Public Facilities voted to approve the following (see Report and watch NewTV video):
Eversource Grant of Location Requests: Approved four requests for the installation and maintenance of conduit and manholes:
- 160 Charlemont Street (6-0, Councilors Kalis and Gentile not voting)
- 50 Tower Road (7-0, Councilor Gentile not voting)
- 156 Oak Street (7-0, Councilor Gentile not voting)
- 90 Christina Street (7-0, Councilor Gentile not voting)
Installation of Two Raised Intersections: At Waverley Avenue at Franklin Street, and Brookline Street at Hartman Road to improve traffic safety and pedestrian access. “Each intersection will have a gradual 10 ft long transition ramp which elevates the vehicles 6 in.” to “the same level as the sidewalks. Pedestrians will be protected by bollards at the corners. The design is similar to the raised intersection that was installed at Beethoven Avenue and Puritan Street. The Fire Department is supportive of this plan.” The intersections ranked in the top 5 of the traffic calming evaluations and will be funded by ARPA funds. (8-0)
Transfer of Funds for Accelerated Roads Program: $2 million from FY24 savings in DPW Snow & Ice and wage accounts to the City’s Accelerated Roads Program. (8-0)
Authorization to Appropriate and Expend $200,000 for Stormwater Management: For the design and installation of a subsurface system to manage stormwater from Myrtle Street and McGrath Park. The work is being done with the Parks and Recreation Department improvement project for McGrath Park and “will reduce the city’s phosphorus load into the Charles River.” (8-0)
Approval of 75% Design of Washington Street Pilot: Endorsed the 75% design plan for the Washington Street Pilot, from Chestnut Street to Lowell Avenue. The “project will include temporary materials that can change and will not have major construction. There will be one travel lane in each direction with some left-turning lanes. The project is aiming to reduce speeds, make it easier for pedestrians to cross the street and improve parking accessibility on the south side.” Landscaping and bus stop improvements are also included. Councilor asked for data collection at different times of the year, especially on queuing. (7-0, Councilor Danberg not voting)