Gateways into town, then to different areas once in the village will be very important for connectivity and "way finding". Strong gateway icons are vital to the success of bringing Belmont's Village back to life. People traveling up and down Route 106 need to see that there is life downtown. Gateways are not just physical elements, they are visual connections as well. Case in point, from the new location of the Gale School looking east will be a new walkable connection into Sargent Park. Continuing from the park will be a visual and walkable connection to the middle school.
Strong gateway icons are vital to the success of bringing Belmont's Village back to life. People traveling up and down Route 106 need to see that there is life downtown. Traveling north to south, Main Street bears to the right having a rural style building, this is a good point to lead you into the village. Selective thinning and pruning to open up the land and show the architectural character. Add a stone wall element with signage with the town seal. This will collectively define the entry into the village area.
Upon further consideration of this project, the north gateway was established at the corner of Gilmanton Road and Main Street. It's a welcoming icon to the Village Revitalization.
Similar work to the Gateway North location is proposed.
Gateway South was installed in 2014.
Pedestrian Gateway Entry Promenade at Main Street and Sargent Park
Promenade Gateway, 04-11-12 Concept