$7.6 million in downtown infrastructure grants advancing an apartment site; opening depends on National Grid

Director Stevens told the committee the city holds two separate grants for adjacent downtown work: a $3.5 million FY25 HousingWorks grant to bring utilities to a vacant site and prepare it for a public bid for a private residential development, and a $4.1 million FY23 MassWorks grant covering subsurface work, paving, a pavilion, water features and other public infrastructure. "The For the mass works... is what the $4,100,000 are going to cover," Stevens said, describing the scope as the parking area, pavilion and other site features.

Stevens said substantial completion for the rear main north project is targeted by Aug. 31, 2026, but the site's public opening depends on utilities: Verizon must remove remaining wires from poles and National Grid must install transformers and remove poles and complete the service at 8 Main Street. "All responsibility for this project ... halting the progress ... rely solely with Verizon and National Grid," Stevens said, adding the contractor team is finishing alternate work while awaiting those utility schedules. Councilors asked about timelines and Stevens said he has been pursuing easement and right‑of‑way steps and noted the city had previously paid $922,000 related to the project work and easements discussed in prior packets.