Taunton DPW-backed moratorium waiver approved for water-main tie-in at 0 Glebe Street

The Committee on Department of Public Works voted to approve a five-year moratorium waiver to allow a water-main tie-in and related road work at 0 Glebe Street (Lots A and B). Tony Alper of the Department of Public Works and an applicant from Nexus Homes described the work and the department's conditions.

The waiver covers a proposed service connection that the applicant, identified in the meeting as Jeremy America of Nexus Homes, said is needed to obtain a building permit for two new single-family homes. Tony Alper said the department prefers boring under the roadway where possible but will allow an open cut if the applicant follows DPW standards, uses a city-licensed contractor, posts required surety and follows flow-fill and restoration procedures. Alper said DPW will inspect the work.

Why it matters: The street is subject to an existing five-year moratorium on cutting for utilities; a waiver clears the way for development that could otherwise be delayed for up to another year. Council members pressed for assurances on bonding, timelines and restoration standards.

The committee recorded that the applicant intends to start within about 30 days of receiving a building permit; the applicant estimated active work could be completed in one day under police details and said trenches would not be left open. DPW staff said PermitEyes initially denied permits because of the moratorium and that, if the council approves the waiver, the department will reissue the permits with DPW stipulations.

The motion to approve the moratorium waiver carried on a voice vote; no roll-call tally was recorded in the public transcript. Committee members said they expect DPW to enforce contractor licensing, inspection, flow-fill and a surety bond prior to work.

The committee adjourned after voting on the waiver.