National Grid approval clears way for rear‑main project; city schedules Dec. 1 hearing
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Summary
National Grid approved the electrical design for the rear‑main project north, clearing contractor work and prompting a Dec. 1 public hearing on pole petitions; the project is expected to be finished by May 31, barring further delays.
The Gardner Redevelopment Authority was told National Grid approved the electrical design for the rear‑main project north on Nov. 20, giving the contractor the green light to complete remaining sub‑service and trenching work.
The director said the approval enables the contractor to proceed with 'the remainder of the sub service work,' including trench digging and conduit installation. He told the board the only outstanding procedural step on the utility side is a petition to remove poles and install underground conduit; that petition requires review by the public service committee and a city council public hearing, which has been scheduled for Dec. 1.
Speaker 2 said that, assuming the public hearing and subsequent approvals proceed without referrals, 'Everyone should have the green light' and the contractor has indicated the project will be completed 'in its entirety by May 31.' Board members noted winter weather could affect on‑site schedules but were told the contractor intends to continue work into winter as feasible.
The board emphasized that remaining steps are procedural: the public service committee review, city council hearing and any follow‑up referrals; staff will oversee site visits and contractor payments during completion.
Next steps: staff will proceed with the public‑service petition schedule, monitor contractor progress and report back to the board.