Time For Plan B; I'm In, Are You?

I support all those in town that want to pay for services that do not currently exist for them, such as sewer services.  I also understand that all town services cannot be offered to everyone for one reason or another, the most common reason being cost.  Case in point is the connecting the Sturbridge Retirement Cooperative on River Street to the towns sewer system.

For years the owner of the property has fought to have the property connected to the towns sewer system, and now they are looking to an alternative solution.  So why give up on the connecting to the towns sewer service?  Cost.  It would be cost prohibitive to justify spending $8 million to connect the sewer for the 273 residents of the the retirement community, and the town has said no to the request many times.  If there were large corporations, very large residential developments, or retailers setting up shop along Route 15, then it would be a whole different story, but that is not the case.  The retirement community must build their own sewerage treatment facility for $1.15 million, and they are under a state mandate to either connect to town sewerage, or build the treatment plant, otherwise they will have to shut down.

The community has applied three times for a grant to offset the cost of building the facility, and this year they are trying again, but to be successful they need to show town support, that is one area the state felt was lacking in the past.

A grant is not going to cost me anything, and I do not want to see 273 retired people with low to moderate incomes, being displaced because of not having the proper amount of sewerage.

This has been going on for far too long without a resolution.  There are petitions going around town for residents to sign to show their support for this grant.  I am not going to wait for the petition to find me, I am going to email my support to  sturbridgecoop@verizon.net , with my name and address.  This counts as well.

There are close to 300 Sturbridge residents that need our help in order to keep living in their homes, and an email is the least I can do.

How about taking a moment an doing the same.  Those retirees would certainly appreciate your thoughts, and effort.

Click here to read the Worcester Telegram article.

Share The Road As We Always Have

That last post about proposals for improving Main Street went very well, and then took on a life of its own about bike lanes.

Bike lanes.

Some seem to feel that the removal of the fog lines on Main Street, and the repainting of the lines further from the curb have made the curb to the line an official bike lane.  I haven't seen any signs, or bike symbols painted on the road to indicate this, or even a mention in the paper that this was the intent.  It doesn't really matter though, for bicyclist it is a welcome change.

Bicyclists have always been welcome on the road, in fact the "Share The Road" signs are meant to remind both motorists, and bicyclists to do just that.  The laws that govern bicyclists on the road are similar to a motorist.  Signals must be used to indicate turns, unless it is necessary t use two hand on the handlebars, bicyclists must obey traffic signs, and lights, and both cars and bikes must give pedestrians the right of way.

I have a bike, have used it on the road.  Before official bike trails there was no where else to ride.  Having a skootch more room on Main Street will make riding a bit easier.  Yes, the "bike lanes" get narrow at some turns, and eventually disappear, but the road is till there, and one is free to ride on any road in the Commonwealth except for the limited access highways (interstates), and highways specifically marked prohibiting bicycles.  Contrary to what was written in the last post comment section Route 20 is not considered an interstate highway like I-90 is.  Yes, they both wind their way between states, and in both cases go from coast to coast, but Route 20 is not limited access, nor is biking prohibited from that road.

I don't think bicyclist are going to hop on their bikes and go shopping on Main Street.  If the new lines will do anything they will give a little more bike riding room in the business district.  Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk outside the business district is legal, thus no need for wider lanes, but they would be welcome there as well.  On Route 148, where I live, dozens of bicyclists ride by on any weekend day, as well as during the week.  They stay safe by following the rules of the road, and being alert.

Since I don't know who's idea it was to widen the curb to line area, whether it was MADoT, of the Town, or what their true intention was, I really can't comment further.

In any event, if it is an attempt to make the roads a bit safer for those on their bikes, that's great, and if it is for another reason all together, then the indirect effect for those pedaling their butts around town will be welcome as well.

Riding a bike on the road is nothing new.  Kids may be restricted to riding their bikes only in their driveway nowadays, and riding to the ball field, or school a ritual of the past, but someday they'll enjoy the trails, and the roads of Central Massachusetts like so many others

We just need to keep in mind that bicyclists are not intruders on our roadways, they are welcome, and there are laws that protect them, motorists, and pedestrians as well.  If you don't feel riding your bike on Route 20 is safe for you to do, then don't.

Simple.


Massachusetts General Laws

Section 11B. Every person operating a bicycle upon a way, as defined in section one of chapter ninety, shall have the right to use all public ways in the commonwealth except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bicycles have been posted, and shall be subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the commonwealth and the special regulations contained in this section, except that: (1) the bicycle operator may keep to the right when passing a motor vehicle which is moving in the travel lane of the way, (2) the bicycle operator shall signal by either hand his intention to stop or turn; provided, however, that signals need not be made continuously and shall not be made when the use of both hands is necessary for the safe operation of the bicycle, and (3) bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks outside business districts when necessary in the interest of safety, unless otherwise directed by local ordinance. A person operating a bicycle on the sidewalk shall yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian.

Operators of bicycles shall be subject to the following regulations:

(1) Bicyclists riding together shall not ride more than 2 abreast but, on a roadway with more than 1 lane in the direction of travel, bicyclists shall ride within a single lane. Nothing in this clause shall relieve a bicyclist of the duty to facilitate overtaking as required by section 2 of chapter 89.

(2)(i) The operator shall ride only upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle; a passenger shall ride only upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle or to a trailer towed by the bicycle.

(ii) The operator shall not transport another person between the ages of one to four years, or weighing forty pounds or less, on a bicycle, except in a “baby seat”, so-called, attached to the bicycle, in which such other person shall be able to sit upright; provided, however, that such seat is equipped with a harness to hold such other person securely in the seat and that protection is provided against the feet or hands of such person hitting the spokes of the wheel of the bicycle; or upon or astride a seat of a tandem bicycle equipped so that the other person can comfortably reach the handlebars and pedals. The operator shall not transport any person under the age of one year on said bicycle.

(iii) Any person 16 years of age or younger operating a bicycle or being carried as a passenger on a bicycle on a public way, bicycle path or on any other public right-of-way shall wear a helmet. Said helmet shall fit the person’s head, shall be secured to the person’s head by straps while the bicycle is being operated, and shall meet the standards for helmets established by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. These requirements shall not apply to a passenger if the passenger is in an enclosed trailer or other device which adequately holds the passenger in place and protects the passenger’s head from impact in an accident.

(iv) A violation of clause (ii) or (iii) shall not be used as evidence of contributory negligence in any civil action.

(3) The operator shall give an audible warning whenever necessary to insure safe operation of the bicycle; provided, however, the use of a siren or whistle is prohibited.

(4) The operator shall park his bicycle upon a way or a sidewalk in such a manner as not to obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

(5) The operator shall not permit the bicycle to be drawn by any other moving vehicle. The operator shall not tow any other vehicle or person, except that bicycle trailers properly attached to the bicycle which allow for firm control and braking may be used.

(6) The operator shall not carry any package, bundle or article except in or on a basket, rack, trailer or other device designed for such purposes. The operator shall keep at least one hand upon the handlebars at all times.

(7) Every bicycle operated upon a way shall be equipped with a braking system to enable the operator to bring the bicycle traveling at a speed of fifteen miles per hour to a smooth, safe stop within thirty feet on a dry, clean, hard, level surface.

(8) During the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, the operator shall display to the front of his bicycle a lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet, and to the rear of said bicycle either a lamp emitting a red light, or a red reflector visible for not less than six hundred feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A generator powered lamp which emits light only when the bicycle is moving shall meet the requirements of this clause.

(9) During the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, the operator shall display on each pedal of his bicycle a reflector, or around each of his ankles reflective material visible from the front and rear for a distance of six hundred feet, and reflectors or reflective material, either on said bicycle or on the person of the operator, visible on each side for a distance of six hundred feet, when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps of a motor vehicle. This clause shall not prohibit a bicycle or its operator to be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by clauses (8) and (9).

(10) No bicycle shall be operated upon a way with handlebars so raised that the operator’s hands are above his shoulders while gripping them. Any alteration to extend the fork of a bicycle from the original design and construction of the bicycle manufacturer is prohibited.

(11) The operator of a bicycle shall report any accident involving either personal injury or property damage in excess of one hundred dollars, or both, to the police department in the city or town in which the accident occurred.

Any federal product safety standards relating to bicycles which are more stringent than the requirements of clauses (7) through (10), inclusive, shall supersede said requirements.

Competitive bicycle races may be held on public ways, provided that such races are sponsored by or in cooperation with recognized bicycle organizations and, provided further, that the sponsoring organization shall have obtained the approval of the appropriate police department or departments. Special regulations regarding the movement of bicycles during such races, or in training for races, including, but not limited to, permission to ride abreast, may be established by agreement between the police department and the sponsoring organization.

Violations of any provision of this section except violations of subclause (iii) of clause (2) shall be punished by a fine of not more than twenty dollars. The parent or guardian of any person under age eighteen shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such person to violate any of the provisions of this section. A bicycle operated by a person under the age of eighteen in violation of this section may be impounded by the police department, or in a town which has no police department, by the selectmen, for a period not to exceed fifteen days. A violation of any provision of this section by a minor under the age of eighteen shall not affect any civil right or liability nor shall such violation be considered a criminal offense.

For the updated Massachusetts Bicycle Law click here.

Main Street Improvement Proposals Wanted

Town administrator, Shaun Suhoski, would like to receive proposals on just how to improve Main Street (Route 20) from New Boston Road to Brookfield Road (Route 148).  They are estimating the cost of planning of the improvements to be $120,000.00.  This signals some serious planning.

I could say, "Shaun, me lad, read the past five years of this blog, and take notes", but let's assume that the TA has no clue this page exists, and has never read any of the input, suggestions, comments, and postings concerning improvements along the corridor from New Boston Road to Route 148 that have been made over that past 60 months, or so.

I will list the Top 21 here, and hopefully the TA will add them to his list.  I believe many of them are on his "To Do" list already.

1. First, develop a design theme for the area.
2. A large, well designed "Welcome To Sturbridge" sign on the median on Route 20.
3. Traffic light at the intersection of Rout 20, and New Boston Road.
4. Sidewalk from New Boston Road to the existing sidewalk on the north side of Route 20.
5. Sidewalks on both sides of Route 20 to Route 148.
6. New wider, sidewalks.
7. Traffic light at the intersection of Route 20, and Arnold Road with pedestrian "button" to control the walk signal.
8. The addition of a crosswalk, with a pedestrian controlled traffic light, at the existing traffic lights in front of the former Picadilly Pub, and across the street from the Mobil gas station.  This would allow safer access to Route 131, and the Common District.
9. Bury the utility lines.
10. Install new lighting along the sidewalks the entire way from New Boston Road to Brookfield Road.
11. Install more crosswalks, and upgrade the existing crosswalks with simulated brick (stamped concrete), or some other design that will  be permanent, and not require re-marking every year.
12. Banners, and or signs that promote our area hanging from poles along Main Street.
13. A municipal parking lot. 
14. Frequent sitting niches beside the side walk for people to rest while walking along our very long Main Street.
15. Refurbishment of the stone walls that border the sidewalks.
16. Revitalization of the mill area at the intersection of Route 20, and Holland Road, our western gateway.
17. Removal of some of the trees along Cedar Lake on Route 20 in order to beautify the area with an unparalleled view of the lake.  
18. Consistent, well designed, easy to read signage indicating the local points of interest, trails, shops, and lodging along the road, and at intersections.
19. Markers, signs, plaques, like those in the small park beside the mill store, that explain the local history of our area.
20. A river way park, with a footbridge,  that will connect Main Street to the trail on the south side of the Quinebaug River.
21. Flower boxes / plantings on the median strip from the former Picadilly Pub to Cedar Street.

These are just a few of the ideas we have all had over the years, and have made them know here.  Many of the ideas are from the 1988 Master Plan.  

The list above is not a wish list, but a needs list.  All the items on the list are needed to be done, not "wouldn't it be nice" kind of things.  Without a face lift our town will continue to loose its shine, and will take on the luster of a town not cared for, or about.

The request for proposals is very encouraging.  I wish Mr. Suhoski, all the best in implementing the proposals into a grand plan for our town, but he can not do it alone.  He will need our input, and support.

Now, I am sure I missed a few things in the list above; what would you propose?

From the Worcester Telegram

October 11, 2012

Sturbridge wants plans to upgrade Main Street

By Craig S. Semon

STURBRIDGE —  Sturbridge is seeking proposals to develop a conceptual improvement plan for a two-mile stretch of Main Street. 

Town Administrator Shaun A. Suhoski said the town wants to make streetscape, pedestrian, parking and roadway improvements along Main Street (Route 20) from its intersection with New Boston Road at the eastern gateway through its intersection with Brookfield Road at the western gateway. 

The estimated cost of the planning project is $120,000.

“Sturbridge has seen a resurgence in new and re-investment along its commercial corridors over the past 18 months,” Mr. Suhoski said. “The focus of this study will be to support and re-invigorate the traditional commercial tourist area along Main Street while enhancing the gateways to the community.” 

At the eastern gateway, selective demolition and asbestos removal have begun at a vacant hotel. 

Plans for a new Holiday Inn Express were approved for the site several years ago, but the property owner has begun talking with the Planning Board about potential zoning adjustments for a restaurant and small bank branch on the site as well, Mr. Suhoski said. 

And at the western gateway, some have shown an interest in a commercial redevelopment of a former mill site at Holland Road and Main Street, Mr. Suhoski said. 

“The potential for keystone developments at each gateway location is very favorable if developers work with the town planner and planning board to meet the town’s vision for these areas,” Mr. Suhoski said. “Local officials realize that an open dialogue with the business sector to achieve the best possible development is also good for the residential sector, its tax base and local employment. Sturbridge is open for business.” 

Is There Anybody Out There?

Why, after more than 50 years of the MassPike bringing travelers from the east and west to our door step, and a bit less time for I-84 routing drivers here from the south are we essentially in the same place we were in 1972, and before?

Yes, our infrastructure has changed  bit over the past several years.  A bridge was rebuilt on Haynes Street.  Route 20 was widened 20 plus years ago, as was Route 148.  Route 131 was rebuilt over the last couple of years.  A new High School, a new elementary school.  Restoration of the Town Hall, and the Center School.  A new water treatment plant.  These are all great accomplishments, but the town itself, the view offered to visitors has changed little, and is ignored.

Currently, we are a place to drive through on the way to the Village, or a restaurant, nothing more.  I love the trails, but we are not anywhere near the point of attracting throngs of hikers to our town.

We need to admit to ourselves that major improvements are needed immediately, and put teams of people into office that have the same vision.  People that will be strong leaders, and work towards our resurrection.  An agreed upon agenda, and plan, to develop this Pot O' Gold we call home.

Currently, since there is little movement in that direction I can say we don't have the leaders that see Sturbridge's resurrection as a priority.  They may wish, and dream that it may happen someday, but they don't have the ability to take us there.  No fault of their own, we just need people that have that ability, and desire.

Is there anybody out there willing to work in this direction?

We also need to decide who we want to be.  Do we want to be a tourist destination?  A retail destination?  Or, just a border town with nothing more to offer than a bed and a meal to those taking their wallets elsewhere?

I think we have decided on the latter by default.

Next subject?

An Ephiphany

Do you know what this building once was?

A few days ago I received a comment about the round building on the former Hebert Candy property.  The gentleman writes a blog about old, abandoned "Americana" (http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/). 

He asked if I knew anything about the building, and since I didn't, I am asking you.  If you know the history of the round building, drop me a note, and I'll share it here.


Now, the rest of the story.

Future Gateway To Sturbridge?

I drove to the round building this morning so I could take a few photos to post here.  As I was driving across the bridge over I-84, and approaching the former Hebert Candy Property I had an epiphany.  What if the town, or the Chamber of Commerce, purchased the buildings and land and turned it into a Gateway to our area?  

The property has been empty for several years now, although it was supposedly sold to a laboratory from Southbridge last winter the For Sale sign is still up.  It looks as though a gallery has set up shop in the far end of the main building.

The property has everything one could ask for.  The main field stone building could not only be the Chambers headquarters, but could also be a great information center, a gift store selling local items, and possibly a small restaurant as well. 

This building could very easily become the headquarters
for Trek Sturbridge offering maps, canoe, and
bike rentals.

The rustic building at the other end of the parking lot could be the headquarters for Trek Sturbridge, and offer trail maps, outdoor books, supplies, canoe, and bike rentals rentals.

The round building in the center of the the three buildings could be a small museum with displays telling the visitor about our areas history.

FACTS:

• There is more than ample parking.  
• The property is directly off the exit from I-84.  
• The trail system will eventually come directly behind the buildings.  
• The Quinebaug River is a short distance away for canoeing.  
• Old Sturbridge Village is practically across the street as is hundreds of acres of land for hiking, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, and biking.
• The site is more accessible to a larger number of travelers than the current building on Route 20 which could continued to be used as it is.
• Location, location, location.
• Oh, and what route does the property border?  Route 15.  Another bonus.

Imagination.  Sometimes all it takes is a bit of imagination to spawn an idea, and then the good sense to pass it on to another with a talent for taking the idea a bit further. Those talented folks will  then refine the idea, and bring it to life.

I had the epiphany, and now I am passing it on to those with better connections, and  skills to explore the idea further.  

Now, split up into groups, and talk amongst yourselves, and get back to me.

Any takers?



October 3, 2012 9:40 PM ADDENDUM

Sturbridge, MA 01566

1 River Rd

List Price: $698,000

Type: Commercial
Type of Comm.: Commercial
Status: Active
Space Available: For Sale
Basement: Unknown
Driving Doors: 1
Restrooms: 4
Stories: 3
Buildings: 3
Total Units: 4
Parking Spaces: 50
Master Bath: Unknown
Acres: 2.02
Lot Size: 87,991
Total Sq. Ft.: 12,984
Year Built: 1961~
Approx. GLA: 12,984
Sub Dividable: N
MLS#: 71075286

Description: Prime 2+ acre Site at River Road and Rte 15 across from I-84 Exit 2. THE Corner location on the Rte 15 Corridor! Formerly Hebert Candies. This timeless stone and frame construction has great character with flexible space on 3 levels for many Commercial uses. The large up-dated septic has expansion potential. Town Water. Plus 620 sf frame office/retail and a 1230 sf round building ready for rehab or more parking. Sale subject to permits. List # 71075282 @ 2.36 A. Commercial land at 6 River Road.


Building
Sq. Ft. Units

Residential: 3,652 1
Office: 620 1
Retail: 4,356 1
Warehouse: 4,356 1
Manufacturing: 0 0
Total: 12,984 4
Basement: Unknown
Elevator: No
Exterior
Acres: 2.02
Depth: 250
Space Dividable: Yes
Easements: No
Expandable: Yes
Handicap Access: No
Lot Size: 87,991
Parking Features: 21+ Spaces, Paved Driveway, On Site
Parking Spaces: 50
Construction: Stone/Concrete, Frame
Railroad Siding: No
Roof Material: Asphalt/Composition Shingles
Site Condition: Dry, Level, Open, Improved
Sprinklers: No
Traffic Count: 0 Underground Tank: No
Location: Suburban, Free Standing, Interstate, Highway Access, Corner Lot
Utilities: Public Water, Private Sewer, Bottled Gas, 220 Volts
Beach: Unknown
Tax
21E On File: Yes
Assessed Building Value: $361,100
Assessed Land Value: $141,600
Mill Rate: $17.63
Taxes: $8,863
Tax Year: 2012
Book/Page: 45713/149
Plat Plan: Yes
Special Financing: No
Survey: Yes
Total Assesed Value: $502,700
one Description: Legal Non-Conforming
Lender Owned: No
Short Sale Lender Approval: No
Expenses
Condo Assoc.: No
Exchange: Yes
Lien and Encumbent: No
Sublet: Unknown
Additional
Disclosure: The zoning is Special Use Commercial, check the Town's By-laws and Zoning Map at < town.sturbridge.m