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Downtown projects move forward as board weighs parking, cameras and bridge improvements
Summary
City staff and developers reported wetlands approval for a proposed industrial project at 894 Middle Street, ongoing abatement at 40 West Street, and a package of downtown infrastructure proposals — including security cameras in parking garages, Main Street bridge work and streetscape adjustments to add parking — that the board said it will monitor and may vote on later.
Charlie to Elmich (Speaker 7), providing a developer update, said Carrier Construction "received wetlands approval for the project at 894 Middle Street" and expects to submit a site-plan application by the 13th of the month, while asbestos removal and abatement at 40 West Street are wrapping up and demolition could begin shortly after March 1.
Dustin (Speaker 11), giving a downtown infrastructure update, said the Economic and Community Development office, the mayor’s office and Public Works are coordinating to "implement installation and monitoring of cameras" at two downtown parking structures — the City Hall garage on Kelly Street and the Hope Street garage — to encourage garage use and improve perceptions of safety. "If that gets folks more comfortable with parking in the garage, then I understand," Dustin said.
Board members also raised aesthetic and safety concerns about the Main Street railroad overpass. Dustin said staff have been talking with railway engineers and the state about possible aesthetic improvements and are assessing structural soundness. He described streetscape work being proposed for North Main Street and said engineers and partners are evaluating whether angled parking could be added before a scheduled repaving.
Dustin reported that the downtown committee received two proposals for the remaining Center Square parcel through a recent RFP and that the committee will provide more details in coming months. The board did not vote on any project approvals tonight, but members said they expect fuller briefings and potential formal actions in future meetings.
Next steps: staff will continue coordinating with Public Works and project developers and will bring updates and any formal requests (for funding or board support) back to the board in subsequent meetings.
