Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Winchester town manager reports speed cameras cleared for DOT review, Eversource work and brownfield assessments
Summary
Town Manager Paul Harrington told selectmen the DOT started a 60-day review window for speed cameras, Eversource will replace a gas main in late spring/early summer, and the town received a Phase I environmental report recommending a Phase II assessment at 3 Meadow Street.
Winchester — At the Board of Selectmen meeting March 2, Town Manager Paul Harrington reported multiple operational and infrastructure updates: the town’s speed-camera package cleared a cursory DOT review and began a 60-day window, Eversource plans a late-spring/early-summer gas-main replacement along High Street, and a Phase I environmental site assessment for 3 Meadow Street recommended moving to Phase II testing.
Harrington credited public works, police, fire and emergency management for recent storm cleanup and said the speed-camera review "passed the cursory review section and we’re off to the 60‑day window," adding he will brief the board as DOT provides further guidance.
On utilities, Harrington said Eversource told staff the next phase of gas-main replacement will start late spring to early summer and run from High Street past the Dunkin’ Donuts; the town will host an informational meeting when the contractor’s schedule is set. Harrington said the infrastructure work last summer enabled the town to purchase three additional police cruisers.
On brownfields and downtown redevelopment, Harrington said the town, working with the NH Council of Governments, secured a DEEC grant to evaluate 3 and 41 Meadow Street. A draft Phase I report documents site history and flags potential environmental concerns; consultant BL Companies recommended a Phase II assessment to determine contamination presence and extent before developers proceed.
Harrington also said the town shortlisted firms for the broader Mad River legacy building assessment to evaluate needs for converting old mills and legacy structures; he expects advisory-committee work will start in March.
He closed by reminding the board that FY27 budget materials will be delivered by March 13 and that department heads were asked for an additional 3% reduction to address rising debt service, contractual obligations and health-insurance costs.
