Town Of Dedham: Over 100 Residents Joined DSPC To Discuss Police Station Property

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

09/17/2021 10:00 AM

On Tuesday, September 14, Town officials and volunteers presented three conceptual designs of landscaped public space that could be created at 600 High Street at the corner of Washington Street in Dedham Square to over 100 participants. Each concept was created using ideas shared by Dedham residents and business owners during previous outreach events held earlier this year.

Planning Board members and DSPC co-Chairs Michael Podolski and Jessica Porter provided an overview of the hard work completed by the Dedham Square Planning Committee (DSPC), a group of residents who have volunteered their time over the past two years and worked with architectural and real estate consultants to study and discuss options for the site. 

Michael Podolski explained that the DSPC had voted unanimously to support creating a park at the site based on their research. “The Committee studied many options, and after that analysis it was clear that creating a Town Square was the best option for Dedham in terms of the economic, community, and environmental benefits."

Urban designer Don Giard was hired by the Town to provide site analysis, visioning, and landscape design options for the site and offered three different approaches to address the DSPC’s design goals:

• Create a dynamic, community gathering space
• Support economic activity for local businesses
• Deepen sense of community pride
• Enhance walkability and connectivity
• Promote open space and sustainability

“It is exciting to get feedback on these draft design options,” said Giard. “The extensive public outreach led by the Dedham Square Planning Committee has greatly enhanced the design process and will continue to play a critical role as this project advances.”

All three “Town Green” concepts include a substantial lawn, park elements, and landscaped areas that included different types of outdoor seating, tables, a public pavilion, a flexible stage area, a pergola, and a fountain.  In addition, each concept proposes solutions to address traffic in the area by raising the surface level of Church Street, known as “tabling”, reducing vehicular lane widths, and replace angled parking with parallel parking.

Following the presentation, participants were separated into breakout rooms to discuss the concepts presented and engage directly with committee members and Town staff. The consensus from participants in the breakout rooms was excitement for this property to become a park.

“Our community has been given a once in a century opportunity,” said Select Board member Dennis Teehan.

So, what are the next steps?

Using the comments from participants, the DSPC will work with Don to prepare a final report with recommendations and a design concept to present to the Select Board in October. The report will include cost estimates, traffic calming measures, funding opportunities, and future opportunities to improve public safety in Dedham Square. If the Select Board supports the project, an article would be added to a future Town Meeting Warrant for vote.

The entire presentation and previous presentations can be downloaded from the project website: www.dedham-ma.gov/600High.

The Town-owned parcel will become available next year after the Police Department moves from the existing building into the new public safety building currently under construction on Bryant Street. The new public safety building is scheduled to be operational in October 2022, with construction complete by early 2023. 

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.