2020.02.03 Council Agenda Item 8

This project was last discussed by the Council on July 8, 2019 (item 6). See also: July 8, 2019 Council minutes. 

BACKGROUND

The Town is facilitating a Feasibility Study to explore incorporating new uses in the West Falmouth Crossing Master Plan. Considerations include, but are not limited to:

• The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) is interested in investigating the potential for locating a train station facility adjacent to the West Falmouth Crossing development on Gray Road/Route 100. This facility would serve as a future Amtrak stop between Brunswick and Boston North Station via Portland. The area along the Pan Am rail line that is subject to the investigation is located near Dunkin Donuts.
• This NNEPRA effort coincides with recent interest by the Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) to study the potential for a permanent park and ride facility in the Exit 53 area.
• Infill development on undeveloped parcels.

On August 27, 2018 the Council unanimously accepted a grant from MTA, not to exceed $10K, to conduct a feasibility study that would examine the opportunities and limitations of the West Falmouth Crossing development for such a facility (August 27, 2018 agenda item and minutes). Following Council acceptance of the MTA grant, staff engaged Terrence DeWan & Associates (TJDA) of Yarmouth in January 2019 to be the consultant for this effort. TJDA was the original designer of the West Falmouth Crossing Master Plan.

Town staff met twice with representatives of the West Falmouth Crossing property owners to discuss park and ride location options and next steps. Town staff attended a May 29, 2019 meeting of the West Falmouth Crossing Property Owners Association to describe the MTA and Town’s interest in a park and ride in this area along with information that there may be a desire to locate a train station in this area. 

On July 8, 2019 the Council received a report from NNEPRA on its interest in the West Falmouth Crossing area and heard from a representative from the West Falmouth Crossing Owners Association, who requested that if there is to be consideration for a possible train station and park and ride lot, that the Council also consider at the same time a review of the entire West Falmouth Crossing Master Plan, which was developed in the late 1990s. The Council supported staff moving forward on the feasibility study.

The $10K MTA grant, augmented by $6K financial support from NNEPRA, covers the expenses for the feasibility study process to discuss the West Falmouth Crossing Master Plan The process includes early and frequent public involvement.

CURRENT STATUS

On January 21, 2020 a Public Forum was held to (a) present a site analysis based upon existing conditions information known to date as well as (b) gather input from stakeholders and the public. Approximately 40 people attended the meeting. The audience expressed interest in a train platform, a park-and-ride lot, various development options, and open space. Results from the January 21 Forum are linked below.

Town staff, staff from Maine Turnpike Authority, and Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, and the Town's consultant are reviewing the public's feedback in order to develop some options that will be brought back to a subsequent Public Forum (date TBD).

The final results of the Feasibility Study are advisory only and will be presented to the Council and other interested parties when complete.

LINK:

• West Falmouth Crossing Feasibility Study - Project website

ATTACHMENT:

• Aerial photo of West Falmouth Crossing