VISIONING WORKSHOP April 28, 2007

Results from the Cecil Group and participants: West Concord

Characteristics that Must Not or Will Not Change

• Character and feel of Commonwealth Ave. business district
• Open space and wetland areas
• Recreational fields
• Community Center
• Historic church properties
• The depot and adjacent public space
• The depot parking lot
• The new senior living project
• The bakery building
• The Post Office

Characteristics that Must Change

• The open space adjacent to the depot

• The strip mall on Commonwealth Ave on the east side of the center

• Some of the existing (underutilized) parcels along the rail line

• Abandoned rail right-of-way

• Linkage of open space and green space to create an understandable network

• More understandable / visible connection to river

• Traffic issues along Commonwealth Ave.

• Wayfinding and circulation in the village center

• Connection to business park adjacent to Baker Ave.

Characteristics that May Change and Require Special Planning

• The reuse of the wood frame, former furniture buildings on the commuter rail line

• The triangle green at the intersection of Laws Brook and Commonwealth

• The car dealership properties

• The industrial properties between the Post Office and abandoned RR ROW

• The small abandoned building and property on Commonwealth Ave at the main intersection

• Underutilized brick plaza at rail junction

• Playground parking

---

Summaries of Planning Ideas and Inspirations

The following lists record ideas that were offered by participants regarding future opportunities. They do not reflect an attempt to create or achieve consensus regarding a complete or coherent vision or planning concept.

 

Preserve character and feel of the village center

Alleviate traffic congestion by reconfiguring circulation through the town (traffic loops)

Better utilization of business area to the northeast of Commonwealth Ave.

Creation of a network of green spaces

Better access to the river

Improve parking lots and way-finding to them

Expand playground parking to Bradford street

Eliminate parking along one side of Commonwealth Ave.

Create a way of bypassing intersection at Main St. and Commonwealth Ave