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Commission members raise concerns about $36 million South Main Street plan and town maintenance burden
Summary
Commission discussion at the June 9 meeting included concerns about a state-proposed $36 million South Main Street reconstruction that would remove several large trees and could be turned over to the town with an estimated $150,000 annual maintenance cost.
Members of the Acushnet Historical Commission recounted attending a separate public meeting where the state presented a proposed South Main Street reconstruction project estimated at $36 million. At the June 9 meeting, commissioners expressed concern that the state's plan — which reportedly includes lane changes, sidewalks and bike lanes and would remove several large trees — had not been communicated to the town before public release.
A participant said the state presented a cross-section that included a driving lane, dual bike lanes and sidewalks on both sides; commissioners questioned whether the roadway has the physical width to accommodate that design and whether the town would be asked to assume maintenance responsibility after construction. One member cited an estimated annual maintenance cost of $150,000 should the state turn the road over to the town.
Commissioners said they expect selectmen to press for clearer plans and that town officials have instructed the state to produce formal, paper plans for selectmen review. The commission did not vote on any motion about the road but requested clearer communication to town leaders and suggested the selectmen would be expected to hold the state to a plan that accounts for local constraints, such as the quarry truck traffic that members said accelerates pavement wear.
