Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board weighs trade-offs as EDR outlines Main Street corridor concepts
Summary
EDR presented two conceptual approaches for downtown Main Street, including one designed to meet MassDOT TIP funding requirements. Board members emphasized preserving existing trees, stormwater upgrades, parking trade-offs and the need for community outreach before finalizing designs.
The Select Board heard a conceptual briefing from Environmental Design & Research (EDR) on a proposed Main Street downtown corridor improvement project, and members offered detailed feedback focused on trees, parking, stormwater, multimodal access and maintaining village character.
Russ Lee Camp and project manager Jamie Glette of EDR outlined a two‑concept approach: one concept to meet MassDOT TIP requirements — including a 10‑foot wide shared‑use path — and an alternative that attempts to preserve more of the street’s existing character. Camp told the board that TIP eligibility brings firm design criteria that can be difficult to reconcile with retaining trees, parking, and other local features.
Select Board members raised several concerns. One member urged designers to “maintain whatever trees are left” and to avoid a thoughtless tree removal plan; another emphasized safer, more visible crosswalks for students and asked for improved sight lines at key intersections. Board members also discussed the prospect of targeted tree plantings, the potential need for right‑of‑way adjustments, and likely project costs and timing if the Town pursues TIP funding.
EDR said it will return after public outreach with two refined concepts that reflect the board’s preferences and constraints. Staff warned that getting on the TIP does not deliver construction immediately — projects may remain in a multi‑year queue — and noted the town typically must fund design and right‑of‑way work while state and federal dollars pay construction if TIP funding is awarded.
Board members asked staff to coordinate public forums and said they would circulate more detailed guidance on priorities before EDR’s next presentation.
