Council approves downtown streetscape bids, water‑line upgrades and pool project; enacts tax-code changes and traffic updates

Worcester City Council on April 7 approved a package of enacted resolutions and ordinances advancing downtown streetscape work, water‑line replacements, a pool renovation and several administrative updates.

The council unanimously adopted a declaration of necessity and a bid‑advertising resolution for a South Market Street and South Street streetscape project that the administration estimates will cost about $250,000. Preliminary property assessments for owners in the improvement area total $67,881.52; the city will pay the remainder from the 2025 appropriation. Council also authorized advertising for bids and to contract with the lowest and best bidder for that project.

Council approved a separate contract‑advertising resolution to replace water lines on Ghashi Street and South Columbus Avenue. Council discussion confirmed that several smaller lines in the area will be upsized: the transcript records that 4‑inch lines in the work area will be replaced with 8‑inch mains.

The council authorized the administration to solicit bids and enter into contracts for the Christmas Run pool renovation project. Council members said the pool renovation package includes mechanical and safety upgrades and family‑oriented amenities; larger slide options (including a possible zip‑line or drop slides) were discussed as a separately priced item and will be evaluated after initial bids are returned. Officials gave a tentative construction timeline that would close the pool in mid‑May and target a reopening in late August; the…