HomeMy WebLinkAboutRobichaud - Open Space & Rec Plan CommentsDear Open Space Committee Members, Planning Dept Staff and BSC Group,
Below please find my comments regarding the draft Open Space and Recreation plan:
Very much like the format of the document. We have to put out materials that are digestible and easy to
read for everyone. The cover photo, the table of contents are all great. I love how all entities and
personnel that are involved in this topic are included – I even found my name in here, which was cool.
The charts and graphs and images are wonderful. This is what makes these documents more
manageable to work through and enjoyable to read. I would actually encourage the use of more photos
on pages that are currently 100% text. There is unlimited natural beauty in the town so its easy to find
nice photos to add. I know it will make the document longer but again the more interactive and visually
appealing, the better. The various maps of the town are awesome. I love looking at those.
Section 5 is great because it acknowledges what we’ve accomplished to date. Over 15,000 acres of
protected open space, recreation space, public land. Amazing.
Table 5-3 – Municipal Owned Properties: I just wonder if this is best presented alphabetically or if it
should be sorted by category.
Table 5-5 – Protected Private Parcels: I really dislike how the first column appears. I think the first column
should be split into two columns and I then I think a column should be added. Like this:
Column A – Property Name
Column B – Property Address
Column C – Parcel ID
Column D – Duration of Easement
Column E – Current Use
Page 79 – open space and park equity – this is a big one for me. access should be open to all, regardless
of any and all factors. I mention this a few times later in my comments. This comes up often at our CPC
meetings and it very important to all CPC members.
Action Items:
Goal 1 – townwide policy with defined criteria - agree wholeheartedly and I like that this is at the top. As
a CPC member, having defined criteria in mind when reviewing open space acquisition requests would
be valuable. My only recommendation is to move the public access bullets to the top – the town should
absolutely be prioritizing open space acquisitions that allow for equitable public access with no strings
attached. The only question I have about this – is this referring to the town’s acquisition of property, or
BLT – or all of the above?
Love the idea of a public database / inventory of all sites with any deed restriction on them. Imagine a
map tool where you could click on the various deed restrictions – affordable housing, conservation,
recreation, etc. and when you click on each one – all properties that meet that criteria are highlighted –
different colors for different types. Probably expensive and time consuming to make, but it would be a
valuable tool.
3.1 – stewardship. I think we may want to consider adding language that encourages partnership with the
business community for stewardship of these sites. I can picture that these volunteer efforts likely incur
costs, and these costs could potentially be covered by the business community. “adopt a trail” or “adopt
a conservation area” or something along those lines. Not necessarily saying that a business would
handle the boots on the ground work, but could help with costs associated with those boots on the
ground volunteer efforts. This ties into goal 4 – maintenance of conservation areas.
5.2 - Personally I think “upgrade golf course facilities” is too vague. This should be further defined.
6.2 – playgrounds and splash pad. I am very passionate and interested in this. The CPC has discussed
this extensively recently and is interested in supporting any way we can. Centerville and Osterville
playgrounds are well underway and funded. We should begin serious discussions about the next villages
to tackle in terms of playground additions or renovations. Personally I think that language should be
added to 6.2 encouraging a focus specifically on Hyannis. We’ve added and are adding housing in the
downtown area, and the area is already underutilized when it comes to playgrounds. I don’t count
playgrounds at schools or playgrounds at beaches because those come with a catch – beaches are pay
to play during the summer – must buy a beach sticker, and schools do not allow public access during the
day. Hyannis should have two new playgrounds that are open all daytime hours and open to all at no
cost. I’ll be offering more comments on this in the future, and we will continue to discuss this topic at
CPC meetings. We’ve heard from the public – there is huge demand for this, there is a real need, and with
CPC support, there is a real path to this and a path to doing this in a matter of years.
6.5 – Parks & Open space for Hyannis - I very much support this. More green space in Hyannis is needed.
Development agreements should seek land donations, however small, for green space. Could be as
simple as grass with some benches and trees. Garden clubs would jump at the opportunity to enhance
with gardens – just ask my mother. Local businesses could sponsor the care of these areas. It does NOT
have to be a burden on DPW and burdening DPW can NOT be used as an excuse. A landscaping
company could be hired to care for a park, any size, and I can guarantee that the business community
would step up to foot the bill. I’m confident a partnership with the Hyannis chamber could accomplish
this.
6.7 – dog park - need a downtown dog park. 100% yes.
And by the way, if the town identified a vacant, neglected, derelict property that has zero prospect of
being improved, the town should not be afraid to step up and take that property and turn it into green
space, and potentially make it deed restricted.
Goal 10 – town ways to water. again just trying to emphasize the public access. I think part of this is
asking ourselves if everyone in the town, regardless of any factor, has equal access to the water. I think
there is a public conception that maybe those with the means to afford certain things have more access
to water. Whether true or not, this perception exists. What can we do to overcome this? This is one of
the primary elements that makes our town so special. “pursuing new public access to water
opportunities that are equitable and available to all with no cost or unreasonable limitations.”
I know I’m not using the right language for this type of document, just getting these thoughts out there.
I get that access to a beach should come with a cost, I understand that. I don’t feel the same way about a
walking trail or a park or a playground. There should be no unreasonable limitation or cost to access
those types of sites.
Goal 11 – bikeways, pathways, trails - If there is a small sliver of private land that is blocking the
connection of our wonderful trails and pathways – does the town have any options to step in and
somehow work with a property owner to take that land? Offering some sort of compensation, tax break,
some sort of incentive to work out a deal? There are quite a few opportunities out there to link up many of
our pathways.
11.7 – trailhead safety and management - the hurdle with this is going to be cost. I think that this would
be an ideal place to attempt to partner with the business community. The concept that may work is the
“sponsor a site” type. Another idea is to create a fund and when a developer wants to built a project, and
need zoning relief – this is a negotiating chip. Mitigation made via donation to “TOB Trailhead Safety &
Management Fund.”
13.1 – coordinating implementation – I think this is a difficult challenge, because so many different
entities are involved. I might suggest an annual “summit” or “workshop” with all parties that are involved.
Once a year, get everyone together in some sort of a meeting format. I understand that for many entities
it would have to be a posted public meeting, or it would violate open meeting requirements but I do think
getting everyone together to talk about progress, goals, next steps will create and sustain momentum. In
10 years we should be able to look back and this and say “dang, we killed it!” but that’s not going to
happen if we don’t get everyone together. Do it in the high school gym or performing arts center, and have
each entity present, have public comment, guest speakers, etc. This is just such a unique topic because
it involves SO many groups.
Thank you so much for all of your work and dedication to the town, and for considering my comments,
Stephen Robichaud
Barnstable, MA