During a recent government meeting, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding the deteriorating condition of local bridges, particularly the Brookside Bridge, which has been closed since May 2024 due to safety issues. Deborah Ryan, representing Truckside Neighbors, highlighted the town's failure to act on multiple warnings from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (Mass DOT) regarding the bridge's condition. Despite receiving a safety engineer's report in 2021 that indicated the bridge needed immediate repairs, no action was taken by the town, leading to its eventual closure.

Ryan criticized the town for not allocating funds or exploring federal assistance for bridge repairs, and for neglecting to consider alternative routes for emergency services, which have become increasingly dangerous. She emphasized that the town's inaction has jeopardized public safety, particularly in light of the increased response times for emergency services due to the bridge's closure.

Sharon Chaloo, chair of the board of library trustees, called for a townwide accessibility assessment to secure grants for improvements, particularly in libraries. This proposal was acknowledged and will be added to the agenda for future discussions.

Elaine Fagan, representing the Brookside Bridge Neighbors Group, echoed Ryan's concerns, stressing that the town's strategic priorities should include ensuring public safety and timely access to emergency services. Fagan pointed out that the delays caused by the bridge closure could have dire consequences for residents in need of urgent medical attention.

The meeting underscored a growing frustration among residents regarding the town's infrastructure management and the perceived lack of urgency in addressing critical safety issues. As discussions continue, community members are urging local officials to prioritize bridge repairs and enhance emergency access routes to safeguard public health and safety.