HomeMy WebLinkAboutSiasconset Bluff Walk Public Access Meeting Notes - August 10, 2010_201402041425316357SCONSET BLUFF WALK PUBLIC ACCESS SUBCOMMITTEE
Draft Minutes
Tuesday August 10, 2010 / 4:15 PM @ 2 Fairgrounds Road Conference Room
Members Present: Co-Chairs D. Anne Atherton, Harvey Young, Rob Benchley, Bob Felch, Jeri Hicks,
Joan Porter, Bert Ryder
BOS Liaison: Brian Chadwick
Members of the Public Present: Carol Dunton, Lee Saperstein, Whitey Willauer, Susan Whitney
I. Call to Order:
Co-Chair Atherton called the meeting to order at 4:15 PM
A quorum was present.
II. Approval of Minutes:
The motion was made by Jeri Hicks and seconded by Joan Porter to approve the minutes of July 27, 2010,
as distributed.
The vote was unanimous.
III. Announcements:
• D. Anne referenced Rob Benchley’s memo from the ‘Sconset July meeting, attached to the
minutes.
• An April 2005 I&M clipping was distributed - with reference to the 1930 Supreme Court of MA
appeal that reaffirmed Judge Davis’ decree that “the path along the bluff open to the public as a
foot path between Sconset and Sankaty for all time.”
• Jeri raised a question about the taking of the ways and D. Anne stated that the ROW committee
will review this matter at its next meeting on August 17.
• Annie Bissinger has been checking deeds and had prepared a 10-page document. D. Anne has
thanked her on our behalf.
• Joan reported that she spent approximately 26 hours over six days counting users of the path and
came up with a total of 628 people over this time frame. She noted that 22 were runners, many
used cell phones, one wheelchair and most were viewing the houses not the ocean vista. She will
provide copies of her data.
IV. Development of a Management Plan for the Bluff Walk – Guest speaker: Jim Lentowski, Executive
Director of the Nantucket Conservation Foundations
D. Anne introduced Jim at 4:25.
Jim provided a large-scale map for group review. He used the town GIS tax database and maps. He
digitally superimposed the path over the various property parcels. Most private property titles are not
encumbered by the path. See attached document containing an outline of Jim’s discussion points.
Comments and questions during Jim’s presentation:
• A point of discussion was the possibility of creating an on-going committee to monitor proper use
of the path. The general feeling was that this would be a very difficult undertaking and it would
probably be best not to pursue the idea.
• Bob requested electronic copies of the NCF’s rules of property use as found on their maps and
trail guides at NCF properties.
• We discussed the effectiveness of turnstiles with reference to the Sanford Farm property owned
by the NCF. Issues: vandalism, difficult for handicapped visitors, users of baby strollers and
other access irritants. Over time people have accepted turnstiles and current design features have
reduced the likelihood of vandalism.
• ADA compliance remains an issue
• There are concerns about the bluff path providing access to the beach, which it should not.
• Discussed signage and Jim feels it is the more effective method (than printed materials) for
communicating rules of access and use – do’s and don’ts.
• Question about bike racks: the NCF has had mixed experience and Jim noted that they must be
carefully sited and installed. Maintenance is required and debris is often left at the location of
bike racks.
• An important theme is the idea of instilling and honoring traditions, i.e. celebrating the history of
the bluff walk and why it is a cherished community asset
D. Anne thanked Jim, and we all agreed that process is important. Holding two meetings in ‘Sconset and
seeking input are important elements of the foundation of our work. Jim’s presentation concluded at
5:20.
V. Updates:
Information gathering: updated re information graphics
We will seek an update from Frank at the next meeting and continue plans to create electronic folders for
each lot along the path. Mary Wawro will continue to work on the beach access staircase database.
D. Anne and Bert will attend the September Traffic Safety Committee meeting and report back. Chief
Pittman will be invited to attend our next meeting, if possible.
The Subcommittee reviewed and revised the Work Plan – included as an addendum to these minutes.
D. Anne mentioned that we will consider an interim meeting schedule in order to hear from Allen
Reinhard and Eric Savetsky (both with the Land Bank, and the LB meeting schedule conflicts directly
with the Subcommittee’s). A meeting to coincide with the next ROW meeting on Tuesday August 17
from 4 PM to 6 PM will be considered. At that meeting we will discuss the taking of the ways, hear from
Allen about the town land near Wade Cottages and discuss the Land Bank’s land management plans with
Eric. D. Anne will confirm with the Subcommittee members.
VI. Adjournment:
D. Anne adjourned the meeting @ 5:52 PM.
The next Subcommittee meeting is Tuesday August 24th @ 4:15 PM at 2 Fairgrounds Road. In addition,
the Subcommittee members will be invited to attend the Roads and Rights of Way Committee meeting on
Tuesday, August 17 @ 4:00 at 2 Fairgrounds.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob Felch
Secretary Pro Tem