Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Sidewalks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board prioritizes four sidewalk projects, directs staff to spend $65,000 state earmark
Summary
After a multi-hour discussion of sidewalks, grant opportunities and how to reduce the cost pressure on large projects, the Northborough Select Board directed staff to prioritize design/construction for Davis, Howard, Pine Haven and Pleasant/Church and to spend a $65,000 downtown earmark first; the motion passed unanimously.
The Northborough Select Board on Jan. 26 directed staff to prioritize design and near‑term work on four sidewalk segments and to obligate a state $65,000 earmark for downtown sidewalk improvements before the grant sunset.
Public Works Director Scott Charpentier outlined a three-phase approach (planning, design, construction) and five candidate design projects. He said the town has approximately 34 miles of sidewalks and that the detailed, consultant-led capital assessment would cost $28,500. Charpentier reported $170,000 remaining in the town’s sidewalk/drainage capital article and a $65,000 FY26 state earmark for downtown improvements that expires on 06/30/2026.
Board members debated whether to use CPA funds, planning‑director budgeted funds, or the town capital balance for the MassTrails match and sidewalk projects. Several members urged preparing designs now to position the town for Safe Routes to School and other competitive grants. After discussion the board voted to prioritize the first four projects (Davis Street from Lanthorne to Hamilton; Howard Street from Church to Luna; Pine Haven/West Lincoln connection; and Pleasant/Church continuity), to spend the $65,000 earmark first where eligible, and to apply the remaining $170,000 capital balance to the design and construction plan. The motion passed by roll call vote with all members voting Aye.
