01/18/2012 PLANNING BOARD MINUTES

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Mr. Martiros inquired about the green located across from the library and Mr. Kooharian confirmed that it was privately owned and the possibility of it being transferred to the Town was suggested. Mr. Balzarini noted that land would need to be transferred to the Town for liability purposes. Mr. Balzarini suggested focusing on the Trout Pond area to offer fishing, music and a Wampanoag historical component. Mr. Martiros inquired about a trail to the high school and Mr. Balzarini responded that Mr. Storrs had provided the map highlighting the trails. Mr. Martiros suggested that a master plan be developed for all of the available land in Mashpee identifying uses since he expected it would be difficult to work with Mashpee Commons. Ms. Waygan stated that, due to the size and impact of the future development, Mashpee would be able to request certain items from Mashpee Commons. Mr. Martiros emphasized that many residents closest to Mashpee Commons would be seasonal and expressed concern that a park located at Mashpee Commons would not serve residents located in other parts of the Town. Ms. Cotton indicated that residents would make it a destination. Mr. Martiros recommended centralizing a park at the high school and discussed the availability of bike paths, suggesting a future possibility of connecting bike paths to South Cape Beach. Mr. Martiros also noted that many bike paths stopped and started, and required greater integration. Ms. Waygan responded that Mashpee Commons offered a green area that could connect with other areas, while bringing in eco-tourists to Mashpee Commons. Mr. Kooharian stated that Mashpee Commons had become the center of Town, and other attendees were in agreement. Mr. Kooharian reiterated the importance of being able to participate in other activities at the center of Town. Ms. Cotton noted Mashpee Common’s emphasis on providing mixed-use offerings. Mr. Martiros felt that a focus on Mashpee Commons would exclude residents in other parts of Mashpee and Mr. Kooharian agreed that the paths needed to be integrated, but that it was beyond the scope and intent of the Subcommittee. Mr. Kooharian emphasized that a unique opportunity was available to assist with the creating of Mashpee’s center through the Development Agreement process. Mr. Kooharian expressed some concern that locating activity only to the Trout Pond area may be isolating and provided the example of the playground on Route 130 which was often not frequented due to its isolation. Mr. Martiros echoed his concern that a master plan be created and Mr. Fudala confirmed that a plan had been developed in 2009. Mr. Kooharian summarized the success of Blowing Rock as the park’s central location in the town with everything within walking distance. The Development Agreement would allow Mashpee an opportunity to develop a similar concept before anything was set in stone. Mr. Kooharian emphasized that the variety of activities at the park and the accessibility of shopping and restaurants would make it a destination. There was additional discussion about a master plan for Mashpee. Mr. Leonard voiced his support of creating activity around Trout Pond. Mr. Leonard expressed his concern about six pedestrian crossings traveling over busy roadways. Mr. Fudala responded that four crossings, across Routes 28 and 151, were signalized with pedestrian signal phases. Mr. Leonard suggested reducing the crossings and creating overpasses. Mr. Leonard also recommended that a path be created to connect the Senior Center to the schools. Ms. Cotton, Executive Director of the Children’s Museum, stated that the museum had been located on Mashpee Commons’ land since 2000. It was suggested that, at some point, the museum may have an opportunity to relocate to Mashpee Commons. Ms. Cotton noted that the Board was 2