Traffic problems and the shortage of parking at the Hildreth Elementary School have been long-standing issues. Last spring, the School Committee decided to apply $30,000 in savings from other parts of the budget to resurfacing the front roadway and parking lot at HES.
When the School Committee looked into the project, they discovered a 2001 plan by civil engineering firm Goldsmith, Prest, and Ringwall, which they decided was worth further study. The firm would charge $17,100 to complete the design work and all related engineering plans.
That plan would reroute traffic and expand the existing back parking lot into the wooded area behind the school, adding some 40 parking spaces. Chairwoman SusanMary Redinger noted that the plan would require a variance from the Conservation Commission because of the wetland nearby. The committee also received detailed comments on the plan from Tim Clark, a former selectman who has long been involved with planning for the town center.
Superintendent Joe Connelly said that the goal of any plan would be to get cars off Mass. Ave. and onto school property. He said that Fire Chief Rick Sicard, Police Chief Ed Denmark, School Facilities Director Mark Force, and DPW Director Rich Nota all support a more comprehensive solution, rather than simply repaving the existing lot.
