By Drew M. Bailey, Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – The people of Shrewsbury have a lot to say about open spaces. Fifty residents attended a March 19 community forum in which an early version of the town's Open Space Recreation Plan was presented, and its goals were discussed.
The Open Space plan is a requirement for the town to be eligible for grants and funding from the state. It is a standard document reviewed by the state's Department of Conservation Services (DCS) that compiles information on the community, environmental and conservation interests, the vision and needs of the community, and goals and objectives for the town. The plan is good for seven years and provides an outline for how the town will address open space issues during that period. The town has created two plans in its past, one in 1987, and one in 1999.
In addition to the direct goals laid out by the plan, it will also help the town direct growth and spending, improve its bond rating, and increase opportunities to receive state grants for open space and recreation purposes.
Kristen Wilson, the town's principal planner and economic development coordinator, directed the meeting along with Trish Settles, a planner with the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC).
“Tonight the goal is to gather additional feedback,” Wilson said.
Prior to the March 19 forum, over 1,300 residents responded to a public survey focused on gauging community interest in open space preservation and development. The survey helped Wilson, and the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee, develop three overarching goals: the protection and preservation of conservation resources; the development, maintenance and improvement of greenways and recreation resources; and the protection of the town's water resources.
During the forum the residents were divided into groups to discuss these goals, and provide feedback on how they could be improved, and how their aims could be achieved. The discussions resulted in a variety of additional options, and revealed some concerns as well.
Residents debated the future of the town's many trails, and the possible expansion of the town's existing network to connect with those of local communities. Others counseled the inception of a regional body as well, encouraging participation with neighboring towns in the development of open space policies.
Residents expressed concern that efforts to improve and modify existing open spaces might result in a loss of their natural character.
Another issue related to making new and old facilities handicapped accessible.
Some residents encouraged the development of new spaces that could be used as sporting fields for local schools, and for youth soccer organizations, both of which are in short supply.
Wilson revealed that Shrewsbury's water resources are nearly at the limit of their capacity. She said that protecting potable water resources, and the watersheds that feed them, is essential as the town continues to grow. Residents suggested that the town introduce wetland bylaws, and a monitoring program for private wastewater to insure against contamination.
Wilson and Settles did not directly address all of the questions and concerns brought up during the discussion, but said they would be considered, and applied when developing the final plan.
A copy of the draft Open Spaces Plan is available on the town of Shrewsbury website, http://www.shrewsbury-ma.gov/egov/docs/133103984336.htm.
The town will be accepting comments until mid-April. The town is also seeking volunteers to help with all aspects of open space and recreational space development.
