Town Receives Roadway Grant

Town Receives $579,317 Roadway Grant

 

Bay Ave East will see big improvements!

On Thursday, July 20th at a State House ceremony Charles Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karen Polito, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash and Under Secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay presented Town Officials with a $579,317 grant to completely rebuild Bay Avenue East from Nantasket Ave to the intersection of Milford Street.

The project has been identified by the Board of Selectmen as a key element to help revitalize the A Street/Bay Ave East neighborhood. Retired Community Development Direct Bob Fultz and current Director Chris DiIorio were the key staff members involved with the design of the new enhanced roadway and grant preparation. The Planning Board held multiple public hearings on the project which sought neighborhood participation and provided improved design guidance.  Our legislative team, State Senator Patrick O’Connell and State Representative Joan Meschino wrote letters of support for the grant application as well making personal contact with the Governor’s Office. The Board of Selectmen endorsed and approved the grant filing in February 2017.

The project will fully reconstruct 1,050 linear feet of roadway, add handicap accessible sidewalks with granite curbing on the northern side of the roadway.  The roadway’s drainage system will also be improved by replacing the existing 9 catch basins, adding 3 new catch basins connecting to over 1,000 feet of newly replaced drain line. The newly renovated roadway will feature improved parking layouts for residents and area businesses as well as 7 new trees to enhance the neighborhood.

 

The total project cost is projected to be $604,317, with 95% of the project grant funded, the remainder being local funds approved at the May 2017 Town Meeting.  Construction will begin spring 2018.

It should also be noted that the Town is still working closely with the EPA and the owners of the A Street gas station site to finalize a grant to clean-up the site and turn the property over to the Town.

Please contact Town Manager Phil Lemnios for any questions of comments.