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Master Plan committee urges support for downtown projects, unanimously backs wayfinding grant letter
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Summary
The Master Plan Implementation Committee voted unanimously to send a support letter for a Mass Downtown Initiative wayfinding grant and discussed mobilizing support for a separate CPA Lake Street article (Article 40) after learning the Select Board voted not to recommend it.
The Town of Northborough’s Master Plan Implementation Committee voted unanimously on April 16 to send a letter in support of a Mass Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program application that would fund a wayfinding master plan and produce directional and conservation-area signs for downtown and trailheads.
Laurie, who outlined the proposed grant application, said the program would fund both design and the production/installation of signs. She noted the Beta Group — the firm that worked on the Blake–Pierce streetscape design — is a potential consultant and that she is still assembling cost estimates for the grant request.
Committee members pressed for clarity about long-term operating costs and whether ARPA funds were being used; Laurie said ARPA would not fund the grant and that the Select Board has already allocated some signage funds separate from the grant. After a brief discussion, the committee approved sending the letter of support by unanimous voice/roll call.
Separately, Laurie and Chair Rick Leaf summarized the committee’s discussion of a Community Preservation Act (CPA) application for a Lake Street park renovation that is on the Town Meeting warrant as Article 40. Laurie said the Select Board voted last week not to support the CPA article, and that the financial planning committee and appropriations committee were split. Rick urged the committee to help mobilize supporters for Town Meeting, offering to speak on behalf of MPIC and to work with John Campbell and others to build a brief presentation if committee members prefer that approach.
Rick framed the CPA article as an implementation step from the town’s master plan and urged members to use their networks to recruit supporters to attend Town Meeting and speak or vote in favor of the article when it reaches the floor. Members discussed the potential linkage between the park renovation and redevelopment proposals at 4 West Main Street; some Select Board commentators had said the board preferred to wait and see how redevelopment at 4 West Main proceeds, while committee members argued the projects are separate and the town should take advantage of available CPA or grant funding now.
The meeting also included a request from Laurie for volunteers to plant street trees on May 9; she said the town hopes for about 30 volunteers and will supply mulch and bags while volunteers bring shovels.
What’s next: the committee will work with John Campbell on presentation approach for Town Meeting and encourage supporters to attend when Article 40 is considered; staff will seek Select Board permission as required to submit the grant application and will move forward with the support letter.
