised planting beds and a water feature. Loringo told the commission the raised planters would be 18 to 24 inches high, with 18 inches acceptable structurally and 24 inches preferred for better root volume.

Commissioners repeatedly praised the proposal's materials and design. One commissioner said the classic arbor and wood planters "help, make it fit in with the town, the historic look," while another highlighted the quality of the metal planters, which Loringo described as Corten steel — a weathering steel that develops a protective patina.

Loringo also outlined stormwater elements: downspout capture into raised beds and underground drainage beneath the artificial turf intended to keep the space green year-round. Commissioners asked whether the water feature would run continuously; Loringo said timers and operator controls could set on/off schedules and that the town could coordinate lighting or crosswalk alignments as needed.

After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the case (listed in the meeting as Case HDC9-3-25-26). The chair noted final permits would be signed after the meeting.

The approved design emphasizes year-round usability and localized stormwater mitigation while replacing a hard asphalt surface with plantings and pedestrian-friendly materials. Construction timing and the identity of a project operator were not specified at the meeting.