Master Plan for the Town of Williamstown, Issues ... - VHB.com

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc.Problems‣ There is a need for better coordination and communication about how the Townand the cultural institutions can mutually support one another.‣ The Town center is perceived as being primarily a place for college students.‣ There is a desire that the Town center should become more functional in termsof providing the community with goods and services and opportunities forcommunity interaction, especially in the evenings.‣ There is a desire and need to protect the existing historic neighborhoods fromgentrification and to work with the College to promote new development in amanner that is consistent with its historical context.‣ There is a need to preserve and manage “working landscapes” and naturalresource areas, ensuring that they continue to contribute to the economic vitalityand rural character of the town.‣ There is an insufficient regional approach to tourism and marketing othercultural and natural resource attractions with neighboring towns (North Adams,Adams, Lenox).Near Future Actions‣ Review available short- and long-range plans for Williams College and the ClarkArt Institute and summarize the impacts and opportunities these plans appear topresent for the Town.‣ Recommend a process by which the Town can enhance its dialogue with themajor institutions in Town, and improve communication among departments,committees and organizations within Town.‣ Building upon the previously completed Town Center Study, conduct anassessment of the Town center that includes a “design walk” of the Town centerand Town Common, an assessment of the products and services that the Towncenter offers; an assessment of the Town center’s public gathering places; and anevaluation of the Town center’s planning and design characteristics includingcirculation, parking, signage, utilities, and lighting.‣ Identify historic neighborhoods and properties and assess whether existingzoning bylaws are allowing for improvements to buildings and landscapes thatmay be appropriate, while remaining consistent with neighborhood preservationgoals.‣ Identify and recommend ways that the Town can work cooperatively with local,inter-town and regional groups and state and federal agencies to protect theTown’s built as well as natural environments.‣ Identify the features, qualities, district, sites, buildings and views that areinstrumental in creating the Williamstown “character” and special places.‣ Provide model examples of, and outline a process for, gaining increased publicinvolvement and participation in civic life.\\Mawald\ld\07748\docs\reports\Phase 1\Master Plan Elements\Cultural Historic Vision 102201.doc 7-2