HomeMy WebLinkAbout669 Rte 28 Planner Report 012623 without PLANS
T O W N O F Y A R M O U T H
1146 ROUTE 28, SOUTH YARMOUTH, MASSACHUSETTS 02664-4492
Telephone (508) 398-2231, Ext. 1276, Fax (508) 398-2365
MEMORANDUM
To: Planning Board
From: Kathy Williams, Town Planner
Date: January 26, 2023
Subject: Riverwalk Park – 669 Route 28, West Yarmouth
Assessor Map 32.122
Village Centers Overlay District (VCOD) VC1
A. General Description: The Town of Yarmouth is proposing to create a public park at the 23-acre
vacant town-owned property at 669 Route 28 utilizing Zoning Bylaw Section 414 – Village Centers
Overlay District (VCOD). The entire property is located in VCOD Village Center 1 (VC1). The
proposed public park will include walking trails, native landscaping, children’s play area, kayak
launch, space for artist shanties and public art, parking, restrooms, and a large open area for periodic
special events, along with associated landscaping, utilities, and site improvements. Although being
funded and constructed separately, the permit application includes the future municipal wastewater
Pump Station #3 located near Route 28. The existing shellfish upweller on the property will remain.
All the proposed uses for the Park including the Pump Station and periodic Special Events are
allowed by-right uses within the VCOD VC1. These include N9 – Municipal Recreation Use; N3 –
Theatrical Productions, including bands, orchestras and entertainers; N11 – Other miscellaneous
amusement & recreation services; and P10 – Municipal use (for the pump station).
Although the overall project also includes an elevated boardwalk on the property to the south, this is
not part of the VCOD SPR and will require a Special Permit from the ZBA for a Municipal
Recreation Use in a residential zone. Please see the attached application materials for additional
information.
B. Process - VCOD Site Plan Review: VCOD Design Standards per Section 414.8 and the
Architectural & Site Design Standards are mandatory for VCOD projects. The Planning Board
reviews the project for compliance with these standards, however the VCOD SPR is not a Special
Permit Decision and does not grant any zoning relief or make any zoning determinations. Applicants
have the right to appeal the decision of the Planning Board to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Any
zoning relief required would be done through the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), although none is
anticipated.
C. Comments from Other Committees:
1. Site Plan Review (SPR): Please refer to the November 22, 2022 SPR Comment Sheet. Many
comments from the SPR involve other regulations or codes that the Applicant must adhere to and
are not under the purview of the VCOD SPR. Also, as a Town initiative, the project has been
reviewed thoroughly by various Town Staff throughout design development and modified
accordingly. Separate meetings prior to SPR were held with Police, Fire, Engineering, Water,
Planning
Division
Planning Board
669 Route 28 – Riverwalk Park
January 26, 2023
Page 2 of 2
Parks, Public Works, Health, Building, Natural Resources and Conservation. The following
outlines the status of various outstanding SPR comments.
a. Planning: The miscellaneous design comments from the Town Planner have generally been
addressed in the VCOD SPR packet except that the existing hydrant near the Courtland Way
emergency access needs to be replaced; and footcandles at the Route 28 driveway entrance
cannot exceed 0.5 footcandles per Section 414.8.10.7. The main sign has been modified to
include a nautical theme, although the actual name of the park is still to be determined and a
sign permit will be required.
b. Building: The application materials include a Parking Lot Canopy Calculation on Sheet L1.1
showing the required tree canopy of 30%. Additional review of the VCOD SPR documents
was solicited from the Building Commission and he had no further comments beyond the
need to reduce the footcandles at the entrance as noted above.
c. Conservation: Two Notice of Intents for the project (Riverwalk Park and Boardwalk/
Kayak Launch) have been approved by the Conservation Commission which addressed the
comments from the Conservation Administrator. The Stormwater Management Permit
Application has undergone peer review and BETA is developing responses. The Chapter 91
License has been submitted to the state.
d. Engineering: Ultimately the project will be led by Engineering during the bidding and
construction phase of the project and we continue to coordinate with them.
e. Fire: Turning templates for fire vehicles have been accommodated.
f. Police: The Police Dept was unable to attend SPR but did send an e-mail inquiring about
the median island at the entrance and cameras (see attached 11/22/22 e-mail between Lt.
Mike Bryant and Town Planner). The center island curbing is fixed and will require traffic
management measures during larger periodic events if all three lanes are to be used for
exiting the site. BETA is coordinating with Natural Resources/Police and LAN-TEL
Communications regarding installation of some cameras on the property.
2. Design Review Committee (DRC): The Design Review Committee reviews VCOD projects for
mandatory compliance as it relates to the Architectural and Site Design Standards. Please find
attached the January 24, 2023 Design Review Comment Sheet. The DR Comments denote that
the DRC felt the project either meets the standards or they are not applicable to the project. They
did recommend using one type of siding per building, for example all clapboards for the restroom
and all shingles for the Pump Station, rather than varying the materials.
3. Planner Comments: The following is suggested language for consideration by the Planning
Board.
Motion that the Riverwalk Park project at 669 Route 28 as presented at the Planning Board
meeting of February 1, 2023 and in accordance with the plans and materials submitted is in
compliance with the VCOD Design Standards, and subject to the following conditions:
1. Install a new fire hydrant near the Courtland Way emergency access.
2. Reduce the footcandles at the property line along Route 28 at the main entrance to 0.5
footcandles in accordance with Section 414.8.10.7.
3. Modify the siding on the Restrooms to be all clapboard style and modify the siding on the
Pump Station to be all shingles as recommended by the Design Review Committee.
Attachments:
1. November 22, 2022 Site Plan Review Comments and 11/22/22 e-mail with Yarmouth Police
2. January 24, 2023 Design Review Committee Comments
3. VCOD SPR Application, Narrative and Plans
1
Williams, Kathleen
From:Williams, Kathleen
Sent:Tuesday, November 22, 2022 1:26 PM
To:Bryant, Michael
Cc:Grylls, Mark; Arek Galle
Subject:RE: 669 ROUTE 28
Hi Mike,
Thanks for getting back so quickly.
The center island has angled granite curbing and cannot be removed. It was installed at the request of the DISUC to
create a more pleasant entrance with a vegetated island and also provide respite for pedestrians crossing the longer
expanse of parking. There is flexible reinforced turf lane on the east side to have three full lanes. I think with cones and
police direction, people will be able to understand that all three lanes can be used for exiting if that is what is desired.
There is an office at the restroom and we are planning on wiring for cameras facing the artist shanty area and the special
event space. Any assistance with that would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Kathy
----------------------------------------
Kathy Williams, PE
Yarmouth Town Planner
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664-4492
(508) 398-2231 Ext 1276
kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us
From: Bryant, Michael <MBryant@yarmouth.ma.us>
Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 11:46 AM
To: Williams, Kathleen <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>
Cc: Grylls, Mark <mgrylls@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: RE: 669 ROUTE 28
I have reviewed the documents dropped that were dropped off:
1. At the entrance to the site does the center Island have Granite Curbing ? If so can that be removed? When there
are events we use all three lanes for vehicles exiting the center Island with Curbing would not allow us to do
that.
2. Is there and Office or other “room” at the bathhouse location? We ask because there may be an opportunity for
us to install a camera at that location similar to what is at the beaches so that we can remotely monitor the site?
That is all for now.
Thank you,
2
Mike
Lieutenant Michael A. Bryant
Yarmouth Police Department
One Brad Erickson Way
West Yarmouth Ma 02673
508‐775‐0445 Ext. 2122
Cell 508‐962‐0985
Fax 508‐775‐0409
***LAW ENFORCEMENT USE ONLY*** The document accompanying this email contains information from the
Yarmouth Police Department that maybe CONFIDENTIAL and / or PRIVILEGED. The information is intended to be for the
use of the individual or entity named on the email. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that any misuse of
this information is strictly PROHIBITED.
From: Williams, Kathleen <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>
Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 11:16 AM
To: Bryant, Michael <MBryant@yarmouth.ma.us>
Cc: Grylls, Mark <mgrylls@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: RE: 669 ROUTE 28
Hi Mike
We have met previously on this project with BETA. When you have a chance, if you could take a look at the plans and
offer any further comments that would be great. The links to SPR are below. Please let me know if you can’t access this.
Thanks,
Kathy
http://yarmsp2013/inspections/SitePlanReview/_layouts/15/start.aspx#/Site%20Plan%20Review%20Documents/Forms
/AllItems.aspx?RootFolder=%2Finspections%2FSitePlanReview%2FSite%20Plan%20Review%20Documents%2FPROPERTI
ES%2FRoute%2028%2F669%20Route%2028&FolderCTID=0x012000EF4A9EC684FB9E4280D71C09052A8A47&View=%7B
907724DB%2D477B%2D48C5%2D89E0%2D922A22A0530F%7D
----------------------------------------
Kathy Williams, PE
Yarmouth Town Planner
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664-4492
(508) 398-2231 Ext 1276
kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us
From: Bryant, Michael <MBryant@yarmouth.ma.us>
Sent: Tuesday, November 22, 2022 10:59 AM
To: Williams, Kathleen <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>; Fallon, Rosa <rfallon@yarmouth.ma.us>; Grylls, Mark
<mgrylls@yarmouth.ma.us>; Huck, Kevin <KHuck@yarmouth.ma.us>; Bearse, Matt <MBearse@yarmouth.ma.us>; Riker,
Adam <ariker@yarmouth.ma.us>; Murphy, Bruce <BMurphy@yarmouth.ma.us>; Lima, Amanda
<Alima@yarmouth.ma.us>; Ruszala, Laurie <lruszala@yarmouth.ma.us>; DiRienzo, Brittany
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Event Space
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
669 Route 28
PROJECT NARRATIVE
Prepared by: BETA GROUP, INC.
Prepared for: VCOD VC-1 Site Plan Review, Town of Yarmouth
January 2023
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Event Space Project Narrative
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
2
PROJECT OVERVIEW
The Riverwalk Park depicted in this plan set is the culmination of over a decade of community outreach
and planning work, and the filing of the permitting plans re presents a significant milestone on the path to
construction of the project. The Town is proposing to redevelop the Town-owned former Drive-In Theater
site located at 669 Route 28 and a portion of the adjacent un-numbered lot to the south into a Riverwalk
Park and Event Space for use by residents and visitors (the Project). The Project seeks to improve the
existing property through restorative plantings and providing diverse and immersive passive and active
recreation opportunities, with public amenities, organized around a large, open grass Event Space. A
critical, non-recreational element of the park is Wastewater Pump Station #3, located near route 28, east
of the park drive. The collection network and pump station will serve to improve water quality and pump
the collected wastewater from a large are a of the community to the treatment plant.
The over-arching purpose of this Project is to provide accessible outdoor recreation opportunities to the
public, create a new event space for the Town and to restore the degraded waterfront. The Town seeks
to embrace and expand the natural beauty of Cape Cod by restoring the underutilized and degraded
property to provide new habitat and a scenic, park space with visual and physical access to the water, for
both residents and tourists alike. The Project will provide facilities tha t are ADA-accessible, in an area of
town that is connected to public transit, with pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The Project seeks to
expand outdoor recreation for the public, and help the community realize the physical and mental health
benefits derived from green space. The project is also intended to be help ignite private sector interest,
visitation, and foster revitalization of the Rte. 28 Village Center District.
The “Site” subject to this review is the 23-acre former Drive-In property, # 669 Main St., pa rcel 32/122.
This site in Zoned B-2, within Village Center Overlay Zone, VC-1, with a minimum lot size of 20,000 sf. The
existing parcel 32/122 is 1,015,820 sf . in size and is entirely within the Floodplain: Zone AE BFE
12.00/13.00. The proposed Land Use codes that apply to this site consist of N -3, N-9, N-11 and P-10. It is
important to note improvements proposed to this lot support improvements proposed on the adjacent
Town-owned un-numbered lot to the south, which is zoned R-25. The proposed improvements on the
southern lot consist of a 1,300 lf. elevated boardwalk which may be permitted thru a Special U se Permit
thru the Zoning Board of Appeals (Use Code N-9). This application will be filed with the ZBA in February
2023. A Notice of Intent for the Boardwalk has been submitted and the project was issued an Order of
Conditions from the Conservation Commission on 01.05.2023.
The subject of this application, parcel 32/122 involves the rehabilitation of the currently vacant property
and conversion into a public park, featuring a central four -acre open grass multi-use field (Event Space)
for periodic outdoor events. The space is framed by open field and woodland walking paths. Near the
Parkers River, a nature-based play area for children is planned with play structures and lawn games, along
with related site amenities, shade sails, and space for public art including groupings of artist shanties
displaying work from artists or vendors. Other improvements proposed include a porous paving parking
lot with 88 new parking spaces, site lighting and a seasonal restroom building (1,130 sf), with a small office
space and mechanical room. The design of the park on the former Drive-In site also features a boardwalk
leading to a zero -entry float for launching canoes, kayaks and paddleboards on the Parkers River .
Key project o bjectives include:
• Creation of a park access drive to accommodate daily park users (automobiles, vans, busses) as
well as increased volume of vehicles entering/existing during per iodic special events.
• Creation of emergency vehicle and pedestrian access to/from Courtland Way
• Config uring the park drive to allow vehicles with (roof-top) non-motorized personal watercraft to
access a proposed kayak/paddleboard launch, for ease of drop-off/pick up.
• Providing vehicular parking areas that support visitors that wish to utilize the park walking trails,
nature- based play area, kayak launch and visit the artist shanties.
• Creation of accessible, interconnected walking paths throughout the park and specifically for
access to the elevated boardwalk loop over the salt marsh to the south.
• Establishing for the public both visual and physical access to the Parkers River,
• Creation of a grassed multi-use open area, w/ supporting utilities, for periodic special events.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The Yarmouth Drive-In formerly operated at the site with a footprint of approximately 7-acres of paved
parking, connected with a wide paved driveway to Route 28. The majority of the paved surface s have
become degraded, broken and crumbled, or are covered with layers of fine sand, with only limited, sparse
vegetation. Since the Drive-In Theater closure, the property has been used by the Town for the temporary
storage of storm debris, as a staging a rea for construction materials related to the nearby Parkers River
Bridge project on Route 28, and for occasional special public events or festivals. Throughout the former
Drive-In property, there are areas of previous disturbance with debris consisting of wood piles, steel, tires,
household rubbish, and marine materials located near the bank of the Parkers River and in wooded areas
around the open area that was the Drive-In Theater Site. Metal, plastic, glass, wire and asphalt can be
found across the open area of the Site, and the foundation of the former Drive-In Theater projector house
is visible. Overgrown-jeep and footpaths are present throughout the woods to the south of the open area .
Limited and undersized utilities exist on site, however there is no wastewater or stormwater management
infrastructure present. Extant infrastructure elements that should be noted are as follows:
• The Town owned Shellfish Upweller facility is near the Parkers River. It consists of a small 5’x8’
wood shingled shed and adjacent stockade fenced area enclosing several wide, shallow tanks and
pumps. The facility has water and electrical power presently which will be disrupted by the
planned park construction. The services will be upgrade and the connections restored as part of
this project.
• Electrical service to the site exists via a series of utility poles and overhead wires , conveying power
to the site from Courtland Way. The electric service is inadequate and will not suppo rt the needs
of the Event Space. A new underground electric service and transformer will be installed as part
of the proposed improvements
• Water service is conveyed to the site via Courtland Way, with existing valves, meter pit, fire
hydrants and waterlines on site. The service will be reconfigured as part of the proposed
improvements.
Portions of the Project will occur within the 100-foot Buffer Zone to resource areas as well as the 35-foot
and 50-foot Buffer Zones regulated by Federal, State, and local regulations. The existing conditions within
large portions of buffer zones generally consists of previously paved/disturbed areas. Portions of the
proposed walking trails are located within the Bylaw 50-foot and 35-foot buffer of salt marsh along the
Parkers River and the Lewis Pond Marsh area to the south. Restoration areas are proposed within these
buffer zones as well as activities associated with upgrading access to the Town-owned upweller facility,
and construction of walking trails.
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Event Space Project Narrative
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
4
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
The proposed Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Event Space has been designed to provide both active and
passive outdoor recreational opportunities to residents and visitors alike. Improvements include
pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access with parking facilities, recreational areas / features, public
amenities, an event space, and landscape restoration. Detailed descriptions of the key project
components follow below.
VEHICULAR ACCESS AND PARKING F ACILITIES
A 1,270+ linear foot paved park access driveway will be provided from the edge of pavement on Route 28
to the proposed southern cul-de-sac. The driveway will be a minimum of 22 feet wide and will expand to
three lanes at the entrance at Route 28. This three-lane configuration will allow for both daily convenience
by separating left and right turning vehicles, and for flexibility during special events (Lanes could be
configured as two entering, one exiting or one entering and two exiting ). The intersection with Main St. is
divided by a landscaped media n. The driveway will include two cul-de-sacs; the first, a northern cul-de-
sac is centered at Station 6+50 and the second, southern cul-de-sac is proposed at the end of the road at
Station 13+00. The driveway design also includes a reinforced turf lane along the eastern limit of the
access driveway from Station 3+00 to Station 6+00 for use as a n expanded ‘flex’ lane during periodic
special events to assist in efficient traffic management. The proposed drive aisle within the parking area
will also be outfitted with five raised crosswalks to ensure safe pedestrian access and circulation within
the park.
The plan proposes eighty-eight (88) 10’-0” wide parking spaces, surfaced with porous pavement, which
are proposed be on either side of the 24’ wide parking lot drive between Stations 7+00 and 12+50. The
number of parking spaces was determined based on a use assessment and park pro gram review, discussed
in more detail in the Project Traffic Assessment and Technical Memorandum.
For additional parking, the western portion of the open grassed area can be configured to accommodate
up to 270 vehicles for special events. Reinf orced turf grass areas approximately 6 feet in width are
proposed on either side of the 8-foot shared use path loop around the Event Space. The combined width
of reinforced turf will provide a nearly 22-foot-wide hardened drive surface for use during the periodic
special events and will allow for emergency vehicles to circulate around the site. The public will not be
allowed to drive on this loop on a typical day as access will be restricted through installation of removeable
bollards along the first cul-de-sac
A reinforced turf lane will also be provided in the north-western corner of the Site, connecting to
Courtland Way for use by emergency vehicles. This access way will be outfitted with a locked barrier gate
to prevent vehicular access the Site from Courtland Way.
A 10-foot-wide stabilized aggregate access path is proposed from the parking area to the existing upweller
This driveway will improve the existing rutted and unstable condition of the current upweller driveway
and will create a turn around and 2-parking space area for operations staff at a greater distance from the
Parkers River than exists today.
BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES
Walking Paths - Looping Walkways are proposed throughout the park, including:
• An 8-foot-wide hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) shared use path (SUP) brings both bicycles and
pedestrians into the site from Route 28, along the western side of the park access driveway, then
continue around the grassed/open space area to provide a looped trail, tying back to itself just
south of the restroom building.
• A 6-foot-wide stabilized aggregate walking path is proposed to extend from the northern cul -de-
sac to the kayak launch, ultimately connecting to the 8-foot-wide SUP. This path will travel along
the eastern limit of the Site near the Parkers River and provide access to the artist shanties,
natural play area, and Riverwalk Spur trail.
• Another 6-foot-wide stabilized aggregate walking path is proposed to the south of the 8-foot-wide
SUP into the woods to the south of the event space, eventually branching into two trails that
extend to meet the proposed boardwalk. These trails generally follow the overgrown existing
walking trails within the woods.
• Finally, a 3-foot-wide stabilized aggregate walking path is proposed as a nature path that will
travel along the Parkers River from the natural play area to the kayak launch.
STRUCTURES
Wastewater Pump Station No. 3 - This structure is proposed as part of the larger, phased Town-wide
wastewater project. The design of the Riverwalk Park has been developed in coordination with the
development of the proposed pump station (PS#3). The design of the park’s stormwater management
system accommodates all the anticipated runoff from the pump station building, utility area and driveway.
The pump station is a purpose-built building housing large electrical motors, pumps, switching equipment,
valves, filters and ventilation systems with generators and odor control equipment in the fenced service
yard immediately outside the structure. The pump house is located at the entrance of the park, east of
the entrance drive. The structure is positioned in this location based on design parameters such as the
planned sewer network, wastewater pumping distances and system-wide low-points, which are all factors
that dictate the optimum location for the necessary pumping facilities. The proposed building is
approximately 28 feet high, 42 feet wide and 49 feet wide. The facility will not be open to the public but
will provide a critically important benefit to community water quality and overall environmental health.
A sanitary sewer force main will be installed as part of the planned park improvements, connecting the
proposed restroom to the proposed pump station, eliminating the need for onsite septic treatment.
The pump station building will be built on a deep concrete foundation. The shell is clad in cement fiber
resin trim and gray cement fiber resin clapboard siding, or gray cement fiber shingles as indicated on the
plans. The windows will be aluminum clad wood white, with insulating glass. The roofing will be dark gray
asphalt shingles.
Public Restroom - An ADA-compliant, restroom building with a small office is proposed near the center of
the site. The restroom will be approximately 25 feet wide, 44 feet long, approximately 15 feet high with a
cupola. The building shown in the plan set was designed jointly with Romtec* a company that designs,
engineers, manufactures and supplies prefabricated buildings for an array of applications. The building
for Riverwalk Park project is a standard Romtec building type, then modified to meet the Project needs.
During final design the plans will have additional details added to them and will be finalized and sealed by
the Romtec team architect. This will be required in order for a building permit to be obtained.
*More information is available at https://romtech.com.
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Event Space Project Narrative
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
6
Public Restroom (continued) The foundation will be constructed on structural fill, with cast-in-place
concrete frost walls. The restroom structure will be constructed of concrete masonry units (CMU) with
wood trusses and exposed T&G wood roof planks, overlaid on the exterior with architectural asphalt
roofing shingles. Siding will be light gray fiber cement board clapboard siding and trim, with stained
na tural wood cedar shingles accents in the gable ends. Downlights will be installed within the overhangs,
with minimal sconce lighting.
The building will have a small o ffice/storage area , an electrical/mechanical room, men’s restroom (two
toilets and three urinals), and woman’s restroom (five toilets). The restroom will be for seasonal use,
without heating or cooling, but will have an active ventilation system. A new water service will be brought
to the building. Water will be heated with electric tankless w ater heaters. The structure as proposed is
sited upon a built-up, gently shaped landform, with two sets of concrete stairs and a ADA compliant sloped
walk providing access to the building from the surrounding park. The finish floor is set at Elevation 12.00.
Even at this elevated height, the structure will be within the 100-year floodplain (Elevation 13.00). As such
the building will be dry-flood-proofed with stop-log weir flood protection at each exterior doorway . This
manually installed flood protection will extend at a minimum to Elevation 15.00 (two feet above the Base
Flood Elevation). All windows are set above Elevation 15.00.
The sanitary sewer service for this building will be provided in phases. Initially, while the PS#3 is under
construction (separate construction contract) a subsurface 5,000 gallon “tight -tank’ will be installed east
of the restroom which will be pumped on a regular schedule by a contracted sanitary sewer service vendor
until a point in time when the pump station is on-line. In the final condition, wastewater from the
restrooms will be pumped from the ‘tight-tank’ to the new Wastewater Pump Station #3 proposed just
east of the Site entrance drive on Route 28. The Riverwalk Park Project includes the instal lation of the
5,000 gallon ‘tight tank’ and the force main sewer line connection to a termination point just outside the
future pump station. The connection will be finalized upon completion of PS#3.
Artist Shanties – The Project also includes the installation of ten (10) concrete pads, for up to nine 120 sf
temporary artist shanties, so local artisans, craftsmen, vendors can sell their wares. These shanties are
proposed east of the parking area and west of the upweller. The light-weight wood frame structures will
be anchored to the concrete slabs, and will be constructed of approved flood resistant materials,
approved for use in this location. In addition to the shanties, the tenth concrete pad location is provided
for the installation of a kayak launch kiosk of generally the same size and appearance.
RECREATION /AMENITIES
Kayak Launch – East of the southern cul-de-sac is the proposed boardwalk approach to the
kayak/paddleboard float /zero -entry launch. As noted above, the Project proposes installation of a kiosk
for the support of water-based activities, and or kayak and paddleboard rentals. There are nearby grassed
areas for staging outings, flanked with nearby town owned storage racks.
Play Area - A nature-based play area is proposed to the east of the parking area. This play area includes a
over-size swing, two colorful embankment slides, a climbing slope, a pirate ship play structure, 3-foot-
diameter play tunnel, two ADA-Accessible picnic tables and sloped walkways, interesting landforms, and
extensive planting beds.
Site Lighting – Lighting will also be provided primarily through installation of approximately 3 6 ‘Type A’
lights, utilizing the same luminaire as found on the reconstructed Parker’s River Bridge. These are fixtures
associated with the roadway and paths . The plans include 12 ‘Type B’ light fixtures configured with cut -
off optics (dark sky friendly, eliminates light trespass) placed as perimeter lights located at the edge of the
event space. Type B lights will be illuminated only during periodic special events. The ‘Type A’ fixtures will
be installed along the entrance drive and shared-use-path adjacent to the restrooms, and along the
parking area. All fixtures will be LED and operate at 3000k, which emits a warm color light. The lights will
have adjustable power to allow for a (programmable) reduction of output late at night to reduce un-
necessary light.
Related Improvements - The park design features interconnected ADA compliant looping trails, and
walkways, a series of large open areas for flexible use and a series of outdoor “rooms” with space for
public art installations, displays, and exhibits. The Project has also incorporated educational and
interpretive graphic panels for visitors . Additional amenities at the park will include woven fabric shade
structures, seventeen (17) benches scattered throughout the park, five (5) trash receptacles, two multi -
bike racks accommodating six bikes per rack, and three double bike racks.
EVENT SPACE
The proposed large multi-use grass open space will be available to the public for general recreation
however, this area may be used periodically for special events. Vehicular access and egress during these
events were described on the proceeding pages. The location and orientation of a specified “Stage” area
was evaluated and determined based on potential noise impacts to neighbors. Based on this evaluation,
any temporary performance stage will be located near the entrance to the woodland trail, and noise will
be projected toward Route 28. The stage area will be oriented generally to face a 200’ by 200’ primary
audience seating / lawn area. The Event Space has also been designed with electrical panel boards/load
centers to service events, electric receptacles that can be used by food trucks or other vendors, and water
service connections. The overall design leaves space for portable restrooms to be arranged for the
periodic special event spac e.
SITE UTILITIES
The site is presently serviced with electricity and Town water.
Water - The water service connection will be maintained at Courtland Way. However, all new water lines
will be installed, with the main extended to both the proposed restroom mechanical room as well as two
new hydrants. Water service to yard hydrants located on the site will be distributed from the mechanical
room. New water lines will be brought to the existing Upweller.
Electric /Cable/Data - Electric Service will be completely upgraded from the service that exists presently.
Three phase electrical power will be brought into the site from the north side of Main St. It will be routed
thru electrical manholes and carried in several conduits underground to a n above ground transformer
located on the Northwest side of the proposed restroom building. Power will be brought into mechanical
room within the restroom and then redistributed to areas of the site , including two load centers at the
edges of the event space. A new electric feed will be brought to the existing Upweller. Cable/Data wiring
will be brought into the site in a similar manner, following the same route as the electrical service.
Sanitary Sewer - The project proposes a 5,000-gallon sanitary sewer tank with a force -main line installed
underground connecting the restroom to the proposed Wastewater Pump Station No. 3 (PS#3). The tank
will function as a ‘tight-tank’ in the short term until PS#3 is constructed and the treatment plant is on -line,
anticipated to be in 2026-2027. When available the ‘tight tank’ will be equipped with the required
macerator and pump equipment converting it to the Restroom Pump Chamber. Once connected, regular
pumping of the ‘tight tank’ will no longer be required
Stormwater - A comprehensive, low impact Stormwater Management System has been designed for the
Riverwalk Park. The entire site has been graded to direct runoff from impervious surfaces towards the
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Event Space Project Narrative
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
8
proposed infiltration basins, following Best Management Practices (BMPs). The design meets all the
requirements of the Massachusetts Stormwater Standards . Once built, there will be a significant reduction
Stormwater (continued) in stormwater peak flow rates and runoff volumes directed towards the river
than presently occurs under the existing , degraded conditions. No runoff from any impervious surfaces as
defined by the Standards will flow untreated towards the Parkers River.
The following Stormwater BMPs have been incorporated into the Project Design:
• The proposed grassed field/open space has been graded to include two low points that will
function as infiltration basins that will collect and treat runoff from the perimeter walkway around
the Site. Pretreatment for these “basins” will be provided by the surrounding grass which will act
as a vegetated filter strip.
• The parking areas surfaced with porous pavement will treat driveway runoff. A collection trench
will be provided at the outside edge to collect excess runoff and direct it into the pavement base.
• An infiltration basin with two forebays is proposed at the southern limit of the southern cul -de-
sac, near Sta. 13+00 to treat runoff from the cul-de-sac, kayak storage area, and rental kiosk.
• A vegetated swale is proposed along the southern limit of access driveway from Sta. 2+50 to 6+00
that will collect stormwater and provide pretreatment prior to discharge into a subs urface
infiltration chamber system that will be located beneath the entrance driveway to treat runoff
from this area.
• A second sub-surface infiltration system is proposed south of the proposed restroom. This system
will treat runoff from the roof of the building and surrounding walkways.
LANDSCAPE
The approach to the Landscape Design of Riverwalk Park was developed with an emphasis on restoring
degraded areas of the site and utilizing native plant materials to re -establish habitat and create a
naturalized park.
Plantings - The project features a diverse pla nting palette. Key plants included in the planting plans are
listed below.
Scientific Name Common Name
Amelanchier canadensis Shadblow
Acer rubrum Red Maple
Betula populifolia Gray Birch
Ilex opaca American Holly
Juniperus virginiana Eastern Red Cedar
Liquidambar styraciflua Sweetgum
Larix laricina American Larch
Nyssa sylvatica Tupelo
Pinus rigida Pitch Pine
Prunus serotina Wild Black Cherry
Pinus strobus White Pine
Quercus bicolor Swamp White Oak
Quercus coccinea Scarlet Oak
Quercus rubra Red Oak
Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’ Red Chokeberry
Azalea viscosum Deciduous Swamp Azalea
Clethra alnifolia Summersweet
Cornus racemosa Gray Dogwood
Ilex verticillata ‘Sparkleberry’ Sparkleberry Winterberry - Female
Ilex glabra Inkberry
Juniperus conferta Shore Juniper
Myrica pensylvanica Northern Bayberry
Prunus maritima Beach Plum
Potentilla fruticosa 'Abbotswood' Abbotswood Potentilla - white
Rhododendron maximum Rosebay Rhododendron
Rosa virginiana Virginia Rose - Pink
Vaccinium corymbosum High Bush Blueberry
Viburnum dentatum Arrowwood Viburnum
Ammophila breviligulata American Beach Grass
Aster divaricatus White Aster
Aster dumosus ‘Professor Kippenburg’ Lavender Blue Aster
Asclepias tuberosa Butterfly Weed
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Bearberry
Carex appalachica Creek Sedge
Comptonia peregrina Sweet Fern
Dennstaedtia punctilobula Hay Scented Fern
Echinacea purpurea Coneflower
Eupatorium dubium Joe Pye Weed
Juniperus horizontalis Blue Chip Creeping Juniper
Lobelia cardinalis Cardinal Flower
Lupinus perennis Lupine
Liatris spicata Gayfeather
Osmunda cinnamomea Cinnamon Fern
Osmunda regalis Royal Fern
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ Hameln Fountain Dwarf Grass
Panicum virgatum Switchgrass
Rudbeckia hirta Black Eyed Susan
Schizacharium scoparium ‘Prairie Blues’ Prairie Blue Little Bluestem
Vaccinium angustifolium Low-Bush Blueberry
Yarmouth Riverwalk Park and Event Space Project Narrative
Yarmouth, Massachusetts
10
Site Restoration – Restoration of Riverfront Area (RA) as well as L and Subject to Coastal Storm Flowage
restoration is proposed as part of the Project. All RA Restoration is proposed within existing degraded RA
in accordance with the requirements at 310 CMR 10.58(5). Restoration of these areas includes planting of
native species appropriate for the ecological conditions at the Site.
Previous inspections of the Site revealed e xtensive invasive vegetation growing along the Parkers River,
in previously degraded areas. The Project proposes removing invasive species, including Autumn olive,
(Elaeagnus umbellate ), Bush honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.), Multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) and Japanese
knotweed (Fallopia japonica) along with others. The construction contractor will be responsible for
providing a detailed Invasive Species Control Plan. It is anticipated that the methods of control will include
mechanical removal, and use of herbicides.
Following removal of the invasive species, these areas will be stabilized with native vegetation, as detailed
on the Project plans.
Salt Marsh Approximately 1,575 sf of salt marsh will be restored along the Parkers River where pavement
will be removed, and the area will be reestablished with salt meadow grass (Spartina patens) and high
tide bush (Iva frutescens).
Landscape Maintenance - The overall design approach to the Riverwalk Park has been to minimize
hardscape improvements along with any c oncentrated rainwater runoff, restore areas previously
modified and degraded by human activity, and augment the restored areas with predominantly native
plant materials throughout the site. After successful plant establishment the majority of the native grass,
perennial, shrub and tree plant material proposed for use on site will not require extensive maintenance.
Certain areas of grass may be cut annually to improve the seed bank and facilitate the identification and
management of any potential invasive plants. Certain grass species may benefit from cutting back by hand
on a yearly basis during the dormant season to improve appearance and re-invigorate growth and spring
‘green-up’.
Areas of maintained grass, such as the Event Space will require regular mow ing as the space is
programmed for events. For maintained grass areas, a cutting height of 3” is recommended. It
may be possible to ‘relax’ a traditional weekly mowing operations during periods of time if
special events are not scheduled. This practice would serve to conserve rainfall and promote
more robust turf -grass root development. Subsequent mowing operations then would be
scheduled well in advance of any event and grass clippings removed. Mulching clippings would
be preferred practice with regular mo wing operations.
Under concentrated use as associated with special events, both spike and core aeration
operations will be required to promote root zone health for all maintained grass areas. The
application of well-aged compost thru top-dressing operatio ns in conjunction with aeration is
recommended. It may be necessary to supplement the above listed practices with fertilization.
A carefully balanced grass care program that includes spring and fall season work as well as
planned incremental applications will help ensure no adverse impacts from supplemental
nutrients to water quality, groundwater and tidal areas. Any fertilizer or lime applications will be
conducted as needed and in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. It is suggeste d
that all work related to the health of the grassed areas occur between mid-April and the end of
October in any given year.
Proper measures to be implemented will seek to limit the adverse impact of insecticides and
pesticides. The presence of these chemicals in stormwater runoff has a direct impact on the health
of aquatic organisms and can present a threat to human health through groundwater
contamination. The major source of these chemicals in stormwater runoff is the application of
products designed to kill insects and weeds in the lawn area. The use of herbicides will be limited to
invasive species control as part of the Invasive Plant management operations and will be by direct
application only rather than broadcast applications. Insecticides will not be used on site.
CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Construction Period Pollution Prevention and Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan has been provided
as part of the stormwater report and a Draft Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) has been
prepared. Erosion and sedimentation controls will be installed and maintained where activities are
proposed adjacent to BVW, IVW, Coastal Beach, Riverfront Area, Salt Marsh, and/or LSCSF. Fencing and
the specified erosion controls will provide a distinct limit of work barrier while preventing silt and
sediments from migrating into or towards the coastal resource areas. These measures include installation
of compost filter tubes and silt sacks (catch basin inlet protection measures). During construction, the
contractor will also be required to minimize airborne particulate matter through dust control to prevent
impacts to public health.
SUMMARY
The proposed Yarmouth Riverwalk Park will create a new waterfront accessible destination for active and
passive outdoor recreation for the public in the Town of Yarmouth. The park will provide a space to hold
periodic special events and contribute to the town’s goal of improving the Village Center and degraded
Riverfront Areas. The Project has been designed to protect resource areas during and following
construction and has avoided and minimized impacts to the greatest extent practical, while still meeting
the Town’s coastal redevelopment goals.
The Project design meets performance standards for all resource areas present within the limit of work,
as set forth in the Wetlands Protection Act and its Regulations at 310 CMR 10.00. Separate permit
applications that have been filed include local Stormwater Management Application, Site Plan Review,
Water quality certification, Notice of Intent filings, USACE Preconstruction Notification and DEP Chapter
91 License. The project has been thru Site Plan Review and comments ha ve been issued. Two NOIs have
been filed, one for the work over resource areas and a separate one for the park. On 01.05.23 the
Conservation Commission issued the Order of conditions for the Boardwalk and the Park site NOI review
is nearing completion and it is anticipated that the issuance of the Order of Conditions for the Riverwalk
Park improvements will occur by the end of February, 2023.
The stormwater management permit was filed in November 2022, along with the extensive supporting
documentation required. It includes information on stormwater flow, discharge volume, design storm
frequencies, soil percolation rates and Hydro CAD runoff calculations. Permanent alteration of Riverfront
Area (RA) and LSCSF be mitigated through restoration of degraded Riverfront Area within the 100 -foot
inner riparian zone with native vegetation, removal of invasive species, and installation of stormwater
management Best Management Practices (BMPs). Mitigation has also been included to offset the Project’s
impacts on wildlife habitat, air quality, water quality, public infrastructure, noise and visual impacts, and
the heat island effect.