New Bedford 2020 - VHB.com

A City Master Plan New Bedford 2020Goals and ObjectivesNew Bedford strives for a diverse, well-maintained open space and recreational environment and values ourrich history, cultures and architecture as tools to improve the quality of life for our residents. The followinggoals and objectives, which complement the 2008 OSRP, the New Bedford/Fairhaven Municipal Harbor Plan2010, and the Mass in Motion statewide program 6 , outline an approach that embraces communityparticipation, sustainability, and shared responsibility as we look toward the next decade.1. Expand outdoor recreational and open space opportunities for all New Bedford residents, regardless of age orabilitya. Develop or revise master plans for all major parks and recreation facilities addressing priorities forimprovements, maintenance, management, and programmingb. Develop a bicycle master plan that provides safe bicycling for recreation, commuting, and other travel thatconnects with surrounding communities and the regionc. Construct a citywide multi-use trail system, including a multi-use, accessible path connecting neighborhoods,businesses, the waterfront, and Palmer’s Island as well as existing and potential open spaced. Develop a harbor promenade/riverwalk along the entire western boundary of New Bedford Harbor, linkingexisting and proposed visitor attractions in an effort to reclaim the waterfront for public use by the residents ofand visitors to New Bedford while maintaining a balance with the working waterfront2. Protect natural resources and create new greenways throughout New Bedforda. Collaborate with the Coalition for Buzzards Bay to develop and implement a regional greenway through NewBedford that is integrated into harbor planning and waterfront walkway effortsb. Maintain and enhance a trail system in the northern forested areas of the city that connect to the upperAcushnet River and the Acushnet Cedar Swampc. Prioritize parcels for acquisition by the City based on the natural value (i.e., water resource protection; wildlifecorridor; sensitive resources) and recreational potential of the landd. Remediate and restore threatened and degraded natural resources (i.e., Buttonwood Park Pond)e. Support efforts to obtain funding to remediate CSO’s and implement EPA and Department of EnvironmentalProtection stormwater regulations3. Enhance the quality and appeal of New Bedford’s streetscapesa. Expand, implement, and fund street tree plantings on city streetsb. Replace degraded sidewalks and develop design standardsc. Incorporate green space and environmental concerns in commercial and utility developmentd. Work with existing organizations to “green” New Bedford neighborhoods (i.e., New Bedford PreservationSociety’s Re-Leaf program; and the Tree City USA program)6 Refer to page 11-7 of Chapter 11, City Services and Resources, for a description of the Mass In Motion program.Open Space, Recreation and Natural Resources8-5