By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Photo/Melanie Petrucci
Northborough – Scott Charpentier, director of the Department of Public Works, opened a public hearing to review initial designs for the Town Common project Sept. 17 at Town Hall. It was standing room only as roughly 50 residents and members of the Board of Selectmen, Financial Planning Committee, Planning Board and the Town Common Committee were in attendance.
“The goal here is to convey to you what we have done to date and to gain some information and comments from the public so comments can be considered and incorporated into what will be the final design,” Charpentier stated.
The final conceptual design will be presented at a future meeting followed by materials selection based on what the budget can accommodate. Selectmen will have the final vote which is expected in October or November. The project will go out for bidding after the holidays with construction to begin in the spring.
The engineering firm of Weston & Sampson has been designated by the town to design the Town Common. They are noted for their public open space expertise. Michael Moonan, team leader, and Michael Easler, project landscape architect, were present to review two concept options.
Moonan explained that they have been working on the project for several months and have already done the site survey and analysis of the surrounding conditions of the project located at 39 and 45 W. Main St.
Easler explained that both concepts include the Civil War memorial in a more formal space separate from the rest of the common area. The first option had softer edges with a more rounded shape while the second option had more linear and angular line.
“The devil is in the details and we aren’t in the details yet,” Easler said.
Attendees of the hearing spent about an hour asking questions and offering input. Discussion points included the possibility of adding other war-related memorials, what materials to use, plants, pathways, flags, pergolas, parking and ease of getting in and out with vehicles to unload for events.
Caroline Harrington, a member of the Town Common Committee, thought a brick pathway where residents could purchase a brick would be a great way to involve the community and possibly raise some funds.
Resident Dave McConeghy inquired about electrical capacity and safety of use at night.
Charpentier said that the intent of the common’s use would be dawn to dusk and there wouldn’t be the need for significant lighting beyond that, but there would be electrical outlets for events and a future possibility down the road.
Police Chief William Lyver explained that he had no reservations about security at night. As long as there is a clean line of site from either Main Street or Gale in the rear, he said, he could light up the area with his own lighting without problem.
These concept designs are just a starting point and they were looking for input from residents for further refinement. Those present were given the opportunity to submit their suggestions for consideration.
The hearing was televised on Northborough Public Access and will be replayed in the coming weeks. To access the show, visit www.youtube.com/channel/UCWOnY_sfze_J5tIE6lkVy7w?view_as=subscriber
Charpentier encouraged residents to send in their comments, suggestions or concerns to him, via the department’s email, [email protected].
