Town Landing nearing completion; engineers highlight stormwater features to reduce phosphorus flows

Scott Turner of Fuss & O'Neill told the Select Board on July 13 that the Town Landing improvements funded by a Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness grant are substantially complete and ‘‘look very good.’’

Turner described built stormwater infrastructure—three stormwater basins, a stormwater wetland, porous-pavement parking intended to permit infiltration, a new access drive, boat ramp, turnaround, picnic area, benches and a new dock. He said the contractor (J W Dubas & Sons) began work last fall, paused for winter and resumed in March; only punch-list items and plantings remain and project close-out is expected in the coming weeks.

Turner said the project aims to reduce stormwater runoff and phosphorus discharges to Santuit Pond by routing treated effluent to a recharge area and using green infrastructure to cut external nutrient sources. Turner noted the work was funded through municipal vulnerability preparedness grants and said additional treatments to address internal phosphorus loading are planned later in the year through conservation permitting and partner-funded efforts. A board member suggested installing a hand railing on the stairs; Turner said he would coordinate remaining punch-list work with the DPW director.

Board members and conservation staff praised the public-art elements and volunteer engagement on the retaining wall painting. The board recorded no formal vote on the update; it accepted the report and asked staff to return when close-out and monitoring plans are finalized.