By Gregory T. Federspiel
Often people assume that work slows a bit in the summer but not so for municipalities. Construction activity usually picks up and as an oceanside community the Town is busiest this time of year, which often means more work for our public safety staff. A series of projects have been completed, are underway, or are about to be started.
Voters approved redoing the water main on Pleasant Street. This work will be getting underway in the next week or so, beginning with the installation of temporary by-pass piping that will provide water to all homes impacted while the new permanent pipe is installed. One-way traffic will be maintained but any through traffic is encouraged to use a different route.
Installation of the new sewer and water lines that will serve the Limited Commercial District on the north side of Route 128 will also start in the next few weeks, also by first laying down bypass pipe in preparation for putting new water and sewer mains underground. Residents along Forest and Mill Streets will be inconvenienced at times as this work progresses over the next few months. The project is being funded by a $3.5 million MassWorks grant.
The pickleball courts finally have in place new sound barriers to better contain the noise of paddle against ball. Managing the noise from this new popular sport is an emerging field and we were able to take advantage of new products that have come onto the market.
The barriers have lowered the sound from the courts from 61 decibels down to 45 decibels (dBa) as measured with all courts in use pre and post barrier installation.
The logarithmic decibel scale means sound intensity changes by a factor of 10 for every 10-point change. While not providing 100 percent noise attenuation, the barriers have lowered the impact of the courts. Players can further contribute by being mindful of not yelling and using paddles and balls that are designed to be quieter.
The Town’s new fire ladder truck will be arriving before the end of the month. The Fire Department has been fortunate to have been able to borrow trucks from nearby communities while we await the delivery of the new apparatus. Once here the new piece should provide some 25 years of service to the Town. We set aside funds yearly to have money available to acquire replacement trucks according to the schedule that has been developed.
The Planning Board gave approval to the proposed renovation to the Rotunda at Tuck’s Point. This follows the public review of the various options and the input received on the preferred design option. The proposal is to raise the walkway and the Rotunda in its current location to better withstand storms and rising sea levels. We hope to secure grant funding over the winter allowing us to undertake the construction in 2025.
Reviews are almost complete on the proposed new floats for commercial fishing boats off Morss Pier as well as for expanded transient docks off Reed Park. Together the added floats will help ensure a vibrant harbor and an enhanced revenue stream for future dredging needs. The fishermen and the local business community have been strong supporters of the project. Grant funds should cover most if not all costs. Actual construction is slated for 2025.
A third project that is in the final stages of review is the reconstruction of the Central Street Culvert and dam. This project has been in the works for many years. Full grant funding for the $6+ million project is secured, and we should have all the necessary permits and landowner permissions in hand in another couple of months. This major construction project will get underway in the fall of 2025 and will require re-routing traffic via Pleasant Street.
Much more to come on this project as the construction start date draws nearer.
Lastly (for now!) two important studies will be getting underway shortly. Pilot testing of filtering systems will be done at the Lincoln Street well and at the Gravely Pond Water Treatment Plant to determine the best approach for removing the low levels of PFAS we have in our drinking water.
The results of the tests will determine the final design of the removal measures we will be taking. Geotechnical studies up at the old compost site off upper School Street will set the stage for design work of a possible new DPW garage to replace the very tired facility we have on Pleasant Street.
Moving the DPW garage frees up the current site for possible new uses.
