Mill Brook Linear Park
Project Planning
Notes from a Meeting, August 11, 2009
The meeting took place in the Town Hall Annex, first floor conference room, at 730 pm. Present at the meeting were Ann LeRoyer, Elizabeth Karpati, Andy West, David White, Brian Barber, Lisa Decker, and Joey Glushko.
Brian had circulated a draft out line for the report that we are aiming to put together. We reviewed this proposed content, offering two additions – to include water quality and flood control information related to the brook and the surrounding land, and also to put forward planning opportunities for the future related to the development. We acknowledged that the numbering of the sections of the park followed those preciously used by Mia Lehrer in her study; it was decided that the sections should be ordered from west to east, reversing those previously listed. Brian will incorporate these changes, and redistribute the document.
Other highlights of the review will require attention:
• A 1928-34 study by FST for the Planning “Board” is mentioned in the Mia Lehrer report; we will try to find this document. Begin with Laura Wiener, who is working with FST on the East Arl./ Mass. Ave project; alternatively, followup via Lisa Decker.
• The Town Day Open Space Committee booth should have graphic display of material related to the project – this will be the first real very public exposure of this planning effort. We have maps from MAPC which Lisa Decker will try to get reproduced for us.
• Andy West focused attention on the economic development potential connections of the project – linking to Mass. Ave. as well as the Minuteman Bikeway. This Mill Brook Corridor linked business, industry and social life in Arlington’s early history; we’d like to see it active again, linking our history with today’s activities, linking the bikeway with new commercial development and drawing in the mill history of the area. The bikeway already links recreational points of town; it could be seen to link commerce, as well; and become a tourist attraction, as we highlight its history.
We’ll meet again at 730 pm on Thursday, September 17, 2009; emphasis will be on materials for Town Day.
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