Commission continues review of proposed footbridge on Center Street Greenway to Aug. 12

Williams & Sperajes presented a proposal on July 8 for a 48-foot pedestrian footbridge to formalize a crossing of a perennial stream on the Center Street Greenway, with the stated goals of improving public safety, eliminating a makeshift stick crossing that impounds the waterway, and restoring vegetation in the riverfront area.

Justine Fox, the project representative, explained that the bridge and its six helical support piles would cross several wetland resource areas and that the design favors locating the structure on an existing, already-disturbed path to avoid additional vegetation removal. She said the design includes extra erosion controls, a seed mix for the 200-foot riverfront area, and removal of the stick bridge that currently blocks flow.

Commission questions focused on construction techniques (helical piles and precast blocks), stockpile location, access and duration. Fox estimated the on-site work would likely take a few days to about a week. The applicant reported that a DEP file number (030-0500) has been assigned and that no technical comments from MassDEP were listed yet. Commissioners noted that Natural Heritage review (MESA) is required and may take at least 30 days.

Because the MESA/technical reviews were not complete, the commission voted to continue the hearing to its Aug. 12 meeting so the applicant can return with required agency responses and any additional exhibits requested (e.g., clearer before/after impact tables).