INCEPTION

​The Marshfield Chamber of Commerce voted Webster Walkability as a primary area of focus in early 2018.  We anticipate this initiative to span several years and phases.   The Chamber recognized this area of town as an incredible resource for business and residents, alike.  But also recognized that safety enhancements are critical in order for that area to be considered walkable.​
PHASE I - WORK COMPLETE
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In Phase I, we developed some simple but impactful updates to Library Plaza.  The idea was to start small, implement noticeable change, and gain momentum for future projects.  We have certainly been successful in gaining momentum, as the number of community members and town employees that express support for this initiative continues to grow. 


Phase one enhancements were completed in the Spring of 2019. ​
PHASE II - DISCUSSIONS ONGOING
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​In Phase II, we plan to begin developing solutions for the dangerous intersection of Webster St. and Snow Road.  We have funded a traffic study focusing on this area, and await the results (as of July 2019). We also plan to implement a beautification component, targeting the grassy triangle by the library, the old entrance to Snow Road from Webster Street where there are now concrete jersey barriers, and possibly outside of the skate park.  Ideas welcome!  Finally, we are having discussions regarding parking in the area with safe access to amenities.


MARCH 2020 

  • The proposed stoplight at the intersection of Webster Street and Snow Road has been presented to the Selectmen.  The Selectmen agree safety is an issue in the area, but caution that the stoplight may cause additional traffic flow concerns. We recognize this as well, but are planning to move it forward.  The Selectmen agree to let us take the next steps, which is discussing the project with MassDOT. 
  • The engineering firm that we have hired to assist with the proposed stoplight has been very helpful, but has run through the funds that the Chamber had available for the traffic study.  We need $5,000- $6,000 to move the project forward and have the engineering firm meet with MassDOT.
  • With the assistance of citizen, Ted Brovitz, the Town Grant Writer, and Town Administrator, we have applied for a Downtown Initiative Grant, which would award us $15,000 to continue with our study of the Webster Square area of town.  Should we be awarded these funds, we can move the stoplight forward, and begin a broader scope study of the area. 
  • In conjunction with our Webster Walkability efforts, the DPW had a warrant article approved at the October 2019 Town Meeting that awarded $125,000 for paving and drainage issues in Library Plaza at the playground parking lot.  By summer, we anticipate this parking lot to be re-paved, re-striped in a safe and thoughtful manner, and a sidewalk to be installed allowing families to cross from the playground to the library, and back. 
  • We are hoping these funds are also sufficient to pave and re-configure the parking lot outside of Levitate and the skate park.  There are traffic flow and safety issues, given the number of young people at the skate park and Tumblefun.
  • We anticipate the speed humps to be re-installed in the coming weeks. 
OCTOBER 2023 
  • The Library Plaza parking lot has been paved and re striped.
  • The Levitate parking lot has been redesigned and repaved. Additional parking spots were added and the line of sight for drivers and pedestrians is much better! We are still waiting for landscaping on the corner from Marshfield DPW. 
  • A pocket park has been installed outside the Library. 
JANUARY 2024
  • Speed humps continue to be installed and removed seasonally.
  • The DPW has maintained the additional crosswalks ensuring they are freshly painted and visible.
  • Stoneridge Design adopted two new islands created as a result of the newly configured Levitate lot.
OCTOBER 2024
  • The Marshfield Chamber of Commerce obtained a grant for community placemaking. We used these funds to continue our work on Webster Walkability.
  • Improvements have started adjacent to the pocket park that was installed in 2023.
  • There will be 4 new benches installed, a new landscape bed and 4 new trees.