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HomeMy Public PortalAboutPresentation WP 4Providing Access For Water-Dependent Activities Facilitated Discussion Today’s Objectives Review Plan framework: Vision –what we want to achieve Assessment of conditions and trends Opportunities and limitations Review/get feedback on: management issues, priorities related to summertime public access management actions, priorities related to summertime public access What do you value most about Brewster’s Coastal Resources? CRMP Framework Vision Values and services we want to preserve/protect Guiding principles to help evaluate actions Assess/Inventory Understanding of processes and trends Consensus on planning scenarios Management Issues & Actions/Implementation Responsive to community needs/protect resources Adaptable Sustainable (ecologically, economically) Efficient use of resources Reflect regulatory, legal considerations Vision Goal: In the context of coastal change, preserve and protect Brewster‘s coastal resources and expand public access 1: …preserve coastal ecosystems and habitats and the character of the town and coastal neighborhoods 2: Maintain and expand public access …explore alternate modes of transport and access points 3: Adapt to climate change projections and …financially and environmentally sustainable Public Access Basics Coastal Access Survey ¾ of residents surveyed go to the beach 1/wk during summer ¾ drive, smaller % walk or ride a bike Paine’s, Crosby, Breakwater most popular beach destinations Summer Peak-time issue 6400 resident seasonal parking permits 4850 visitor day/week/season permits Public Access Basics 400 +/-parking spaces at 11 locations Mismatch between supply and demand occurs only during summer peak Implications for residents, visitors, businesses, shellfishermen, neighborhods Strategies identified in the CAS: Increase parking spaces Enhance pedestrian and bike access Evaluate beach shuttle from satellite locations Parking Strategies Maintain or enhance onsite parking Assess opportunities for manage relocation or retreat (e.g., Paine’s Creek, Breakwater Beach) or use of articulated mats, etc. to protect existing parking areas Reconfigure parking areas to increase efficiency and the number of spaces Acquire parcels near beaches and landings suitable for additional parking -balance with resource protection and neighborhood impacts.(120 spaces added at Crosby landing) Consider revisions to the Beach Access Permit Requirements or other management measures Build/update infrastructure to encourage use of underutilized beaches and landings (Spruce Hill, Wing Island) Protect and enhance access for emergency personnel and those with limited mobility Discussion Questions Parking Should the town seek to expand existing parking lots? Under what conditions should the Town seek to acquire land for additional access points (i.e., satellite parking, increased pedestrian and bike access)? What actions can/should the Town take to retain access- parking lots and walkways-to public beaches? How do you feel about limiting parking at some/all access points to residents only? Shuttle Strategies Pilot project considerations: Identify potential satellite parking locations (i.e., within .5 miles or a 5-10 minute travel time); Select shuttle route (based on number of potential users and in consideration of a landing/beach lot’s ability to accommodate a shuttle without displacing parking spaces); Identify operational model: Acquisition/use of shuttle vehicle(s) through lease, purchase or re-purposing; Number/timing of trips per day; Duration of service (ie, peak of July 1 –August 15); Town operated vs. operated by private vendor under contract with the Town; Costs (lease/purchase of vehicle, insurance, driver, gas, operation and maintenance, other). Discussion Questions Beach Shuttle What would make a shuttle successful to the user, to the beach neighborhood and to the Town? If we developed a shuttle –what town owned parking lots are available? Pedestrian/Bike Strategies BCC, Bikeways Committee, DPW collaboration Create a Lower Road Beach/Landing Bike Route; Create safe walking routes to beaches that avoid dangerous areas; Use informational materials, signage, pedestrian/biking beacons, and/or striping to mark bike lanes and to direct pedestrians and cyclists; Consider improvements to road surfaces to enhance safety; Mark sidewalks indicating bikers can share these with pedestrians; Identify and mark safe parking areas for bikes and pedestrians. Discussion Questions Pedestrian/Bike Access What measures could be taken on beach roads to improve safe access for bikes and pedestrians? Are there specific ways the Town could enhance accessibility to beaches and landings for people with disabilities? Discussion Question Are there other access issues that we have not addressed?