Conservation commission clears phased replacement of Newburyport waterfront boardwalk to address safety hazards

The Newburyport Conservation Commission on May 5 voted to issue a negative‑2 determination for a phased repair and selective replacement of the central Waterfront Park boardwalk, clearing the project to move toward procurement and construction with stated conditions and staging plans.

Daniel Robbins of GI Consultants told the commission the 1970s boardwalk has deteriorated in places and that the project would “maintain the existing footprint of the boardwalk” while salvaging timber where possible and replacing severely degraded runs with composite decking. Robbins said the work is intended to improve public safety and reduce tripping hazards while limiting disturbance to the existing substructure, which is largely supported by concrete sonotubes and timber stringers that staff found to be in good condition.

Presenters described a two‑phase approach: work on a western stretch in the off season (roughly September–January) and the eastern stretch the following winter (January–May). Robbins said the team is trying to reuse as much timber as feasible and to match colors and widths so repairs do not appear as a random patchwork. When commissioner Julie Godfordson raised concerns about mixing board widths and composite material, Robbins explained the typical composite deck section they seek is thinner than the existing 3x8 timbers and that shims would be used to match elevations so transitions are not tripping hazards.

Commissioners pressed on durability and maintenance: presenters said manufacturers’ ratings for some composite products range from roughly 50 to 75 years, but acknowledged realistic service life for parts of the timber boardwalk may be nearer 25 years. Staff and presenters said the selected approach avoids the roughly $1 million premium of full replacement now and preserves options for a larger resiliency project later if sea‑level‑rise adaptations are required.

Kelsey (city staff) and commissioners said staging and lay‑down areas would be placed away from resource areas and the project would be phased to maintain public access for most of the season. The commission voted on a motion to issue an agent determination (negative‑2) that allows the project to proceed under the stated plan; roll call showed unanimous support from commissioners present.

Next steps described in the meeting: the city plans to bid the work in summer, order materials, and mobilize after peak seasonal boating activity ends in mid‑October. Commission members said they expect the project to include contract specifications for materials, warranty requirements (teams aimed at ~25‑year commercial warranties on components), and construction controls to protect adjacent resource areas.

Outcome: The commission’s negative‑2 determination passed by roll call; staff will carry the matter forward to contract and permitting as appropriate.