Town of Sharon

Sacred Heart Reuse Committee

Meeting Minutes of 6/6/13

Approved on 6/27/13

Sharon Community Center

 

Committee Attendees

Karen Friedman, Chair   

Larry Seggelin

Carl Gladstone

David Straus

Mitch Blaustein

 

 

Other Attendees

Alice Cheyer 1 Glenview Road

Nancy Desrochers 145 Pond Street

Peter O’Cain

Eric Hooper

Anne Bingham 78A Cedar Street

Steve Lesco 25 Elliott Street

Robert Weidknecht Beals and Thomas

Todd Arnold 70 Cedar Street

Steve Fusco Beals and Thomas

Richard Kramer 27 Beach Street

Amy Guerrero 4 Linda Road

Stuart Raifman 14 Bearfoot Hill Road

Amanda Levasseur Rec Director

Paul Murphy 20 Winslow Road

Christine Kasparian Asst. Rec Director

David Strans 283 North Main Street

Rick Schantz 28 Falcon Road

Gordon Gladstone 2 Bruce Ave

Joan Sahl 82 Cedar Street

Dan Mayo 23 Chessman Drive

Jeffrey Sweet 40 Cedar Street

George Stuopis18 Violet Circle

Margaret Marder 3 Cheshire

Jack Ahern 14 Lakeview

Gary Bluestein 19 Pioneer Circle

Phil and Melissa Shertis 80 Cedar Street

Paul Driscoll 3 Canoe River Road

Carolyn Goodwin Lincoln Road

 

Chair Report

Chair Friedman called the meeting to order. She turned the meeting over Mr. Weidknecht of Beals and Thomas. Mr. Weidknecht said that his firm took the information back and reviewed what everyone wanted. People had suggested to: maintain the running trail, make sure parking did not encroach on the field, minimal fencing, community picnic areas gazebo, and install a trellis structure. Emergency access needs to be maintained. In addition someone suggested a bathroom and another suggestion was a pool.

 

Steve Fusco of Beals and Thomas presented three alternatives. He said it is for the townspeople to review and determine their choice. The three illustrated concepts for configuring the tree-surrounded grassed area that replaces the demolished Sacred Heart building included: (1) a park with benches separating two small "undulating" landscapes; (2) an 8 - 8 graded field for youth soccer/lacrosse requiring irrigation and some tree-cutting; and (3) a hybrid park/field that could be used for scheduled and ad hoc activities by residents of all ages.

 

A cost analyses was performed and he said they were all about even.

Mr. Fusco said that the three choices are not completely developed. He is trying to gain a   consensus on what the public wants and then develop one plan further. The three choices presented are most coherent to the site and the neighborhood.

 

Anne Bingham of 78A Cedar Street said she did not like alternative 2. She said Cedar Street is a scenic road. She does not like the fields so close to the homes.

 

Alice Cheyer of Glenview Road asked if the grass was normal.

 

Mr. Fusco said the grass is normal grass. No fences or locks would be surrounding the property. Mr. Fusco pointed to the chart and showed where the dog walkers would go. He then said that to build a bathroom facility would need a septic system and that is very costly.

 

Chair Friedman confirmed that the process for the decision making is that the final decision is up to the Selectmen. Sacred Heart Reuse Committee will prepare an application to the Community Preservation Committee for funding. Town Meeting will vote.

 

Gordon Gladstone of 2 Bruce Avenue said he would like more detailed cost estimates.

 

Mr. Weidknecht said the advanced design is not complete and these are conceptual estimates. Alternative 1 is $350,000, Alternative 2 is $410,000 and alternative 3 is $400,000. The values assigned are based on general condition, site prep, erosion control, tree protection and clearing, earth work component, storm water management for the parking lot, field drainage and imported loam. He also mentioned seeding, fencing sidewalks, benches parking, the gazebo, field maintenance etc.

 

Jeff Sweet of 90 Cedar Street said that alternative 2 is the least attractive. He appreciates all of the concerns taken into account. He said the skateboard park was a noise maker and vandalism magnet. He said the parking is not enforced at the dog park. He would prefer a development that would not create stress on the neighborhood. It is not an area for sports.

 

Richard Kramer of Beach Street thinks the alternatives illustrate a range of options. In his opinion, alternative 2 is not acceptable. He likes alternative 1. He suggested stone dust treatment for the sidewalks. He is unsure if more trees are needed. He suggested fruit trees. He thinks it is important to add toilets to the infrastructure. He said the paths are aesthetically pleasing but disastrous for runners. He thinks a gazebo would promote drinking.

 

Dan Mayo of Chessman Drive suggested a pool for the site.

 

Ms. Bingham of 78A Cedar Street said the need for fields has not been established.

 

Rick Schanz of the Recreation Advisory Board likes alternative 3 for versatility.

 

Larry Goodman of Aspen Road likes the flexibility of the fields, and wants to ensure the space is appropriate for seniors.  He said he was also concerned with deer and deer ticks.

 

Mr. Fusco said that to keep deer out you need a 6-8 foot fence but that would inhibit people from using the space openly. The goal is to keep it more open. There could be strategic places to put fences. He reiterated that alternative 1 is a potential dedicated to a park. It is an opportunity for more plantings and land forms.

Carl Gladstone of Lyndon Road asked if the parking lot is going to be dug up.

 

Mr. Fusco said that the parking spots gained are not formalized. They are already paved.

 

Todd Arnold of 70 Cedar Street asked who has the final say.

 

Chair Friedman said that the ultimate vote is made at Town meeting on the use of Community Preservation Funds.

 

Richard Powell of Beach Street speaking on his own behalf asked if they thought about moving the skate park parking to the basketball court and asked if that would provide more open space.

 

Mr. Fusco said you might lose open space.

 

Mr. Powell said he preferred open space if the field could not be full sized. He also asked if they considered disc golf.

 

Mr. Fusco took a pulse on the conceptual uses and fifteen people voted for alternative 1, two people voted for alternative 2 and seven people voted for alternative 3.

 

Mr. Gordon Gladstone said he thinks the projected cost for alternative 1 is too costly and thinks it could be reduced.

 

Joan Sahl of 82 Cedar Street asked if bike racks were thought of.

 

Mr. Weidknecht said they will design them in.

 

Chair Friedman asked if it was ADA compliant and Mr. Weidknecht said it is ADA accessible.

 

Mr. Weidknecht said they will advance alternative 1 and present an updated plan at the 6/27 meeting.

 

Minutes

Mr. Gladstone moved to approve the minutes of 5/23/13 and Mr. Straus seconded the motion.  The Committee voted 5-0-0 in favor of approval.

 

Adjournment

Mr. Gladstone moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 PM and Mr. Straus seconded the motion. The Committee voted 5-0-0 in favor of adjournment.

 

Next Meeting

6/27

 

Attachment

None