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Corridor Character08-01-98 | 16
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The landscape architectural design team has recommended neckdowns at intersection corners to reduce the length of crosswalks and to provide additional space for street amenities along the streets of Wellesley Square. The design of the proposed light fixtures and signal mast arms are coordinated to reflect the character of the square, and the large maples will be preserved along the avenue. Proposed streetscape improvements for the Town of Reading, Massachusetts include parking conflict reductions, increased pedestrian mobility, historically accurate street lighting and a powerful incorporation of street amenities and furnishings.

The Washington Street/Central Street roadway corridor plays a significant role in the daily lives of many Wellesley, MA residents. The area includes several pockets of commercial activity, passive and active recreational facilities and a major transportation thoroughfare bisecting the town. Guided by Landscape Architects at Gates, Leighton & Associates (GLA), a long-range master plan will help provide a more "human scale" and a "sense of place" within the corridor for pedestrians, abutting homeowners, merchants and motorists, while addressing the obvious infrastructure needs and deficiencies. The overall design developed in this plan has carefully balanced the issues of pedestrian safety, intersection capacity, aesthetics, streetscaping and roadway improvements. At the same time, design details have been developed to reflect the village character of the Town. Pedestrian compatibility was a key focal point in the development of the plan. The recommended plan retains existing on-street parking and loading zones in front of stores and businesses along Central Street; increases safety by enhancing all crosswalks within the Central Street and Wellesley Square area; reduces length of crosswalks by narrowing street and utilizing "neck downs" at corners; and uses special paving and extra width to clearly define all crosswalks within the "Square."

In comparison, the Downtown Reading Streetscape Design Project takes into account numerous roads, two public parking lots, and a Town Common. Representing the heart of the downtown business district, this project will improve the visual quality of the road corridor and enhance the pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle experience. One of the most visually intrusive streetscape features-- utility lines-- are missing from the main commercial corridors, providing a major attribute to the project. Street lighting-- recognizing the historic character of the corridor-- will be an integral part of the proposed design. Site amenities such as benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, and drinking fountains have become a powerful visual and functional element of all streetscape design. Street trees will soften hardscape elements and negative architectural features; existing trees, where possible, will be saved and additional plantings will be incorporated into the design.

The GLA design team attributes the Landscape Architect's ability to recreate a strong sense of "place" to the renewed vitality of both the Washington Street and Reading downtown areas. lasn

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