Goal Of New Study: Framingham Tech Park Walkability
If there's one thing planners working on a study of the Framingham Technology Park agree on, it's that the status quo is unsustainable.
The park encompasses the international headquarters of MetroWest mega-employers Staples Inc., Bose Corp. and Cumberland Farms, among others, as well as the main MetroWest operations of Genzyme. It's nestled on either side of Route 9 in Framingham near Interstate 90 and stretches across numerous business parks.
The Boston-based Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is studying how to ease traffic and increase pedestrian and biker friendliness in the park. The project is part of a $4-million grant the planning agency received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Economic Development.
Initial meetings of the Framingham Tech Park Advisory Board have convened and in the coming weeks and months, officials hope to reach out to businesses and residents to brainstorm ways the area can be improved.
Commuting Options
One of study organizers' first goals is to create an assessment of the park's current conditions. For example, MAPC officials are collecting data on how many employees work in the park, where they commute from and how they get to work.
Once that information is in, officials will brainstorm ways to make it easier for people to get to work, other than simply driving in alone.
For example, MAPC transportation engineer and planner Sarah Kurpiel - who is leading the project for the planning organization - said increasing shuttle service between the tech park and public transportation hubs might be an option.
Another reason workers in the park might drive themselves to work is because they want to be able to drive out of the park to pick up food at lunchtime. So perhaps another solution could involve having more dining options within walking distance in the park, eliminating the need for employees to have their vehicles there, she said.
Kurpiel said more advisory committee meetings are planned to generate proposals. Those ideas would then be presented for community feedback.
Later in 2012, likely by fall, Kurpiel expects to issue a report with the advisory committee's final recommendations.
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