Northborough MPIC: MassDOT contract signed for Blake Street project; committee readies memo on economic development and possible new EDC

The Master Plan Implementation Committee on Dec. 18 heard that the town’s long‑planned Blake/Pierce streetscape project will move forward after staff finalized a negotiated contract with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

“I'm happy to report that the contract with MassDOT has been finally signed,” Laurie said, describing a scaled scope that includes four LED street lights on the west side of Blake Street, new concrete sidewalks and a vertical granite curb. She told members the project design is near 75% complete and the town anticipates going out to bid around February, with construction scheduled next spring.

Laurie also told the committee she filed a Community Preservation Committee application of $850,000 for street and pocket-park work, including a 20% contingency. She said the CPC public hearing began Dec. 4 and was continued to Jan. 8. The financial planning committee asked about a roughly $43,000 cost difference between Cape Cod berm and a vertical granite curb; Laurie said that is the differential under consideration.

Paul, representing Parks & Recreation, noted his commission supports the project and clarified Parks & Rec would manage the pocket-park land if the…