Council moves forward with boardwalk rehab funding; public comment pushes for downtown restrooms

The council accepted a $50,000 gift from the Waterfront Trust to support boardwalk rehabilitation and referred a $1,492,500 Seaport Economic Council grant to Budget & Finance at the Feb. 9 meeting.

Budget & Finance and planning staff described the boardwalk study results: the substructure stringers are largely intact while the decking is failing. Project staff said the current approach would salvage center decking where possible and replace extreme flanks, using a mix of new and reused materials. The gift and grant are pieces of a broader funding puzzle that includes CPC funding and other sources; committee recommended acceptance and further discussion of materials, costs, and aesthetics.

During public comment earlier in the meeting, Leslie Eckle — speaking as a Waterfront Trust nominee and later reappointed to the trust — urged the council to accelerate permanent public restrooms downtown to support increased park usage. Councilors acknowledged the request and noted restrooms were envisioned in a later phase of waterfront development; staff said restroom siting and budget would be considered in future phases and with grant planning.

Committee members and project managers said more detailed cost comparisons for material choices will be brought to future committee meetings, and additional public outreach on design options will continue.