DESIGN ALTERNATIVES

The following preliminary design alternatives assess the feasibility of a shared-use path through conserved open spaces as originally proposed by the 2019 Emerging Pathways document, and consider two alternative path alignments. The second alternative proposes a separated side path in place of the existing sidewalk on Park Street and Line Street. The third alternative proposes a bike lane along Brook Street connecting to a shared-use path through Nonotuck Park and River Valley Way to the White Brook School. Plains residents had the opportunity to review these alternatives and share their feedback in an online survey from June 1 to June 15, 2020 and at a virtual community meeting hosted on June 6, 2020.

This design takes advantage of the open spaces and natural beauty of the proposed route.

Pros: • Gathering spaces are versatile and could also be used as outdoor classrooms. • Takes advantage of views and highlights along the path. • Includes sidewalks and/or bike lanes along Plain

Street. Cons: • Steep slopes may constrain trail path near the Park Street wetland. • Crossing the Holly Circle wetland would involve about 400 feet of boardwalk.

This design uses existing infrastructure to access the school site.

Pros: • Passes through ecologically sensitive areas.

• Avoids all open space and wetland areas. • Least permitting and fewest environmental constraints. • Takes advantage of existing sidewalk along Park Street.

Cons: • No opportunity to experience a natural setting. • Likely to be hotter in the summer and noisier for path users. • In order to benefit people to the east, a sidewalk on Plain

Street would likely still be necessary.

Would the proposed Shared-Use Nature Path benefit you or your child?

Would the proposed Park Street Sidepath benefit you or your child?

This design avoids some of the wetland areas while still providing access to Nonotuck Park.

Pros: • Avoids Holly Circle wetland. • Less permitting required. • Connects to Nonotuck Park more directly.

Cons: • Trails from Nonotuck to the fill site have to cross steep and wet terrain. • May pass through the buffer around a public well. • Has a less natural setting and fewer educational opportunities.

Would the proposed Brook Street Bike Path benefit you or your child?