Berlin Residents Weigh In on the Future of Heron Park
Residents of Berlin, Worcester County, have been given the chance to voice their opinions on the development of Heron Park, a former Tyson’s Chicken plant property. The town is in the process of making decisions regarding the future of the 63-acre tract, with parts of it intended to be turned into a park.
To gather public input, Berlin officials organized two meetings last week—the Parks Commission meeting on Tuesday and the Planning Commission session on Wednesday. The majority of residents who spoke up expressed their support for a garden center and small entertainment venue at the park, as well as the inclusion of Rails and Trails to connect the property to downtown.
The discussions primarily revolved around preserving the park’s natural assets, demolishing existing structures, and potential funding from Coastal Ventures, who have offered to purchase roughly 20 acres of the property. The town currently owes $2.3 million on the land it acquired in 2016.
One topic that sparked extensive debate was the possibility of a skate park at Heron Park. Some residents, such as Parks Commission member Laura Stearns and local Ed Hammond, believed it would be an ideal location that minimizes environmental concerns. On the other hand, resident Marie Velong expressed concerns about safety and advocated for selling the entire property.
Palmer Gillis of Coastal Ventures Development, the potential purchaser, encouraged the idea of a skate park and assured that it would occupy less than half an acre. He envisioned families being able to visit the garden center while their children enjoy the skate park—providing a recreational space for all ages.
Demolishing the existing buildings was another topic of discussion. The town has received a $500,000 demolition grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which must be used by the end of August. Commission members and residents raised concerns about the costs and process, with some suggesting a partial demo followed by the rest as funds become available.
Gillis reassured attendees that if he acquires the property, he would use the grant for part of the demolition and cover additional costs himself. He proposed preserving the water tower on-site and incorporating it into the design of a small entertainment venue.
While there has been ongoing debate about the type of development that should take place, Gillis reminded residents that his proposal adheres to the town’s plans outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP). He emphasized that the town has been discussing this project for seven years and believes it will be a positive outcome for Berlin.
However, some residents expressed frustrations with the process and suggested the need for a citizen engagement program. Ed Hammond proposed recruiting skilled individuals within the community to volunteer their time and expertise to achieve a favorable outcome.
During the parks meeting, the possibility of a referendum was also mentioned. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen advised against going in that direction, emphasizing the need for careful wording in any referendum question to ensure clear and valuable responses.
As Berlin officials continue to gather feedback and evaluate proposals, the future of Heron Park remains uncertain. The town hopes to strike a balance between meeting residents’ needs, preserving natural assets, and managing financial obligations. It is a complex decision that requires careful consideration, and the officials are committed to finding the best possible outcome.
In conclusion, Berlin residents are actively participating in shaping the future of Heron Park, sharing their opinions on potential development options. While there are differing views on aspects such as a skate park and building demolitions, the town officials remain focused on adhering to the original plans and conducting a thorough decision-making process. By incorporating public input and considering various perspectives, they aim to make Heron Park a valuable asset for the community.
