SHUTESBURY — A new committee will examine a potential refurbishment of the town common, the greenspace across from Town Hall that is perhaps best known for being the site of a historic guideboard.
The Selectboard this week supported a proposal from Town Administrator Hayley Bolton that could bring changes to the common. Calling it “Common Ground Shutesbury,” Bolton said the location is nice, but it’s possible something more could be done with the space bounded by the former M.N. Spear Memorial Library and the Shutesbury Community Church.
Also at its Tuesday meeting, the Selectboard agreed to continue to restrict public access to the Lake Wyola Dam, even after emergency repairs were recently completed. They cited the dangers imposed by allowing people to recreate there.
Aside from a few trees, the only other objects on the large grass expanse are a veterans memorial and a roll call of those who have served in various conflicts, a flagpole with an American flag and a recently restored guideboard. The guideboard was first placed on the town common in 1837, directing people to towns near and far.
“Outside of that, the space is pretty underutilized,” Bolton said.
Bolton suggests creating something more engaging for the public, modernizing and freshening things up, while also complying with Article 97 rules for protected land, and ensuring any benches and paths are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Concepts might include pollinator gardens, a dragonfly habitat, reflective benches, and stone or brick pathways.
The ad hoc Town Common Beautification Planning Committee, with three to five members, would conduct community surveys and hold input sessions, a community-driven process to determine what might happen.
Bolton said Community Preservation Act grants could be sought, if a project is identified.
Leslie Bracebridge, a member of the Historical Commission, said she is concerned about changes to the open space and historical landscape, observing that in the 1950s the site was a mess and residents at the time made sure that it was spruced up.
“There are not many places in our town that are wide open like that,” said Bracebridge, calling it a unique spot.
Selectboard members suggested the committee could also examine the area behind the Town Hall, which is an extension of the greenspace that could be improved.
Dam access denied
Meanwhile, the decision to not allow public access to the dam, near the corner of Locks Pond and Lakeview roads, follows the board revoking all public access to the dam, until emergency repairs were done.
Board member Eric Stocker said he was unsure access should be prohibited.
Chair Melissa Makepeace-O’Neil noted that the dam is a bit of a danger.
Board member James Walton said the board should heed the advice of those who take care of the dam, including Dam Keeper Howard Kinder and Assistant Dam Keeper John Kinder, to close public access.
Additionally, Bolton said officials with the state’s Office of Dam Safety likely don’t think it’s the best idea to have open access, and there could be liabilities.
In 2023, though, Town Meeting voted to maintain access, rejecting in a 40-37 vote a bylaw that would have banned public access and imposed fines for trespassers.
At that time, the police chief spoke about dangers observed, such as a youth seen rappelling off the back of the dam and another person who got stuck in the water, though no serious injuries occurred.
Howard Kinder said there never had been problems until repairs put concrete on top, replacing the grass surface. There are dangers posed by the rocks and boulders on both the front and back sides of the dam, he said.
Also, there should be no boats launching or docking, and any type of watercraft should stay away. “I run them all off if they’re there,” Kinder said.
People are also fishing there, even with signs saying they can’t be there, and people should be encouraged to go to the state beach, which is free and safer.
“I don’t understand why anyone would go there for swimming,” Kinder said.
Others who also spoke had concerns. Mary David, a former Conservation Commission member, said there is no safe way to get to the dam other than crossing private property.
David added that the structure can’t support the activities people are doing on it, observing she has seen families dragging grills to the site for cookouts and children running on it.
Makepeace-O’Neil said the town could disseminate pictures and illustrations to show the dangers at the site as the dam awaits its next repairs, which are not yet scheduled.
