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Resident asks council to scrutinize water use as city upgrades system; Middlesex Water review requested
Summary
A resident questioned the water demand of a proposed Smith Street car-wash and asked how municipal and utility planning accounts for commercial water use as the city upgrades infrastructure; city staff said the water-system upgrade presentation was postponed to the next meeting and that utility coordination is underway.
Resident Vince Makio used the April 13 public-comment period to press the council and staff to evaluate commercial water demand for a proposed Smith Street car-wash and to ensure that Middlesex Water (utility) factors the project into its planning.
"As each and every resident ... get consistent notices of saving water, I think it's very important that that project looks at the actual accumulation the amount of water that's going to be used for that project," Makio said, citing his household water bills as context.
City staff told the meeting the planned Middlesex Water update has been moved to the next council meeting, and a separate staff speaker explained that the city is coordinating with county utilities and contractors for multiple projects. The staff member said the council and planning board are actively discussing infrastructure constraints and that utility relocations and water‑line complexities affect the schedule for a full Market Street reconstruction and adjacent bridge improvements.
Makio also asked whether the car wash developer would consider water reuse systems; he pointed to examples of rainwater capture and recycling used elsewhere and argued the city should require or incentivize water‑saving technology when possible.
Council and staff did not adopt new regulations at the meeting but said those infrastructure questions would be raised with Middlesex Water and with planners as project approvals and contract awards proceed.
