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Date: 4/13/2021
WEST SPRINGFIELD – The West Springfield Town Council and Utility Committee and members of Eversource met April 5 to host its first public hearing on Eversource requesting permission to relocate poles, wires, cables and fixtures, including the necessary anchors.
The project would be a 16-inch coated steel gasoline replacement of the current line that is on Memorial Avenue which is now 70 years old. The intention is to modernize the line that is a primary feed for the community.
The scope is from River Street and Morgan Sullivan bridge traveling east to Union Street extension.
Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Robert Colson learned earlier that day that there might be some cost issues associated with this line being placed with additional funding required beyond the estimated amount.
Along with Colson, Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and Eversource met earlier that day to discuss the funding for the project.
“MassDOT looked to the town to supply $2.25 million to $3.25 million of additional funding for the project. This is estimated to be a $7 million to $9 million project in total,” Colson said.
If the funding is not supplied by the town, Eversource mentioned they would have to revisit their priority list of work that is currently in their schedule.
Richard Salvarez, engineer for the project, mentioned that during construction there would be utilization of steel plates by driveways or roadways to ensure vehicles always have access to homes and local businesses. Traffic detail officers will also be present to help further route vehicles around.
MassDOT, the Utility Committee and Eversource will host a second meeting on April 20 for further discussion on the project.
The council also voted to allow for speed humps to the community.
Clerk of the Council Susan Pettazzoni, Chairman Sean Powers, and Town Clerk Otto Frizzell put together regulations and petitions to be able to move forward with the vote which was approved that evening.
“If anyone is looking to petition they would just go through the council’s office or their district counselor for more information,” President Brian Griffin stated.
The town of West Springfield is also participating in the Massachusetts Local Rapid Recovery Plan (LRRP), a program to support economic development and needs of communities of communities as they recover from the impact of COVID-19. An initial component of this program is the serving of the owners and managers of any business establishment located downtown, Memorial areas, and up King’s Highway.
This includes all private entities, nonprofit organizations, and establishments that may be temporarily closed.
“The committee is looking for a response from any business interested in the program. You can fill out a survey on the town website or contact Stephanie Welch, the community development administrator, at swelch@townofwestspringfield.org,” Griffin said.