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National Grid bill for Rear Main project jumps to $922,357; city readies funding resolution
Summary
Dr. Stevens told the committee National Grid submitted a finalized cost of $922,357.33 for underground utility work on the Rear Main Street revitalization — about $658,000 higher than the original $260,000 estimate — and staff prepared a funding strategy using bond proceeds and unexpended project funds for a finance‑committee resolution.
The city’s redevelopment and planning director told the Economic Development Committee that National Grid’s finalized invoice for utility work tied to the Rear Main Street revitalization came in at $922,357.33, a substantial increase over the $260,000 figure the project used in 2023.
Dr. Stevens said city staff have prepared a funding strategy and a resolution to reallocate previously authorized unexpected bond proceeds, reprogram unexpended funds from the related Wilkins Road project and use under‑spent change order funds so the project can proceed. He said the finance committee will review the resolution in an upcoming meeting.
Stevens told the committee that the north phase is in active construction — crews have installed a shade structure and prepped foundations and conduit pads — but that the south phase depends on securing rights or acquisition for property connected to the Cumberland Farms parcel. He said negotiations and disposition agreements related to that privately owned parcel are in executive session.
Several councillors expressed frustration at multi‑year delays from National Grid in reviewing civil plans and returning cost information. Committee members said the three‑year wait on earlier correspondence and back‑charges is "unacceptable" and urged persistent follow‑up; staff said the city will continue weekly outreach, document the correspondence trail for finance and committee review, and press National Grid to expedite reviews.
Stevens described coordination with American Towers on a potential temporary shutdown (now avoided) and said some planned shutdown work has been removed from the project limits so crews can proceed without interrupting the tower site.
No formal vote was taken; staff will present the funding resolution to the finance committee for action. The committee recorded the exchange and asked staff to continue weekly outreach and to prepare documentation for the finance committee review.
