Mayor: town can reject Broad Street utility dig; mitigation and sidewalk work expected if project proceeds

Mayor Bob Hedin said Weymouth can block or appeal a proposed utility project that would dig up Broad Street to tie into the power grid, and that the town is negotiating mitigation and alternative routing before any work proceeds.

"Yes we have the power to reject it," Hedin said in response to a Broad Street resident. He said the utility (referred to in the transcript as the "Hangam electric Department") held an initial public meeting and that Weymouth officials have only recently begun formal discussions about routing and what the town would require in return for the disruption. Hedin said an alternative route could be down Lake Street and that, if Broad Street is disrupted, the town would likely require the utility to rebuild curb-to-curb, add sidewalks and repair areas such as Jackson Square and the Calvert block.

The mayor put the potential timeline multiple years out, describing the project as early in planning. He noted the town could appeal to the Department of Public Utilities but that such appeals can be lengthy. Hedin said the town may seek "appropriate mitigation for our troubles" and suggested there could be inducements for Weymouth tied to the project, though he did not provide details.

On sidewalks and paving, Hedin said Weymouth's "Pave the Way" program has expanded the town's annual paving work: where the town previously averaged about $1.2–$1.4 million a year on paving, the program is now spending roughly $8 million a year. He added the town typically tries to complete sidewalk work when it repaves roads but noted sidewalk construction can be more expensive because of curb work and manual labor.

A resident asked to be added to a list for new sidewalks on Cottage Street; Hedin confirmed the request will be placed on the list but that installations depend on the town's prioritization. On Route 3A, Hedin described several redevelopment projects under way or planned for long-vacant parcels (including a closed gas station and a former garden-center site) and said combining parcels is often necessary to make redevelopment viable. He also said the council previously voted to maintain the town's status quo on recreational marijuana, which he characterized as a close vote.

Hedin said the licensing board recently revoked a small used-car dealer's license, an enforcement action he expects will help spur site cleanup and redevelopment. The mayor did not provide schedules or firm mitigation commitments; he urged residents to stay engaged as negotiations continue.