02/01/2012 PLANNING BOARD Minutes

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that a patch of grass with nothing of interest located across from the library would not draw visitors. Mr. Balzarini suggested the possibility of a water fountain or information kiosk. It was agreed that a playground would be a liability for Mashpee Commons unless the land was transferred to the Town. Mr. Balzarini suggested that Mr. Storrs be invited to attend a meeting prior to establishing a plan. Mr. Kooharian suggested that Mashpee Commons would not lose money on the piece of land if they were to give it to Mashpee since they had no plan to develop it. Ms. Cotton inquired about the abutting town properties that could serve as an alternative. Ms. Waygan recommended reviewing Massachusetts GIS for a depiction of the Town’s parcels. It was noted that the conservation lands were already restricted, and in some cases, not easily accessible. Marc Robert suggested the property adjacent to the police department, although it was noted that it was across Route 151 from the library. Mr. Kooharian emphasized the need for the activity to be located at a place where people wanted to go. Ms. Waygan also noted the intent that there be a visual for the trails, such as the Freedom Trail in Boston. Mr. Kooharian noted that Mashpee Commons had already included little green parks and islands within their plan and suggested the possibility of developing a fitness trail or incorporating sculpture. Mr. Balzarini emphasized that much of the land on the map would be developed as housing and commercial. Ms. Waygan added that the Jobs Whiting 40B, consisting of 382 units, had not yet been constructed. Mr. Balzarini stated that approximately 156 units would be added in the Steeple Street area. Larry Gentilucci inquired about increased traffic due to the development. It was noted that the Cape Cod Commission would require a traffic analysis and that mitigation funds would need to be awarded to mitigate the impact of the new traffic in Mashpee. Ms. Waygan added that the Chapter 40B would not provide mitigation funds but that other aspects of the project would provide mitigation funds in such forms as road improvements and road signage. There was discussion regarding credit received from building the traffic signals at the Police Station. Ms. Waygan read Mr. Storrs’ memo, which referenced the library green as a central point. Mr. Kooharian emphasized that transferring the land to the Town would allow Mashpee to create something special, bringing in more visitors which would benefit everyone. Mr. Robert agreed that the establishment of a park was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that was worth trying to achieve. Mr. Robert inquired about the availability of parking with the future development and Ms. Waygan responded that the intent was that parking would be available closer to the shops. Mr. Balzarini expressed concern about Trout Pond being withdrawn from the development plans and his desire to include it in discussions, in order to maintain it as naturally as possible. Ms. Waygan stated that the green across from the library was point #1 and Trout Pond was point #2. Ms. Cotton expressed concern about traffic and creating safe pedestrian routes over the major roadways. Mr. Balzarini suggested the possibility of an overpass or underpass. Fran Gentilucci agreed that parking could be an issue and both she and Mr. Gentilucci agreed that a linked park would be an excellent idea. Beverly Kane, referencing Trout Pond as an environmental jewel, suggested that Mashpee Commons removed it from the table because members of the Planning Board at the time expressed concerns about building in the area. Ms. Kane stated that it was a great parcel, contiguous with the Mashpee River and Woodlands, and would be a wonderful location for educational purposes and environmental awareness and possibly as a location for the Children’s Museum. 2