On August 10, Mattapoisett’s Select Board and the public heard from Town Administrator Mike Lorenco on the current state of improvement projects, many of which have been wending their way through state and federal review processes and grant applications for years.
None on Lorenco’s list has been more omnipresent than the Mattapoisett Bike Path, well into its two-decade trek across the town. He discussed the current issues with planking used on a portion of the pathway over the Eel Pond breach area, planking believed to be inferior and failing in advance of the grand opening. Known as Phase 1b, this section is currently undergoing peer review to determine if the failing planking can be remediated or will require replacement, Lorenco explained. It was also explained that the defective product had been noted by Mike Hickey, chairman of the Fire Station Building Committee.
The grand opening hoped for in November now seems unlikely, according to Chairman Jordan Collyer. “No matter what happens, it will be delayed,” said Collyer. “I spoke to Mass DOT (Tuesday). Under no circumstances is the town accepting an inferior product – that made its way up the ladder.”
On a brighter note regarding bike path projects, Lorenco reported that the connector from the end of Bay Club Drive off Industrial Drive terminating at the Marion town line is complete and “looks great and was completed on time.” He said that this portion of the bike path should be opened to the public in two weeks. The balance of roadway improvements along Industrial Drive was also discussed.
Major drainage upgrades and surface improvements have been preliminarily planned for the commercial connector. Funding for one of the town’s largest roadway projects in many years will come from grants including a federal Economic Development Administration sum. Other funding sources include smaller grant applications and donations from the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path.
Looking forward even further, Lorenco said that Phase 2 of the bike path project, a portion from Railroad Avenue that travels across Route 6 to the entrance of Industrial Drive has begun the earliest stages of exploration.
Not officially part of the bike path but leading to it is the sidewalk project along the westside of Mattapoisett Neck Road. Lorenco and Matthew Skelly of Fuss and O’Neill discussed that bids for the proposed sidewalk from the intersection of the bike path to the intersection of Route 6 will most likely exceed the Complete Street grant sum of $237,849 by as much as $100,000. That prompted Collyer to say, “I was never a fan of this project from the beginning.” He said that crossing upgrades across Route 6 need to come first. Collyer asserted, “I’m not doing it for another penny more.”
Skelly said the focus should remain on the original project, the sidewalk. The grant expires on October 30, but Skelly felt confident the project could start by then.
The new fire station was discussed when Hickey brought the board members up to date. He said that an October dedication is well within sight. He also said that traffic signals are a long lead item taking as many as 24 weeks to secure, but that matters are well in hand and being funded by a grant.
Hickey said that early on as COVID-19 became a problem, thoughts of not moving forward were floated out among committee members. But he said, “We decided to keep our foot on the gas.” He said by doing so before building material costs began their heavenly ascent the town has saved tens of thousands of dollars.
Board member Jodi Bauer asked about the skate park located adjacent to the new fire station, which had a section removed to make way for the station. Further review will follow, it was decided, given that overall repairs are needed to the structure.
Status of improvements to the Acushnet Road bridge and culverts was discussed. Lorenco said that an agreement with the contractor to absorb half the costs needed for a full-time detail officer for seven days over the target completion date had been struck.
The board members decided to ask the public for feedback on whether or not to pay the estimated $7,000 or to have the project delayed as much as three more weeks. Pending feedback, the board sought to pay the money and “get it done.” Weather issues have caused delays, it was noted.
Other projects touched on included: The Community Compact Study of town buildings and the transfer station at $60,000 is underway with the transfer station study a bit delayed; Long Wharf design and engineering for major repair project received a grant of $216,000, request for design and engineering services pending; Main, Beacon, and Water Streets and Marion Road TIP project needs update from engineering consultants VHB and comments from state agencies that will be invited to a board meeting by September; Highway Department building improvements require re-evaluation, as early estimates were over budget; Municipal Solar landfill project is on hold pending study by Eversource, which member Tyler Macallister said could take as much as five years; and a new trail through Tinkham Forest, third path, is being reviewed.
Further out on the multi-million-dollar list were the town’s interest in becoming a Green Community, securing rights to develop Old Slough Road, ORCTV and ORR school agreements, roadway design and engineering needs for drainage issues on Pearl Street, Holly Lane, and Knollwood Drive.
Lorenco also said that roof repairs to the Legion Hall paid for through Community Preservation Act funding is complete, a generator for the housing authority has been purchased, and a harbor dredging grant for $14,200 secured and work to begin offseason. The town will partner with Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School for improvements to structures at the Holy Ghost grounds, while repairs are completed at the public beach bath house and bandstand.
Last but not least, the need to hire a conservation agent, Board of Health agent, a part-time town planner, and an assistant project manager for the town administrator’s team was acknowledged by the Select Board members.
Earlier in the meeting, the board decided not to act on masking mandates at this time but to take a wait-and-see approach moving forward.
There will be two teams of volunteers performing beach clean-up services in the community on September 18. One group is sponsored by the commercial venture Willey’s Super Brew of Cape Cod and the other is known as the Parrot Heads Nautical Whalers Club.
The next meeting of the Mattapoisett Select Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 24, at 6:30 pm.
Mattapoisett Select Board
By Marilou Newell