Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Streets And Sidewalks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sidewalk grade on Liberty Street prompts local fix; Winter Street cobblestones to be restored
Summary
Contractor work for a sewer force main exposed roots at 36 Liberty Street; consultants’ proposed brick retaining wall was rejected as historically inappropriate and a private‑property edging solution will be used instead.
Commissioners discussed sidewalk and curbing work tied to the sewer force main replacement project and a homeowner concern at 36 Liberty Street. Backus said consultants initially proposed a short brick retaining wall to address an eight‑inch drop that exposed a private hedge’s roots; staff and the homeowner rejected the brick wall as historically inappropriate. The contractor and homeowner agreed on a private‑property solution that would involve removing a course of sidewalk brick and installing black landscape edging to maintain the plantings without altering the town right‑of‑way.
Backus also reported progress on Winter Street where crews are restoring cobblestones after earlier asphalt covering; commissioners said the crew avoided cement bedding under some granite curbs elsewhere and that project photos might be requested for the commission’s records. Commissioners expressed concern about process clarity (how grade changes occurred) and asked staff to request photographic documentation of work for future review.
No formal action was taken; staff will monitor the Liberty Street private fix and follow up with DPW on cobblestone reinstatement timing.
