Canton, Massachusetts · Saved source text
MINUTES_RTE 138 062619_final
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MINUTES CANTON ROUTE 138 CORRIDOR STUDY WORKING GROUP Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 1:30PM CANTON TOWN HALL Salah Meeting Room 801 Washington Street Canton MA 02021 MEETING MINUTES Present: • Charlie Aspinwall, Town Administrator • Christine Madore, MassDevelopment • Emilio Mauro, Master Plan Steering Committee, Finance Committee, Economic Development Committee • Sonja Grauds, Master Plan Steering Committee • Patricia McDermott, Planning Board, Walk Bike and Hike Committee, Sustainability Committee • Ed Walsh, Building Commissioner • John Ciardi, FIS/ Canton Association of Business and Industry (CABI) • Laura Smead, Town Planner • Eric Halvorsen, RKG Associates • Ryan Kirkofe, RKG Associates Not Present: • Chris Connolly, Board of Selectmen • David McCarthy, Planning Board and Master Plan Steering Committee • Greg Pando, Zoning Board of Appeals MINUTES 1. Introductions 2. Market Data Presentation a. Housing & Population Trends Key Takeaways i. Canton’s relatively affordable homeownership opportunities are attracting young professionals in small households, and keeping aging seniors in their homes or helping them downsize within Canton ii. Relatively few housing opportunities exist within the Route 138 corridor, and those that do are often isolated in ways that diminish walkability and increase reliance on cars
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iii. Firms report needing to transport their workers from places with larger quantities of middle- and lower-income housing (Brockton, Taunton, portions of Boston) iv. The creation of housing that adequately serves residents will depend upon parallel investments in transportation, public realm improvements, and a commitment to mixed uses. b. Business and Employment data Key Takeaways i. The 138 corridor has led the way in Canton’s expansion into higher-paying, knowledge economy jobs, while also providing opportunities at a range of earning levels ii. The corridor has become a hub for firms that innovate in the physical sciences and technology, often serving firms in highly tangible fields like construction, civil engineering, and lab robotics. iii. The continued growth of these sectors may provide opportunities for Canton to house more workers locally, capturing economic benefits and reducing commutes iv. While not in the study area, future uses at the former Reebok site and surrounding parcels will affect the Route 138 market c. Real Estate & Market Review Key Takeaways i. Canton’s location, access, and significant land designated for commercial uses mean it should continue to be an attractive option for firms seeking suburban space. However, traffic is perceived by some as a risk to long-term health ii. Continued growth of knowledge economy jobs (R&D, pharma, building systems, etc.) across Greater Boston will drive further demand for flexible spaces iii. Repurposing traditional office assets for flex uses may help boost absorption, and could meet most projected demand for new space in Canton iv. Amenitization of single-use commercial clusters can keep them competitive as preferences shift v. New and expanded retail will focus on a highly localized market, with uses including food and drink, health & personal care, and a limited quantity of focused, niche merchandise retailers 3. Public Meeting #1 Logistics
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a. Public Meeting #1 will be at the Bank of Canton Headquarters (490 Turnpike Street) on July 10th, in their conference room space, with a presentation at 7:15pm and an open house at 7:45pm (open from 7-9pm). b. Eric Halvorsen and Ryan Kirkofe (RKG Associates) will finalize the promotional flyer and room layout. c. Laura Smead will promote the event through her usual channels (website, social media) and stakeholder email lists. d. John Ciardi, FIS/ Canton Association of Business and Industry (CABI) will help promote the event through CABI, and will send a representative from FIS to the event. e. Bank of Canton will provide waters, and the consultants will bring light refreshments (cookies, etc.) f. Bank of Canton will host, set up signage and the room, and handle clean up after g. Route 138 Working group members attending may be asked to assist in manning an open house table (there will be three) and generally hanging around to help answer questions 4. Next Steps a. Finalizing the flyer b. Finalizing an online survey to promote with the workshop event c. Promoting the event/survey d. Next group meetings will be held in the Salah Room of Town Hall from 1:30-3pm on the following dates: i. August 28th ii. September 25th iii. Second public meeting to be scheduled for October (exact date to be determined) 5. Accept minutes from 5-22-19 meeting a. Taken out of order at the end of the meeting, unanimously accepted 7-0