Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Park Revitalization topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stewart District Commission advances pocket park plan for South Main
Summary
The commission voted to allow the applicant for a proposed pocket park behind 3 South Main (22 Bay Street) to proceed to final design and return for formal approval at the November meeting; the concept emphasizes permeable pavers, raised planters and a small performance platform, with a water feature and planting plan to follow.
The Stewart District Commission voted to let the applicant for a proposed pocket park on the rear lot of 3 South Main (case referenced as 932528 / 22 Bay Street) advance to final design review and return to the board for formal approval in November.
Robbie Rosenblitt, the property owner, told the commission he hoped to "build a beautiful pocket" to serve tenants and people walking Main Street and said the area could be dedicated to his late wife. Travis, the project's landscape architect, described the design as a concept-stage land-use diagram aimed at creating a year-round, multiuse open space with pathways, built-in benching, raised planters and a low-level boardwalk that could serve as a small performance area. "It's really right now in the concept stage of a preliminary, just a land use diagram" the landscape architect said while outlining how the space could be programmed for events and daily use.
The design avoids full removal of the existing asphalt to stay within budget; instead the team proposes permeable pavers, raised planters that double as stormwater catchment, metal-clad planter faces and a water feature intended to reduce street noise and draw attention to the park. Commissioners and commenters praised the proposal's quality and compatibility with Berlin's historic character while raising common implementation concerns including nursery stock availability, winter interest in plantings and long-term maintenance.
Commissioners requested a fuller set of materials and planting details before giving final approval. The board discussed calendar constraints: the commission meets monthly and the applicant was asked to submit a final rendering in time for the November agenda (staff cited October deadlines for agenda packet submission). The commission approved a motion to allow the applicant to proceed toward a final presentation on placement and materials and to return for final approval. The vote was recorded as in favor and the motion passed.
Next steps include: submission of a final planting and materials plan and a lighting plan; completion of permitting with town staff; and coordination with contractors with an eye toward beginning construction in winter/early January if permits and materials align. The commission said it would accept an emailed final rendering for review before the November meeting if necessary.
