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Select Board asks contractor to re-notice abutters and re-hear proposed Pierce Park bridge demolition noise waiver
Summary
Contractor sought a long noise-bylaw waiver and street-closure window to dismantle the Pierce Park pedestrian bridge Aug. 10; the Select Board required abutter notice, asked for a re-notice and scheduled an Aug. 6 follow-up hearing before granting final approval.
A contractor seeking a noise-bylaw waiver and temporary street closure for the planned demolition of the pedestrian bridge at Pierce Park and School Street was told July 23 to re-notice nearby abutters and return for an additional Select Board hearing.
Adam Keane, project owner's representative, described the plan to lift the steel bridge with a large crane, lay it in the street, cut it into two pieces and remove both pieces the same day. Keane said the crew requested a 14-hour work window to complete the operation and proposed Aug. 10 with an Aug. 17 rain date. He told the board the plan calls for dust suppression, police details and utility coordination.
Several Select Board members expressed concern that immediate abutters had not been directly notified. "We should make reasonable efforts to notify all direct abutters prior to the date of the Selectmen's meeting," a member said, citing the public-notice expectations in the noise bylaw. Board members asked the contractor and staff to distribute flyers and mailings to abutters and to ensure proof of notification is provided to the Select Board office.
The Select Board and staff agreed to re-notice the proposal and hold a further public hearing on Aug. 6 so abutters and nearby residents have an opportunity to comment before any final waiver or permit is issued. Keane said the contractor can meet the proposed notice schedule and will coordinate with DPW, police, fire and traffic divisions.
What happens next: Staff will require abutter notification and documentation; the Select Board will reconvene the hearing Aug. 6 before deciding whether to grant a noise-bylaw waiver and street-closure permission for the bridge demolition.
