WINCHESTER — The town received a $200,000 assessment-only grant from the Northwest Hills Council of Governments to study the Meadow Street parking lot adjacent to the Blue Red Barn and the Meadow Street corridor.

Planning staff told commissioners that all contract procurement is complete and that the department received three consultant proposals. Staff will evaluate the proposals, hire a consultant and conduct an environmental assessment, conceptual site plan and a remedial action plan if contamination is found. The work could take six to eight months depending on the consultant and the extent of assessment required; staff said they would try to prioritize the work if the commission requested an expedited timeline.

The assessment grant covers study, not construction; staff said the study will identify contamination (if any), propose conceptual plans that align with remedial needs, and provide the town with documentation required for final engineering and approvals prior to construction.

Commissioners asked questions about timing and next steps; staff said they would circulate proposals to the commission once a consultant is selected.