Commissioners ask that Whittemore/Park Street easements be assigned to Town; project likely delayed

Commissioner Peter Mellen and his fellow commissioners reviewed draft easements for the Whittemore and Park Street project and agreed the easements should be assigned to the Town of Hillsborough rather than to the Water & Sewer Commission. They also recorded that project plans will not be recorded with the Registry of Deeds and that a copy will be kept on file in the town office, and asked that the easement language reflect that arrangement.

Commissioner Peter Mellen said he would review and revise the draft easements to address the commissioners' concerns and forward the revisions to Underwood Engineers. The group noted the project appears unlikely to go out to bid in September as previously hoped because several items remain outstanding. Commissioner Dave Lewis said he submitted comments on the 90% plans to Underwood Engineers on July 22 and had not yet received a response; Mellen will contact the firm to inquire about the status.

Why it matters: assigning the easements to the town clarifies long‑term ownership and future maintenance responsibility; delaying the bid schedule could push project work and associated costs into a later fiscal period.

What happens next: Commissioner Mellen will send revised drafts to Underwood Engineers and follow up on the outstanding plan comments; the commission will await an update before scheduling bidding or construction.