HomeMy Public PortalAbout20150318 - Upper Charles Trail Committee - Meeting Minutes1
UPPER CHARLES TRAIL COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 7:05 PM
Room 211, Town Hall, 18 Main St., Hopkinton, MA
Revised MINUTES
Members present: Ken Parker, Eric Sonnett, Jane Moran, Mike Resteghini, and John Coutinho
Members absent: Bob Snyder, Gary Trendel, Jeff Barnes
Alternate members present: Dave O’Brien, Barry Rosenbloom
Other Hopkinton citizens present for general session: Ray Fryer
Other visitors present for general session: Roy MacDowell, Jr.
1. Discussion with Roy MacDowell, Jr. regarding his request of the committee’s support of
request for zoning changes coming up for a vote at the town meeting. In relation to this request
he reviewed the impact of the change in development plans and financial benefits increasing
revenue flow to the town. In addition he presented the incremental funding that he will make to
the town. In addition to the grant received that has already been agreed by Selectman to provide
$750,000 toward the town’s Upper Charles Trail, he will contribute additional $750,000 if the
requested zoning changes is approved at town meeting. Ken raised the issue and requested of Mr.
MacDowell that action be taken to post markers and maps as appropriate as a first step toward
that development to provide guidance to the public. These three areas Roy agreed were to be
developed walking trails during spring/summer season and he agreed to post markers.
1. Rail Road bed (abutting Mezitt property back of – Woods property to and around the pond –
on Legacy Farms property.
2. From Curtis Street to Clinton
3. Clinton Street to Waste Water Plan to Ashland border
Additionally Jane Moran requested of Mr. MacDowell to consider adding to the plan to advance
the pond trail into a more finished way with a more “show piece – Heritage type” trail around it.
Mr. MacDowell said he would consider it and that any plans would have to go to the
Conservation Commission due to it being in wetlands.
Mike Resteghini moved to take a vote to determine if the committee supports the Legacy Farms
North proposed zoning changes to change to allow 180 dwelling units of Senior Housing
development Legacy. John Coutinho seconded the motion and members voted unanimously in
favor. There was further discussion that Mr. MacDowell could lose this support if the markers
on the trails previously elaborated are not placed as soon as practicable.
2. Conway project: There was a meeting held Saturday March 14th with Jillian of Conway and
Jane and Ken and a representative, Jeff, from Milford Water Works Co. The meeting was to
discuss if there are trail route opportunities around west or east of the pond. The meeting was
favorable and Jeff will be contacting Jillian once he checked out documentation. The second
Conway team will be including following through further on this opportunity for connectivity
routes into Milford.
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3. Public Outreach: Ken wanted to insure any abutters involved with land acquisition are
properly notified ahead of Town meeting. He took an action item to email Elaine Lazarus to
insure this is properly handled by the town, either in her department or to find out if the
committee is responsible.
4. UCTC website: No updates or comments.
5. Friends Group development: Ray Fryer, the resident interested in starting the group, Barry
and Jane will schedule a meeting to discuss the approach recommended which is to obtain the
group of interested people together and work on support in the town as a first phase. Consider
incorporating at a later date when fundraising would be possible to support the required expense
needed to work with professionals needed to assist in the corporation’s legal formation.
6. Draft minutes of 3/4/15 meeting: Approved unanimously.
7. Mike Resteghini moved to convent in executive session to discuss considering the purchase,
exchange, lease or value of real property in regards to multiple parcels for the Upper Charles
Trail, because an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the negotiating position of the
town. John Coutinho seconded the motion and members were polled individually on the vote to
enter executive session:
Ken Parker – yes John Coutinho – yes Eric Sonnett – yes
Mike Resteghini – yes Barry Rosenbloom – yes Dave O’Brien – yes
Jane Moran – yes
At the conclusion of the executive session, Barry Rosenbloom moved to reconvene in open
session. John Coutinho seconded the motion and committee members were polled individually
on the vote to reconvene in open session. No Action was taken in the Executive Session.
Ken Parker – yes John Coutinho – yes Eric Sonnett – yes
Mike Resteghini – yes Barry Rosenbloom – yes Dave O’Brien – yes
Jane Moran – yes
The next meeting will be April 15, 2015. (April 1 meeting cancelled).
The public meeting was adjourned at 8:45PM.
Approved: April 15, 2015; Revised August 17, 2016
Documents used at the meeting:
Meeting agenda
Legacy Farms flyer regarding May 2015 Hopkinton Town Meeting
March 4, 2015 committee meeting minutes