The Board of Selectmen has commissioned Walker Consultants to analyze the feasibility of building a parking garage on Middlesex Avenue in Natick Center, replacing an existing 127 parking spaces with 340-400 spaces. On July 24, a public forum was held at the Morse Institute Library to present designs, gather opinions, and answer questions about the needs and desires of the community.
At this stage in the study, four prospective designs were proposed, with the intention of narrowing them down to two for further exploration. The first option, with a conceptual cost of $10-12 million, would provide 340 parking spaces on a five level structure, with entrances on Middlesex Avenue and Summer Street. The second option would have four levels and require demolition of an existing building as well as zoning offsets. The third would emphasize pedestrian access and possibly allow for an area of “green space.” These two options are estimated at $11.5 to $13.5 million. The fourth option is a design of four levels with 400 spaces, estimated at $13 to $15.5 million. More details of the plans can be found on the town website at www.natickma.gov.
In response to the presentation, Karen Adelman of the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission said, “It’s wise to calculate into conversation that autonomous vehicles will in all likelihood be making major impacts on the way we use land and the way we use parking in about ten years. A parking structure that takes 25 years to pay could be obsolete way before it’s paid off.” She suggested exploring creative options such as shuttles and transit before soliciting voters for an expenditure that carries “unique risks.”
Selectman Rick Jennett cited empty storefronts as an impetus to “develop this site so that we can better improve downtown Natick.” Jennett has actively sought solutions to the parking shortage. “This has been going on for 25 years.” Ben Greenberg, owner of DebSan, cited the challenges of running a business without adequate parking for customers. “As a landowner, I say, raise our taxes... The demand is there. We’re willing to pay for it. We just want more parking.”
On July 26, the Natick Center Associates invited comments from local business owners who expressed “strong support,” according to Ted Fields, Senior Planner of Community and Economic Development, who is overseeing the feasibility study.
Questions were raised about the market for the additional spaces. The intended use of the spaces would shape the character of the town, as they innately reflect and influence priorities. “What is the end use,” asked Amy Mistrot, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen. “Is the end use economic development of downtown or is the end use more for commuter outreach? It would be a totally different impact on the community depending on which way we do that. 340 spaces isn’t going to accomplish everything.” Library access, restaurant and local business parking, commuter and residential parking, employee parking and community events have unique demands for new spaces.
Space rental may yield significant revenue, but the project would still require other investments, potentially another debt exclusion in addition to the recently passed debt exclusions on the Kennedy Middle School, the Natick High School and the Community Senior Center and the upcoming ballot question for a debt exclusion on the ailing West Natick fire station. State grants are one possibility.
Selectperson Sue Salamoff said, “At the moment there’s a lot to consider. We have to look seriously at how people are going to pay for it.”
Issue Date:
September, 2018
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