News
06/06/2011
Fort Williams Advisory Commission invites interested parties to preliminary meeting on park master plan update
The Fort Williams Advisory Commission invites residents interested in the update of the park's master plan to an information session at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011, at the Public Works building on Cooper Drive. (directions)
The commission is beginning an update to the Fort Williams Park master plan, last updated in 2003.
A portion of the commission's June 16 meeting will be dedicated to gathering preliminary information from interested parties, and sharing information on draft goals and objectives to date.
As part of their updating process, the commission will:
- Review and document completed recommendations of the 1990 and 2003 Master Plans.
- Identify continuing issues:
- Pedestrian and vehicular circulation
- Parking demand
- Public safety issues and concerns
- Public restroom facilities
- Signage
- Maintenance Requirements
- Identify new issues:
- Demand for new uses
- Retention of historic features: battery remains, Goddard Mansion, bleachers, buildings, etc.
- Arboretum
- Utility infrastructure
- Natural features: Garden Pond, arboriculture, scenic vistas, etc.
- Potential revenue generating facilities (based on the Business Plan)
Public Works Director Robert Malley, staff liaison to the commission, said the June 16 meeting is not a public hearing, but an informal way to gather information from residents and groups interested in the plan update. "This is an early way of inviting people to the table," Malley said.
A more formal public hearing will be held when a draft update is completed in the fall, Malley said.
In an email invitation to interested parties, Malley said a survey would also be circulated to assist the commission in its draft update. [see news article]The architectural firm Mitchell and Associates is helping with the update.
The Town's Comprehensive Plan recommends a Fort Williams Master Plan update every seven years.
