Select Board backs revised Assabet River bridge plan that trades a few parking spaces for mature-tree preservation

The Select Board reviewed a 25% design update for the Assabet River multiuse bridge and connecting trail and voted to support a modified design that will remove up to six parking spaces in the West Concord commuter parking lot to avoid relocating utility poles and preserve mature trees.

Consultant Elizabeth and the design team explained that two parking/bridge alignment options were considered. The preferred modified option (described as Option 1A in the meeting) shifts circulation and parking to retain several mature trees and avoid moving about three light poles; in exchange, the design converts a handful of parking spaces into stormwater detention and alignment adjustments. Elizabeth said the tradeoff preserves roughly seven mature trees and avoids moving utility infrastructure. "If six of the current parking spaces on this side were not constructed, this area could be used for stormwater detention," she said.

Board members questioned the net change in parking supply and operational impacts. Staff noted that commuter parking demand has not returned to pre‑COVID levels and that the town's data indicate the loss of six (nine, when comparing to today's count) spaces is not expected to materially harm commuter access. The board also discussed stormwater handling, circulation, pedestrian safety, and construction timing; staff confirmed coordination with MassDOT and noted additional environmental permitting will be required.

Motion and outcome: A motion to support removal of up to six parking spaces from the presented Option 1 (bringing the lot from about 239 spaces in prior plans to roughly 230) passed by voice vote.

Next steps: The consultant will finalize 25% design updates reflecting the board’s direction and submit to MassDOT for the required public hearing and review phases; the earliest construction remains several years out pending design, permitting and funding programming.