Panel rounds out suggested Cliftondale Square improvements

SAUGUS ? Saying Cliftondale Square is “too precious a commodity” to let deteriorate, Saugus’ economic development coordinator urged the town to heed the recommendations of a panel that has studied the area and is recommending improvements.The Urban Land Institute, which is part of a Technical Assistance Panel, explored Monday at Town Hall ideas it thinks could revitalize the square. Bob Luongo, the town’s economic development coordinator, introduced the panel and stressed that its members had volunteered their time to draw up these recommendations. He also let the attendees know his feelings on the square.”Cliftondale Square is too precious a commodity to let it keep going the way it’s been going,” he said.Emily Innes, an urban planner for the Cecil Group ? a group of urban architects ? presented findings for the roads in Cliftondale Square as well as other streets that are nearby. She took aim at the rotary that connects Lincoln Avenue with Jackson and Essex Streets, calling it “inefficient.”Innes also found there was a lack of leadership among the businesses that are currently part of the square and said owners need to have a consensus on what they would like the square to represent. The panel also discussed that residents and people coming into the square are not aware of available parking. It also concluded there was outdated zoning and license policies as well.”If specific locations get liquor licenses, it would be more of an incentive for wine stores and restaurants to open businesses,” Innes said.Ideas for some resolutions for the location and traffic issues were presented by Sarah Wetmore of VHB, another group of engineers and planners. Improving the traffic flow around the rotary was a major concern. With corrections to the traffic flow, the square would better assist pedestrians and it would become more of a walking area, Wetmore said.Overall, the panel’s plan is to bring in more businesses to people, but also to make the area convenient for walking, shopping and eating. The panel suggested getting a planning department to help with the revitalization of the Square and said the department could review what needs to be done and oversee the work as it is being done to make sure its being done correctly.”If it is made more attractive and signage is used to help direct, people who are coming through will stop and enjoy themselves,” Innes said.