When the Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee reconvened on April 7, its members were challenged in trying to think of ways to improve the movement of people in and around the community. It came as no surprise that the elephant in the virtual room was state Route 6.
Subcommittee member Carole Clifford opened the conversation saying, “Route 6 has always been a problem.” She pointed to the travel speeds on the multi-lane roadway and reminded the committee that one solution that had been discussed in other venues was going back to a two-lane road that had been tried in the past. But Clifford also noted that the turning lanes were dangerous.
Member Bob Bergman spoke to the Route 6 study completed by the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District in 2018. He said that no consensus was reached among those attending public meetings on the conceptual designs drafted by SRPEDD. Bergman added that the study included the roadway from Fairhaven all the way to Wareham and that, undoubtedly, not one design would work over such a great distance.
The group continued to discuss Route 6 in the abstract with thoughts on what it could look like in the future, including better functionality for economic growth, mixed with fear over the currently posted speed limits and lack of safe areas for pedestrians to cross in spite of posted crosswalks and flashing beacons. They also postulated over how, as a group, they could affect change if they came to a consensus.
Planning Board acting administrator Mike Gagne brought the subject of crossings into better focus when he said that the engineering firm VHB had met with members of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation regarding the placement of a pedestrian crossing light at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Route 6, an idea not favorably received. He continued, saying that Mattapoisett Police Chief Mary Lyons was not in favor of a pedestrian crossing at the intersection of Route 6 and River Road for safety reasons. Gagne suggested, instead of looking at Route 6 in its entirety, that the committee pick smaller, more manageable and achievable goals and to develop a prioritized list for the selectmen.
Planning Board member Janice Robbins reminded the committee that the town has an ally in Representative William Straus as a resident of the community and a member of the state Transportation Committee. She said his assistance in getting changes to Route 6 accepted would be critical.
Attending the meeting from SRPEDD was Jeb Cornock, principal comprehensive planner. Addressing the committee, he said, “Route 6 is an old road. It isn’t safe for bicyclists or pedestrians.” He said that a 2018 study included the possibility of taking the roadway down to two lanes. Cornock said reducing the lanes is the only way to reduce the posted travel speeds. He also noted that Wareham is implementing some Route 6 changes based on the study at the dangerous intersection of Swifts Beach Road, but he also cautioned, “You need a consensus at the leadership level,” before approaching the state. On a positive note, Cornock said that gaining local control over some aspects of a redesign project is possible.
Gagne also shared some hopeful news, saying that the town is in the beginning stages of pursuing a Green Community status and introduced Lizeth Gonzalez, senior comprehensive planner with SRPEDD. Gonzalez said the town has recently taken steps towards applying for more grant monies by expressing interest in a new process called One Stop for Growth. She explained it is a new state program geared toward easing the complicated and time-consuming process of applying for state grants, that this would be 10 grants rolled into one covering everything from housing to economic development.
Planning Board Chairman Tom Tucker expressed frustration that Master Plans do not affect change. “Stuff in the Master Plan get lost over time, nothing gets done,” he said. Tucker cited two affordable housing lots that had been previously identified, but no movement to get them into ownership has taken place. “How can we make sure our boards know how a Master Plan works?”
Gagne concurred, saying, “It gets put on a shelf and collects dust, it’s sad.” He suggested passing a bylaw mandating that the Master Plan be read by all seated board members at least once a year. This, he thought, might help recommendations contained therein see action.
Gagne again urged the committee to take the issues related to Route 6 in small pieces, to sit down with business owners and SRPEDD to draft a list of priorities. Gonzalez said such a list could be incorporated into the Master Plan with milestones and benchmarks that could be updated annually.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, May 5, at 7:00 pm.
Mattapoisett Master Plan Committee
By Marilou Newell