East Longmeadow Community Preservation Committee

Minutes November 1, 2006

Present: William Speight (Historical Commission), Michael Salvon (Recreation Commission), Carol Johnston (Housing Authority), Timothy Seeley (At-Large), William Fonseca (At-Large), Michael Perkins (Board of Public Works)
Absent: George Kingston (Conservation Commission)

Chairman Seeley called the meeting to order at 7:12 pm.

Mr. Speight and Mr. Perkins introduced themselves as this was their first meeting as members of the Committee.

The most recent East Longmeadow Open Space and Recreation Plan was handed out.

The Community Preservation Act funds are projected to be $175,108 plus and state match for the current fiscal year.

The members listed their priorities for use of the funds:
Mr. Fonseca - new playing fields
Mr. Speight - provided a list of historical sites that the Historical Commission believes should be preserved.
Mr. Salvon - agreed with Mr. Fonseca that new playing fields are necessary and suggested the Markham property as a possible site.  He also stated that the Pineknoll Recreation Area needs improvement and a possible new access point by acquisition of a lot or easement from Orchard Road.  Mr. Fonseca expressed an opinion that some of the buildings at Pineknoll need to be razed, but that there is a lot of potential there.
Mr. Perkins stated that the Board of Public Works will meet with the Recreation Department regarding Pineknoll.  He recommends a feasibility study of the need for playing fields.
Mrs. Johnston stated that the kitchen needs to be enlarged at Village Green and handicap accessible doors need to be installed for the community rooms at Village Green, Inwood Commons and Quarry Hill.  All three locations need better signage.
Mr. Seeley suggested transfer of the school land in back of Heritage Park of 19.7 acres to open space.

Mr. Speight asked that the Committee develop a contact list for all members.

The Committee agreed that at the present time the top priority is Pineknoll.  The Committee also needs to develop a new Open Space and Recreation Plan.

The next meeting of the Committee will be Wednesday, December 6, 2006 at 7 pm in the Town Hall Meeting Room.  The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.

From the Historical Commission

Nov. 1, 2006

TO: Chairman Tim Seeley East Longmeadow Community Preservation Committee

Although no detailed research. analysis or contact has been initiated on the properties, the following list has been suggested by the East Longmeadow Historical Commission for consideration to obtain community ownership:

1. Norcross House         87 Maple Street

2. Railroad Depot         Maple St.

3. Nooney Block         Center Square

4. Reed Travel Bldg     6 North Main Street

5. Grange Hall             30 Somers Road (Shiloh Church)

There is no particular order to obtaining title nor any preliminary feasibility study made on the properties.

If there are any questions please let me know.

William L. Speight