HomeMy WebLinkAboutRight-of-Way Minutes - February 15, 2011 (Draft)_201402041506554016
TOWN AND COUNTY OF NANTUCKET ROADS AND RIGHT OF WAY COMMITTEE
DRAFT MINUTES
❤ February 15, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Allen Reinhard called the monthly meeting to order at 4:00 PM on Tuesday,
February 15 in the garage area of the Town Building at 2 Fairgrounds Road. In addition to Mr.
Reinhard, the following Committee members were present: D. Anne Atherton, Annie Bissinger
Poor, Sylvie O’Donnell, Lee Saperstein and John Stackpole. Bert Ryder, a member of the public
was also present. Committee members Nat Lowell and Harvey Young arrived shortly
thereafter.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The DRAFT Minutes of the January 18 meeting were unanimously approved, with Mr.
Saperstein making the motion and Mr. Saperstein seconding it.
DISCUSSION: PROJECTS, PRIORITIES AND FOLLOW UP FOR THE COMING YEAR
Chairman Reinhard rearranged the Projects and Issues List into priority order for discussion.
The purpose of the discussion was to see where the Committee’s efforts could be focused and
what specific results the group wants to achieve. Mr. Reinhard believes that the Greenway
Project ties together much of the work done to date and could be the most significant project
result.
Discussion followed, focusing on the items on the list in the order prepared by Mr. Reinhard.
R&ROW PROJECTS IN PRIORTY ORDER AS REVISED 2.7.11
PROJECT
DISCUSSION
Number One:
Plan
for Establishment
of a
Nantucket Greenway
and
Foot-Path System
Allen met with Eric Savaetsky and Bruce Perry to further develop the
concept of a Greenway. Out of the discussion came the understanding that
the Greenway, itself, is essentially the conservation areas around the island
that are basically comprised of three sections: one, the WEST end; are all
concentrated together; LB, NCF (Sanford Farm), also TON properties
(Hummock Pond over); system of trails and paths already exist; two, on
EASTERN side of island: primarily NCF, LB controls some key access points;
network of trails in this area also; LINK between the two exists, although
there are gaps; Holdgate property is gateway on one side; three, two north-
DRAFT ROW Committee Minutes, 2.15.11 2
PROJECT
DISCUSSION CONTINUED
CONTINUED
Plan
for Establishment
of a
Nantucket Greenway
and
Foot-Path System
south trails; one on west goes from Dionis beach across town-owned land;
LB, NCF, LB etc. to south shore; second north-south corridor on EAST; NCF
property at UMASS Field Station to bike path, into middle moors; then a
number of possibilities, Milestone Road, to Toms Nevers, West Pond Valley.
The challenge is to connect different conservation green areas, sub-systems
off of primary trails.
GW Project tasks include: identify green belt; within that area, identify
primary trails; mark them with consistent marking of some kind; depict this
as a **system** linking them into a Greenway Project.
Mr. Stackpole asked if this is within our venue, as it seems far a-field from
the mission of the R&ROW Committee? Mr. Reinhard responded: The GW
Project provides a rationale to secure public access; advance the cause of
public access; in a sense this Greenway Project furthers that, by providing
map, etc; creates a system of public-access points on the ground across the
island; codifies it into a system; less likely to “get loss” if they are
incorporated into one overall project; in developing Greenway, we can see
where the GAPS are. Mr. Stackpole still doesn’t think it is our number #1
priority and believes the Committee should focus on taking roads, etc.
Ms. Bissinger Poor asked: Why can’t NCF and LB get together to develop
map? Mr. Reinhard responded that the LB could take the lead on this and
that he sees the Committee’s role as a catalyst. Mr. Stackpole thinks it is
going on and the LB has the money to do this project.
AGREEMENT Mr. Saperstein suggested that a communication from the
Committee to the NCF and the LB delineating where a Greenway should go
and identifying the gaps would be helpful. There was general agreement
that the Committee should prepare and send such communication, but that
no additional action is necessary at this point.
Mr. Lowell noted that **signage** is key.
Number Two:
Surfside Roads
to
Airport
Takings Project
Easements, Surveys and Plans
Needed
Update: These roads are top priority on R&ROW Committee’s Roads
Takings List. There are two articles on Warrant for upcoming ATM, #35 and
#36, presented by the Surfside Association. The intent of Article #35 is to
release funds ($150,000) that have been set aside in 2004 ATM to do some
fixing of these roads, so Town can do some emergency repairs, while #36
deals with the funding. There was a meeting last week with the Town
Manager and Surfside people. A subsequent memo came out outlining
specific actions to bring this project forward. The takings have been
ratcheted up on the County Commissioners’ agenda. There is a lot
happening in background re discussion of betterments, etc.; all of pieces
coming together. Mr. Reinhard reiterated that he is abutter on Boulevarde. It
is expected that within two years, the takings will be completed. The
R&ROW Committee recommendation is influential. As of now 51 easements,
out of 67 abutters, have been agreed to. The Committee’s role at this point is
to follow through and keep pressure on County Commissioners because
they do the takings without going through Town Meetings. Ms. Bissinger
Poor asked: Why take in fee and not easement?
DRAFT ROW Committee Minutes, 2.15.11 3
PROJECT
DISCUSSION CONTINUED
Number Three:
Pedestrian/Bike Path
Linking
Prospect Street Path
to
Madaket Bike Route
Via
Mill Hill
BOS rejected going over Mill Hill, across Mt. Vernon. Mr. Lowell pointed
out that there is simply no room on Prospect Street and that in regard to the
Quaker Road situation, we need **another** presentation. This is the only
option. We should have been notified, and we need to revisit this proposal.
Now that the Glidden house at corner of Milk Street has been lifted up, this
is a perfect opportunity for them to install a narrow sidewalk. DPW could
do this if money is involved. Ms. Bissinger Poor asked: Where are Glidden’s
property lines?
AGREEMENT A two-prong approach was agreed upon: one, re-visit
original proposal; and, two, then look at recommendation re installing
sidewalk (Quaker Road). Ms. Bissinger Poor will look at title and send to
Allen. (It is believed that the present owner is Sam Aloisi.)
Process: We need to look back and remind the powers-that-be that the public
could have been involved **earlier** in the process. Mr. Stackpole
commented that the Committee would have to take the initiative in this
regard. Mr. Lowell suggested that we invite Mr. Vorce and Mr. Burns to our
next meeting.
ACTION Chairman Reinhard will invite staff to March meeting. Mr.
Stackpole asked that the conversation be broadened to include sidewalks
down the rest of Prospect Street. Apparently, if this were considered a
“capital improvement,” the project could be done with operating funds.
Number Four:
Update Priority Takings
List and Process Used to
Evaluate Priority for
Takings
No urgency right now. In regard to the matrix Ms. Bissinger Poor has been
developing, she has started doing the title work. Going forward, she would
like to work on the research level solely, and forego the responsibility of
monthly meetings. She believes that this is how she can best contribute to
the work of the Committee, to which she is committed. Chairman Reinhard
thanked Ms. Bissinger Poor for her offer of professional services to the
Committee. The suggestion was made that, since CPC funds are now
available for R&ROW work, that Ms. Bissinger Poor be compensated for her
services, although at a lower level than she would normally receive. Mr.
Reinhard and Ms. Bissinger Poor will work out the details of her new
relationship with the Committee and its work. All present recognized the
value of Ms Bissinger Poor’s contributions to the Committee, thanked her
and look forward to working together in a newly-defined relationship.
Cato Lane: Ms. O’Donnell raised the issue of Cato Lane and asked if the
Committee was satisfied that Cato Lane would never go through? Messers
Lowell, Stackpole and Reinhard responded that nothing is being done that
will make it a dead-end road. The owners in question are only subdividing
their own property that will NOT result in making it impossible to get
through.
Number Five:
Surfside Paper
Road/Abutters Ways
Takings
There are a number of articles on Warrant for ATM2011. The Surfside Work
Group has gone over these VERY carefully. They are complicated. Yard-sale
properties are running into trouble with Registry. Paper ways cannot be
extinguished off of registered lands without abutting property owners
approval: This creates non-conformity problems
DRAFT ROW Committee Minutes, 2.15.11 4
PROJECT
DISCUSSION CONTINUED
Number Six:
First Way
Pedestrian/Bike Access
and Road Improvement
Recommendation has been made to the BOS. So far nothing concrete has
happened. We secured an estimate from Billy Cassidy. Right now it is
dangerous, unpaved, and no place for children to walk. The issue is a strip
in the middle not taken. This doesn’t preclude improving so there is a
sidewalk or path for kids to use. Right now nothing is happening. This is a
**safety** issue. There are deed restrictions on Backus lots that complicate
the matter. We need to keep it on the radar. ACTION Either send a
follow-up memorandum OR Mr. Reinhard will personally remind the TM
and Mr. Jack Gardner of the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee.
Number Seven:
Miller Lane Foot-path
Property transfer to the Land Bank on hold by the Town. There is another
article on the Warrant for ATM2011, as Ms. Glowacki is trying to get strip of
Town-owned land for access to her lots.
Number Eight:
Foot-path from Washing
Street Extension to
Orange Street
Improvement Project
Check out illustration on the wall of Mr. Burn’s office. Mr. David Goodman
has opined that “you can’t build over railroad bed.” Mr. Young commented
that extensive drainage is needed around Consue Springs: Perhaps all this
work could be done at the same time. A culvert goes under railroad to goose
pond: Major contaminants are in bottom of duck pond
Number Nine:
Spruce Street Viewing
Platform/Boardwalk to
East Creek Road
Mr. Vorce is seeing what funds might be available to install platform.
Number Ten:
East Creek Road Layout
Left side of Our Island Home: the LB will improve this area.
Number Eleven:
Public Cemetery Access
and Maintenance
DPW must maintain access to cemeteries.
Number Twelve:
Oversight of
Maintenance West
Chester Extension,
Crooked Land and
Cathcart road
Keep “heat” on DPW. Combine with Parks and Rec. This is a golden
opportunity for Town to address some of these issues
Number Thirteen:
Publication of “A
History of Roads and
Ways”
Ms. Atherton and Mr. Reinhard will keep thinking about this.
DRAFT ROW Committee Minutes, 2.15.11 5
PROJECT
DISCUSSION CONTINUED
Number Fourteen:
Chapter 91 Public Access
License Enforcement
Mr. Saperstein, liaison to the HPIC, reported that Jeff Carlson, the Beach
Manager, would like to come talk to our group. The Harbor Plan chart of
Chapter 91 licenses is being moved into Excel form for better use: There have
been a number of difficulties. ACTION: Mr. Carlson should be invited to our
next meeting.
Number Fifteen:
Mill Hill Project: Map of
Trails and Public
Property, Status of
Public Use
Any right of way issues? Ms. Bissinger Poor asked if this area could it be
part of Greenway Project? Mr. Reinhard responded that the idea is to take a
look at this property to see what the possibilities are.
COMPLETED PROJECTS IN NEED OF IMPLEMENTATION AND FOLLOW-UP
PROJECT
DISCUSSION CONTINUED
Access to Sconset Foot-
Path Subcommittee
Ms. Atherton and Mr. Young to follow up.
Public Way Marking
Project Phase II/Future
Locations
Mr. Reinhard to schedule formal recommendation to BOS. [DONE}
R&ROW Improvement
Plan Follow-Up and
Implementation
The matter of underground utilities needs to be revisited. This could be a
**significant** contribution to the overall character of the island.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Lowell noted that the DPW had done an **excellent** job in cutting brush along the Polpis
Road. ACTION The Committee would like to formally communicate to them that well-
earned KUDOS are deserved by all.
ADJOURNMENT
Having reached the end of the agenda, the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 6:00 PM. The
next regular monthly meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 4:00 PM on Tuesday,
March 15, 2010 at 2 Fairgrounds Road.
Respectfully submitted,
D. Anne R. Atherton
Secretary
3.13.11