Our town center serves as a hub of business, cultural and community activity. Zoning and planning are important in achieving changes to our downtown that reflect our collective community vision. Equally important is coordination and execution across town departments like Planning Board, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Historical District, and the local businesses and community groups that have a direct stake in our downtown.
This year, in addition to continuing as Vice Chair of the Planning Board, I have also been elected by my colleagues on the Planning Board to be the Planning Board representative to Hopkinton's Downtown Revitalization Committee. The first meeting of the 2009-2010 term is tonight, and I'm looking forward to begin advancing the committee's and the community's initiatives related to our town center.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
Traffic, people, business, community: Priorities and Trade-offs
Many competing needs complicate the discussion involved in planning ahead for future increased traffic through the main intersection in Hopkinton, MA, where Route 85 crosses Route 135. Some of the competing needs that will define the future of our downtown:
Our town traffic consultant (FST, Inc.), the Planning Board, local businesses, and other members of the community are looking at all of these competing needs and trying to determine and ensure the proper balance.
Our town traffic consultant put it best during a recent public hearing: it all depends on what we want as a community. Your input helps.
- Ensuring the downtown remains a profitable place for the small businesses that line Main Street may mean preserving on-street parking.
- Moving automobile traffic efficiently through the intersection may mean expanding the roadway, or removing on-street parking.
- Protecting the safety of our neighbors who walk to the shops or library, and who would patronize the library or Main Street businesses and whose presence defines our downtown as a community center may require slowing traffic and enhancing or expanding (not reducing) existing sidewalks and crosswalks.
- Off-setting expected increased automobile traffic and encouraging a healthy community by making roads safe for alternate modes of transportation may mean expanding the roadway to allow bicycle lanes.
- Ensuring the viability of downtown businesses may require encouraging traffic flow that does not discourage those driving by from stopping to shop.
Our town traffic consultant (FST, Inc.), the Planning Board, local businesses, and other members of the community are looking at all of these competing needs and trying to determine and ensure the proper balance.
Our town traffic consultant put it best during a recent public hearing: it all depends on what we want as a community. Your input helps.
Volunteering in your community
I wrote this almost a year ago, and it appeared in HopNews.com and the Hopkinton Independent in May and June 2008. The sentiment remains true today.
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Volunteering on a Town Board or Committee in Hopkinton
Hoping to make a positive impact on town government, two years ago I began serving a five year term on the Planning Board. Some joke that it’s a five year sentence. But I disagree. Although a pure volunteer endeavor, public service has been one of the most personally rewarding things I’ve ever done.
As a way of encouraging others with specific interest and skills to offer their talent in the form of public service to the town, I’d like to share some reflections from my first two years. Today, there are several openings on various town boards and committees in Hopkinton.
Why Volunteer: Making Hopkinton an Even Better Place
At the simplest level, I volunteer for the reasons I tell my four year old daughter when she asks why I have to go to a meeting: to make Hopkinton an even better place for her future. Making Hopkinton an even better place for our families and loved ones, our neighbors, and our future here together is a powerful motivator. And it’s actually quite achievable when you volunteer for a town board or committee with the right attitude, patience, persistence and attention to detail.
When to Start: No Better Time than the Present
Volunteering for public service is a form of investing in our community’s future. And, like financial investing, the best time to start is now. A lot of people think things will slow down providing time to get involved when their children are a little older, but I’m not banking on that. Plus, having children who will grow up here provides a very real incentive to get involved in shaping Hopkinton’s future. One convenience of volunteering while your children are still young is that meetings take place after their bedtime, enabling an uneventful departure that causes minimal disruption to the family routine. I’m usually reading bedtime stories right up until about 7:20 on Planning Board meeting nights.
Job Requirement: Self Control and Acknowledging Differences Respectfully
A lot of people don’t get involved because they “don’t like politics.” In fact, interestingly enough, most people I’ve met volunteering on these boards in town say that they too don’t like politics even though we’re all deeply involved in it! The fact is, when dealing with other people on emotional issues of what’s best for our community, there are bound to be differing viewpoints that lead to conflicts and misperceptions that can feel personal. One thing I’ve learned is that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But also, an ability to acknowledge differences respectfully and move on pragmatically to constructive engagement goes a long way.
Time Commitments: Balancing Priorities is Key
Most people feel pretty busy already, but somehow find time for things that matter. Most town boards and committees meet either once or twice a month. Meetings generally run between ninety minutes and four hours depending on the committee and agenda for the meeting. And there can be reading material in between meetings if you want to be most effective. I don’t watch much TV, so I guess that gives me back several hours a week otherwise lost. And having a supportive spouse helps. Still, for me, like most, family comes first. So, balancing priorities is critical. Family, work, travel schedules, and other personal commitments become natural balancing factors that force prioritization and the setting of personal limits to keep things in balance.
Not Ready? Other Ways to Get Involved
For those who want to get their feet wet first before stepping into town government, or just want to help in other ways, there are many other ways to get involved. Whether it’s the Library, the Cultural Arts Alliance, the Historical Society, a booster club for the schools, signing up as a writer for a local news outlet, taking a Saturday morning hike with the Trails Club, joining a running group, or volunteering at a local charity; each of these activities offers a chance to meet new people and gain new perspectives on our community. If you introduce yourself to any of these groups you will find people eager to accept your involvement, and the payback in personal satisfaction will be instantaneous.
Ready? Take the Next Step
There are currently openings on several boards and committees, which will be filled through appointments by the Board of Selectmen. If you’re ready to get involved, the first step is to send a note expressing your interest to the Board of Selectmen through the Town Manager’s office in Town Hall. Vacancies currently exist on Planning Board, Appropriations Committee, Cable Committee, Tax Relief Committee, Marathon Fund Committee, and the Veteran’s Celebration Committee. To stay tuned with openings throughout the year, check the town web site at: http://www.hopkinton.org/gov/volunteers.htm.
Joe Markey serves on the Planning Board.
--------
Volunteering on a Town Board or Committee in Hopkinton
Hoping to make a positive impact on town government, two years ago I began serving a five year term on the Planning Board. Some joke that it’s a five year sentence. But I disagree. Although a pure volunteer endeavor, public service has been one of the most personally rewarding things I’ve ever done.
As a way of encouraging others with specific interest and skills to offer their talent in the form of public service to the town, I’d like to share some reflections from my first two years. Today, there are several openings on various town boards and committees in Hopkinton.
Why Volunteer: Making Hopkinton an Even Better Place
At the simplest level, I volunteer for the reasons I tell my four year old daughter when she asks why I have to go to a meeting: to make Hopkinton an even better place for her future. Making Hopkinton an even better place for our families and loved ones, our neighbors, and our future here together is a powerful motivator. And it’s actually quite achievable when you volunteer for a town board or committee with the right attitude, patience, persistence and attention to detail.
When to Start: No Better Time than the Present
Volunteering for public service is a form of investing in our community’s future. And, like financial investing, the best time to start is now. A lot of people think things will slow down providing time to get involved when their children are a little older, but I’m not banking on that. Plus, having children who will grow up here provides a very real incentive to get involved in shaping Hopkinton’s future. One convenience of volunteering while your children are still young is that meetings take place after their bedtime, enabling an uneventful departure that causes minimal disruption to the family routine. I’m usually reading bedtime stories right up until about 7:20 on Planning Board meeting nights.
Job Requirement: Self Control and Acknowledging Differences Respectfully
A lot of people don’t get involved because they “don’t like politics.” In fact, interestingly enough, most people I’ve met volunteering on these boards in town say that they too don’t like politics even though we’re all deeply involved in it! The fact is, when dealing with other people on emotional issues of what’s best for our community, there are bound to be differing viewpoints that lead to conflicts and misperceptions that can feel personal. One thing I’ve learned is that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But also, an ability to acknowledge differences respectfully and move on pragmatically to constructive engagement goes a long way.
Time Commitments: Balancing Priorities is Key
Most people feel pretty busy already, but somehow find time for things that matter. Most town boards and committees meet either once or twice a month. Meetings generally run between ninety minutes and four hours depending on the committee and agenda for the meeting. And there can be reading material in between meetings if you want to be most effective. I don’t watch much TV, so I guess that gives me back several hours a week otherwise lost. And having a supportive spouse helps. Still, for me, like most, family comes first. So, balancing priorities is critical. Family, work, travel schedules, and other personal commitments become natural balancing factors that force prioritization and the setting of personal limits to keep things in balance.
Not Ready? Other Ways to Get Involved
For those who want to get their feet wet first before stepping into town government, or just want to help in other ways, there are many other ways to get involved. Whether it’s the Library, the Cultural Arts Alliance, the Historical Society, a booster club for the schools, signing up as a writer for a local news outlet, taking a Saturday morning hike with the Trails Club, joining a running group, or volunteering at a local charity; each of these activities offers a chance to meet new people and gain new perspectives on our community. If you introduce yourself to any of these groups you will find people eager to accept your involvement, and the payback in personal satisfaction will be instantaneous.
Ready? Take the Next Step
There are currently openings on several boards and committees, which will be filled through appointments by the Board of Selectmen. If you’re ready to get involved, the first step is to send a note expressing your interest to the Board of Selectmen through the Town Manager’s office in Town Hall. Vacancies currently exist on Planning Board, Appropriations Committee, Cable Committee, Tax Relief Committee, Marathon Fund Committee, and the Veteran’s Celebration Committee. To stay tuned with openings throughout the year, check the town web site at: http://www.hopkinton.org/gov/volunteers.htm.
Joe Markey serves on the Planning Board.
Monday, January 26, 2009
January 26, 2009 - Planning Board meeting agenda
- 7:00 Public Hearing – Proposed Zoning Amendments
- 8:30 225 Wood
Proposed shed roof over handicapped walkway
- 8:45 Cedar
Other Business
- Minutes (1/12/09)
- Bills
Next Meeting: February 9, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Agenda for Monday January 12 Planning Board Meeting
- 7:30 Approval Not Required Plan – 5 Deneen Rd. – Fowler & Liang, 30 North Mill St. – Nealon – Discussion
- 7:45 Continued Public Hearing – 11 Meserve St. – Site Plan Review, Request for continuance to February 23, 2009
- 8:00 Continued Public Hearing – Master Plan Special Permit Application – East Main St., Clinton St., Frankland Rd., Wilson St. – Legacy Farms, LLC, Proposed development of 733 acres for residential, commercial and restricted land uses – Topic: Traffic/Transportation
- 2009 Planning Board Town Meeting Articles
- Invitation for Bids – Engineering Review Services
- Bills
- Minutes (12/15/08)
Next Meeting: January 26, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Pleasanton, California (my other town)
I have been busy, with work and busy enjoying family activities over the holidays. This week I'm kicking off the year with a week in Pleasanton, California, where I travel for work periodically.
Next Monday, the Hopkinton Planning Board begins public hearings on the Master Plan Special Permit for the Legacy Farms development. So, I'll have more things to report about Hopkinton then.
In the meantime, enjoy this piece on Pleasanton, California, which I came across today, "Well- Planned Pleasanton now a Sought After City." Some of the metaphors are a little corny, but it is an informative profile otherwise.
Next Monday, the Hopkinton Planning Board begins public hearings on the Master Plan Special Permit for the Legacy Farms development. So, I'll have more things to report about Hopkinton then.
In the meantime, enjoy this piece on Pleasanton, California, which I came across today, "Well- Planned Pleasanton now a Sought After City." Some of the metaphors are a little corny, but it is an informative profile otherwise.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Idea: Dynamic Toll Rates on the Mass Pike
I'm tempted to write about the gas tax, but since the MassPike public hearings are now underway regarding toll increases, how about talking about MassPike tolls instead?
I would love to see Massachusetts explore a dynamic rate toll system -- that is, rates that adjust dynamically based on actual traffic congestion. For example, during high traffic volume times, higher rates would be charged, providing an incentive for motorists to travel during off-peak times when rates would be lower.
This could be done in conjunction with existing FastLane technology integrated with an automatic traffic monitoring system. This is not new: here's an article about San Diego rolling this out -- 10 years ago!
To make this work for weekday commuters, we would have to be careful to make sure we are offering viable alternatives, like: increased MBTA commuter rail options from and to MetroWest, employer commitments to flexible work hours, etc. But, if we can get major employers, MBTA, MassPike, to align to the public priorities -- then, 'together, we can!'
If you like, or don't like my idea, comment here, but also you can send your own ideas, on the MassPike website, to make sure your voice is heard during the MassPike public hearings.
I would love to see Massachusetts explore a dynamic rate toll system -- that is, rates that adjust dynamically based on actual traffic congestion. For example, during high traffic volume times, higher rates would be charged, providing an incentive for motorists to travel during off-peak times when rates would be lower.
This could be done in conjunction with existing FastLane technology integrated with an automatic traffic monitoring system. This is not new: here's an article about San Diego rolling this out -- 10 years ago!
To make this work for weekday commuters, we would have to be careful to make sure we are offering viable alternatives, like: increased MBTA commuter rail options from and to MetroWest, employer commitments to flexible work hours, etc. But, if we can get major employers, MBTA, MassPike, to align to the public priorities -- then, 'together, we can!'
If you like, or don't like my idea, comment here, but also you can send your own ideas, on the MassPike website, to make sure your voice is heard during the MassPike public hearings.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Legacy Farms Master Plan Special Permit Application
I just completed my first pass reading through the narrative and supporting material for this major development conceptual master plan, which runs 208 pages of text.
There are also hundreds of pages of tables, charts, and images included in the complete filing for the Master Plan Special Permit. Topics including traffic, pedestrian access, environmental impact, restricted land management, and design guidelines each could consume near endless discussion.
To have any hope of getting through this efficiently and in a way that the town's interests are served and protected, it will be important for the Planning Board to establish clear parameters and process for the Planning Board public hearing for this Master Plan Special Permit.
There are also hundreds of pages of tables, charts, and images included in the complete filing for the Master Plan Special Permit. Topics including traffic, pedestrian access, environmental impact, restricted land management, and design guidelines each could consume near endless discussion.
To have any hope of getting through this efficiently and in a way that the town's interests are served and protected, it will be important for the Planning Board to establish clear parameters and process for the Planning Board public hearing for this Master Plan Special Permit.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Architectural Excellence in Public Buildings
Public buildings, especially many federal structures, are famous for their drab appearance and strictly functional design. That's what makes the design of the new U.S. federal court house in Springfield, MA, so notable.
Two key limitations forced the creativity of the final design: the desire to incorporate and save two prominent trees on the site, and cost restrictions in an environment of ever increasing construction costs.
Two key limitations forced the creativity of the final design: the desire to incorporate and save two prominent trees on the site, and cost restrictions in an environment of ever increasing construction costs.
- When the tree warden advised that digging within 30 feet of either tree would kill it, the architect arrived at a plan to incorporate the trees as the center-piece, with the building wrapping around the trees in a long curve. The result is a stunning modern design that contrasts with the more traditional brick and stone adjacent structures, including the Catholic Cathedral, historic Springfield Armory, Library, and Quadrangle museums, while speaking to the important role of the federal courts in balancing man made and natural law.
- Cost restrictions resulted in several ad hoc changes during construction, with the end result a structure that invites natural lighting throughout, incorporates a dramatic passageway from the Judge's chambers to the courtroom, and a design that uses light and height to create an open clear setting in the courtroom.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
My Choice for State Rep.
With one week until election day, I'd like to share thoughts on why I am voting for Carolyn Dykema for State Representative, representing the people of the 8th Middlesex District in the Massachusetts State House.
I first met Carolyn nearly 3 years ago at a regional planning meeting and since then we have shared numerous conversations on planning issues affecting our towns and our region.
Carolyn's private sector experience and her years of volunteer public service in Holliston, where she has served as Chairwoman of the Holliston Planning Board, arm Carolyn with a direct understanding of the interconnections between local, state, and federal economic and policy decisions. Carolyn's collaborative nature, respect for others, and willingness to seek real solutions have earned her the attention and respect of leaders at all levels in Massachusetts.
Together, her experience, abilities, and cultivated network will make Carolyn Dykema a strong and effective advocate for Hopkinton and the other towns of the 8th Middlesex District.
I first met Carolyn nearly 3 years ago at a regional planning meeting and since then we have shared numerous conversations on planning issues affecting our towns and our region.
Carolyn's private sector experience and her years of volunteer public service in Holliston, where she has served as Chairwoman of the Holliston Planning Board, arm Carolyn with a direct understanding of the interconnections between local, state, and federal economic and policy decisions. Carolyn's collaborative nature, respect for others, and willingness to seek real solutions have earned her the attention and respect of leaders at all levels in Massachusetts.
Together, her experience, abilities, and cultivated network will make Carolyn Dykema a strong and effective advocate for Hopkinton and the other towns of the 8th Middlesex District.
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