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Select Board backs Darden Street stormwater betterment, authorizes $15,000 in ARPA support
Summary
The Select Board authorized the town manager to sign a stormwater petition and directed $15,000 of ARPA stormwater funds toward a private-way improvement on Darden Street after engineers recommended a 10-year design staged as a town-backed betterment to reach the bylaw threshold.
The Select Board voted Dec. 8 to support a neighborhood-led improvement to Darden Street and to use $15,000 in ARPA stormwater funds toward the town's abutter share.
Public Works staff described a longstanding stormwater and roadway-deterioration problem in the White Pond neighborhood. After engineering analysis, the town proposed a 10-year design standard as a compromise between a lower-cost temporary fix and a full 25-year design that would have exceeded $300,000. The 10-year option was estimated at about $98,000.
Because a bylaw requires 60% of abutters to participate in a private-way betterment and the town owns a small parcel in the affected area, staff recommended the town sign the petition and potentially borrow for the work so the project could proceed. Abutters may choose to pay up front or participate in a multi-year repayment through a betterment.
The board moved and seconded a motion giving the town manager authority to sign the petition and to utilize $15,000 in ARPA stormwater funds toward the town's contribution. The motion passed by voice vote.
Public-health impacts were discussed: staff noted the design will mitigate standing water that contributes to septic-system stress and potential cross-contamination, though a 10-year standard will not fully eliminate risk in extreme events. Abutters will be assessed if the petition proceeds and the project will be subject to a betterment agreement and Town Meeting authorization for borrowing if required.
Next steps: staff to finalize petition details, draft a betterment agreement and return to the board and Town Meeting with formal articles and borrowing language as needed.
