Public input sought for Revere site, Reservoir Pond

In a span of three days next week, Canton residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on two of the town’s most prized public amenities — Reservoir Pond and the soon-to-be constructed Paul Revere Heritage Site.

A view of Reservoir Pond (Photo courtesy of George T. Comeau)

On Wednesday, January 27, at 7 p.m., the Paul Revere Heritage Commission and the Revere Building Use Committee will hold a joint meeting in the Salah Meeting Room at Town Hall. The meeting will include an update on a proposed historical/cultural use for the new Revere Heritage Site, as well as an update from the School Department regarding a proposed new administration building. A portion of the meeting will also be reserved for public input on the potential uses for the site, which is located at the former Plymouth Rubber property on Revere Street.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, January 30, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) will hold an open-house-style forum on Reservoir Pond at the Canton Public Library. The purpose of this public “listening session” is to gain input from residents regarding current and future uses of the pond.

The town-owned waterway has become a hot-button topic on social media, with several residents continuing to voice their frustrations over a perceived lack of access and a disparity between allowed uses for abutters and non-abutters. Boaters are unhappy with the lack of a quality boat launch as well as the current prohibition on motorized watercraft for those who do not own property on the pond. Residents have also been critical of the Reservoir Pond Advisory Committee, which was charged with developing a long-term use plan but has made little progress to date.

In August, the town hired MAPC to conduct an independent study of water quality and other environmental impacts from the potential use of the pond as a recreational resource. The study will cost the town nearly $19,000 and will be paid for out of one of the selectmen-controlled mitigation accounts.

The MAPC will develop a summary of potential impacts and uses of the pond and report back to selectmen, hopefully in time for the upcoming May town meeting. Selectmen Chairman John Connolly said he would like to see a plan before town meeting so that action can be taken prior to next summer.

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Posted by Jay Turner on Jan 22 2016. Filed under News, Schools, Town Government. Both comments and pings are currently closed.