STURBRIDGE - The Planning Board is mulling a study that seeks to improve the appearance and accessibility of the Commerical/Tourist District.
Town Planner Jean Bubon said last week the study recommends developing the district’s walkability. Reviewing bylaws and making infrastructure improvements could help the Planning Board achieve that, she said.
“The (goal) that would change the district or enhance the district the most out of this entire plan obviously is the walkability recommendations,” she said.
Making those changes, however, will not be easy.
“I also recognize that would be the most difficult to implement…and will take the longest time,” she said.
At their March 9 meeting, board members voted to accept the Commercial/Tourist Revitalization Study. That report, dated December 2009, was commissioned by the board and drafted by the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission.
It examined the one-mile corridor that runs along Route 20, extending from the Brookfield Road intersection to Cedar Street. It serves as the town’s western gateway and contains a mix of residential, commercial and industrial property.
The study aimed to provide a vision of the area that would cater to tourists, be pedestrian-friendly and offer entertainment.
It found the area is currently not very walkable due to a lack of establishments catering to pedestrians and a high volume of motor vehicle traffic.
To address this Planning Board members debated reducing the number of parking spaces required by the Zoning Bylaw in the district. They also considered developing zoning bylaws to promote redevelopment and reuse of existing structures.
Board Chairwoman Sandra Gibson-Quigley said she hoped bylaw changes would be ready in time for approval at the 2011 town meeting.
To improve walkability in the area the report recommended constructing ADA compliant sidewalks along the southern side of Route 20. Upgrading crosswalks, adding medians and installing a pedestrian signal at the Brookfield Road intersection were other suggestions.
Bubon noted those improvements would require consultation with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which has jurisdiction over Route 20.
Members also discussed the recreational possibilities of better utilizing town land adjacent to the Quinebaug River.
Board member Penny Dumas acknowledged the work being done on the Grand Trunk Trail by volunteers in Brimfield and Southbridge. She said something could be done locally.
“It would be exciting to get something going,” Dumas said. Later in the meeting she volunteered to contact the Trails Committee to discuss future collaboration.
In the meantime, Bubon said meetings would be set up between the board, selectmen and the Department of Public Works director to consider streetscape improvements.
Bubon said all changes would need to be made with the Master Plan in mind. She also said all town boards should maintain communication to ensure all improvements are uniform.
“Consistency, consistency. We want all plans to be consistent,” she said.

Solar panel to arrive

During the Town Planner update portion of the meeting Bubon noted Central New England Solar Store had presented the town with quotes to install a solar panel at the DPW building.
The system will comprise of six, 210-watt panels, which will produce 1260 watts of energy total. Bubon said the system should be installed by the end of April. The installation process will be documented and available for residents to view soon on the town’s Web site.

Subdivision scrutiny

Bubon said complaints received from residents of some of the town’s subdivisions might be cause for the board to consider revising policy on such developments.
Problems regarding road construction left residents looking for answers, she said. Currently, the town does not allow for full paving of a road until the subdivision is complete. The recession has stalled progress in some developments, which are exacerbating the problems, Bubon said.
“The downturn in the economy as been a real lesson for all of us in this business,” she said.