Schools

Canton High School Track, Field and Parking Lot Project Gets the Green Light

Project clears last regulatory hurdle.

With Zoning Commission site plan approval, the Canton High track, field and parking lot improvement plan is a go.

Wednesday night, the commission held a public hearing on the $3.6 million dollar project, which received voter approval at referendum last fall. Commission approval was the last regulatory hurdle.

The project includes plans for synthetic multi-use field, 6-lane track with 8-lane sprinting section and numerous parking lot improvements, including improved bus cuing in an effort to prevent the current problems before and after school. In addition a boulevard access at Simonds Avenue would include one entrance and two exit lanes.

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A secondary, paved access is intended primarily for emergency use. 

Representatives from project architect Milone & MacBroom presented the plan in detail, followed by questions from commissioners. After that, resident had the chance to speak. 

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Although nearly two dozen came out to the meeting, only a few spoke, mostly close neighbors.

“For me this field is a disaster,” said neighboring Simonds Avenue resident Kathleen Woolam. She said current buffering near her house will be removed and the planned single layer of trees will not adequately buffer the noise.

Woolam said the last two years of the track process has included little about the effect on neighbors. "I urge the Zoning Commission to consider the ramifications of what this drastic change will be about to my property," she wrote in one of two submitted letters. 

Steve Bemis, who lives on a rear lot off of Dyer Avenue, said the field comes within 30 feet of the corner of his home.

He said he supported the track and would likely coach on it but remained concerned about the closeness. He also asked for the biggest and thickest buffer possible.

“My biggest concern is the potential and reality of lights in future,” he said. 

Bemis also said the town should work more closely with neighbors for such projects. Despite the concerns and numerous questions by members of the commission, members stated that they felt the plan fit within the zoning regulations they need to consider. 

The zoning commission unanimously approved the site plan.Town and Board of Education officials hope to have much of the project completed, especially in the parking lot, before next school year. 

After the approval, Milone and MacBroom employees, education and town officials and the Permanent Municipal Building Committee discussed some specifics of the project and began planning for bids and related work.


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