Central to the meeting was the Main Street improvement project, a long-considered initiative aimed at revitalizing the downtown corridor from Cottage Street to South Avenue. With a pavement condition index rating below 50, the roadway is in poor condition, necessitating upgrades. Efforts to secure state assistance for funding gained traction during the pandemic, enabling the town to consider comprehensive improvements. The project team presented two primary design concepts for the corridor, each emphasizing pedestrian safety but differing in their approach to bicycle accommodations. The “limited bike accommodation concept” involves shared travel lanes for bicycles and vehicles, while the “enhanced bicycle accommodation concept” proposes dedicated bike lanes separated from vehicle traffic. These concepts are not final designs but serve as guiding philosophies to be refined through community input.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around parking in the downtown area. Three separate studies from 2013 to 2023 highlighted fluctuating parking demand, indicating that while parking is generally available outside the downtown core, improved signage is necessary to guide users. The project explored options such as reverse angle parking, which would require drivers to back into spaces, potentially increasing safety for cyclists by offering better visibility. However, concerns were raised about the feasibility of reverse angle parking, especially for individuals with limited mobility. A hybrid design concept emerged, balancing enhanced bike accommodations with parking needs, increasing spaces from 93 to 95 by incorporating reverse angle parking.

The board examined the possibility of converting Court Street into a one-way street to alleviate congestion and create additional street parking.

Public feedback played a role in shaping the project. Residents and business owners expressed concerns about the project’s impact on accessibility, emergency response, and the potential loss of parking spaces. The Transportation Advisory Committee favored the enhanced bike alternative, citing the benefits of wider sidewalks and protected lanes, while the Economic Development Committee highlighted the potential negative impact on local businesses due to reduced parking.

The board also discussed the project’s funding strategy, particularly the pursuit of a pre-construction grant application to cover design costs estimated at $500,000. The board’s approach was to gather high-level feedback from the public and board members.

In addition to Main Street improvements, the meeting addressed the existing parking infrastructure, especially following the removal of a parking garage downtown. A representative confirmed a longstanding lease agreement with St. Patrick’s Church for unused commuter parking. Discussions emphasized that the town’s parking challenge might stem more from a lack of awareness of available spaces than from insufficient capacity. The potential reconstruction of the parking garage was explored, with cost estimates now reaching $25 million to $30 million, highlighting the financial challenges the town faces in expanding parking options.

The board also touched upon the use of portable signage by local businesses in the Natick Center Cultural District. A temporary solution was proposed, allowing businesses to display one sandwich board sign or flag from June 1 to December 31, contingent upon approvals. This measure aims to balance business needs with safety regulations.