Residents expressed optimism and skepticism about the proposed redesign of Merchants Way at a recent public hearing.

The public had a chance to offer their input on Saturday, May 18, at a public forum hosted by Director of the Community and Economic Development Authority Salvador Pina.

Similar forums have been held for town officials, and Main Street business and property owners to solicit input on what Pina emphatically stated is a project that is still in the planning stage.

"We're in the beginning of this project," said Pina. "None of this is happening without you," he said addressing members of the public who gathered at the Town Hall auditorium.

One resident- who declined to be identified - had a positive outlook about the proposed changes: "As a bicyclist, I think this it's great...bicycling to the center right now is a big problem."

Resident Johanna Rowley was relatively neutral about the proposed changes, but said that whatever the final project ends up looking like she wants it thoroughly vetted.

"I would hope that this would be tested as much as it can be so we know what works and what doesn't work, because ultimately we'll have to live with it for the rest of our lives," said Rowley.

Another resident - who also declined to be identified - expressed concern about emergency vehicles being able to get to Tobey Hospital after the renovation of the area where Main Street meets Lower Main Street near the Narrows Bridge.

"I brought the fire and emergency [personnel] out to that corner," said Pina. "They brought two of their largest trucks and we kept adjusting that corner until they could make that turn comfortably."

The same resident asked where the money would come from to pay for the project, and Pina said that he has been proactive in obtaining grants for the project.

"We can't rely on town money to do this with," said Pina.

The Community and Economic Development Authority's projects are funded by a mixture of state and federal grants.

The Merchants Way project is the next phase of a four phase project aimed at beautifying downtown Wareham.

Christine Scypinski of the Winchester-based Waterfield Design Group was also on hand to field questions from residents, and to describe the goals of the renovation.

Some of the proposed changes are to enhance the view of the waterfront from Main Street, improve signage and parking, use the alleyways as places for vendors and artists to showcase their wares, and create more green space with storm water infiltration systems to stem the tide of runoff from the road that pollutes the Agawam River.

"Creating a more vibrant Wareham Village is one of the goals here," said Scypinski. "We want to create a more pedestrian friendly atmosphere there."

Scypinski said that enhancing the view of the water from the road is a vital component of the plan.

"The first thing we noticed when we came down here is that everyone's back is to the waterfront," said Scypinski. "We want to make sure we maintain that view."

Making the area more pedestrian friendly could also include the addition of a bike path, larger sidewalks, and a boardwalk along the river.

The proposed changes are not just for the sake of making the area more pleasant to look at for local residents, it's to get people to stop and spend money on Main Street and to attract more businesses to the area.

"In order to attract businesses, you have to have beautiful places," said Pina. "People don't spend money in ugly places."

Throughout the presentation, Pina emphasized that he wants the public to feel as though they can come to him with any questions or concerns.

"My job is to facilitate the process, not to make decisions," said Pina. "All of that should happen with public input."

Anybody with thoughts or questions regarding the proposed changes may reach Pina at his town e-mail address: spina@wareham.ma.us.