Online survey open now

Locals share hopes for future of Merchants Way, Main Street

Aug 8, 2022

Green space, a coastal path, more housing and a fishing pier — all these ideas for the future of the Wareham Village area were on the table at workshops held Thursday and Saturday, which aimed to gather feedback from locals about how to spruce up Merchants Way and Main Street.

Officials unlocked the old train station for the purpose, so participants were cool under the shade of the historic building as they looked out to the river or at the backs of buildings that abut the throughway.

The events were intended to gather feedback from residents in person, but officials emphasized they hope to hear from more people through an online survey that will be open for the next two weeks. 

The feedback will be used to guide the Urban Renewal Plan for the district. Based on that plan, the Redevelopment Authority plans to bring a proposed rezoning of the area to voters at the Spring 2023 Town Meeting.

“With some imagination and hard work, there’s much we can do to make the exceptional beauty and natural resources along the Wankinco River more accessible to pedestrians and an even greater asset to our local business community,” said Judith Whiteside, the Select Board Chair and a Redevelopment Authority member.

Redevelopment Authority chair Dan Butler said that participants have been excited that officials are looking to make changes in the area. 

“This Urban Renewal Plan is an important first step in getting State approval and grants for transformation of the Village our community would like to see,” explained Ken Buckland, Wareham Director of Planning and Community Development.

Officials emphasized that they want community feedback to guide their work. 

Among the possible challenges officials are considering are the effects of sea level rise on the area, the potential of a commuter rail stop and the need for significantly more housing in the neighborhood.

“Our goal is to transform Wareham Village into a more attractive, vibrant, inviting, prosperous, and resilient destination for our residents and visitors,” Butler said.

A variety of maps of the downtown were on display, showing current conditions, flood plains and ideas for the future.

One map showed low-cost ideas that could be implemented in the next three to five years, including outdoor dining, temporary mini parks and murals. It also suggests using the old train station as a hub for outdoor events like farmers markets or outdoor movie screenings.

Attendees festooned the map with sticky notes, including suggestions for historic markers, support for a boardwalk and pitching a kayak rental facility or even water taxis.

Several hand-written sticky notes expressed support for a coastal path, while one said a sea wall should be first priority.

Murals were popular among participants, and one suggested burying the utility lines that criss-cross the sky over Merchants Way.

“The biggest consensus is that people are excited that something might happen here,” said Emily Innes, a consultant contracted by the town to help lead the Urban Renewal Plan. 

She said she’s excited about the possibilities of the area, and cited the beauty of the riverfront as an asset. Innes said it’s clear to her that residents really value this section of town.

To share your thoughts, click here to access the online survey.

There will be another public meeting once a draft urban renewal plan is complete.