This summer will be a busy one for the Town of Webster with several very significant projects planned for construction or in design phase. These projects have been years in the making and we are very excited that ground will be broken on many of these momentous projects. A big thanks to the many Town staff members that have tirelessly worked behind the scenes to make it a reality. Specifically, Carol Cyr, Office of Community Development Director; the Redevelopment Agency Board; Kenny Pizzetti, Highway Superintendent; Carole Marchand, Recreation Director; and Ann Morgan, Town Planner deserve a big shout out for their efforts.
Veterans Memorial Beach
Last fall, the Town was awarded $400,000 for improvements to Memorial Beach. Improvements are currently in the design phase, but will include a combination of renovations to the existing beach house, enhanced playground equipment, a water feature, trails, picnic tables and other amenities. We expect the design to be completed in May and have construction begin in July (after the fireworks of course). Keep your eye out for future updates on this exciting project.
Lake Parkway/Klebart Ave Roadway Reconstruction and Sidewalk Construction
Currently out to bid, Lake Parkway/Klebart Avenue will be reconstructed from Route 193 to Brandes Street. This project is being done in partnership with MassDOT as part of their Transportation Improvement Plan. The project will be a full-depth reclaim of the existing roadway and construction of sidewalks on both sides of the street. This is a very important stretch of roadway to ensure the safety of our children as both the High School and Middle School are located just off of this roadway.
Eddy Street Roadway Reconstruction
In partnership with the Webster Redevelopment Agency, Eddy Street will also receive a full-depth reclaim roadway reconstruction—including sidewalks. The construction will be similar to the reconstruction process that was recently done on Dresser Street. In addition to this, the Highway Department will overlay or crack seal several other roads this summer.
French River Walk
In the next phase of this ongoing, transformational project, the main parking area along Davis Street will be reconstructed. The new parking lot will correlate with the most recent completed phase of the Riverwalk. This past fall a gazebo and an overlook of the French River were completed extending the Riverwalk.
East Main Street Sidewalks
We are currently in the process of designing sidewalks to be constructed along portions of East Main Street. Through a Complete Streets grant from the Commonwealth, the Town received $368,000 for this project. Depending on the cost of the construction bid and other available funding, the project will begin near Burger King and hopefully extend to Park Ave. The proposed draft design can be found on the Town website and we welcome any comments. All of the proposed work is planned to be constructed in the existing right-of-way and does not require any taking of abutter’s property.
Our goal of this project is two-fold. First, the sidewalks will dramatically improve the safety for pedestrians in this our busiest commercial district. It will also improve traffic safety as driveway ingress and egress will be more defined. Second, we hope this project will beautify the area.
Exit 2
In another project in partnership with MassDOT’s Transportation Improvement Plan, the on and off ramps of Exit 2 are being redesigned to improve safety and traffic flow. Anyone that has driven through Town knows this is a much-needed project. MassDOT recently completed the 25% design on the project. The Town is doing its best to push this project forward amongst the other MassDOT priorities.
Town Hall
This past summer, the Town received a grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission to evaluate and provide plans for our historic Town Hall. The evaluation process was just recently completed. The study’s priority projects are the cupola clock tower, slate roof, roofing membrane over the auditorium and repairs to the auditorium ceiling. The Town will be applying for a small grant to assist in the roof repairs from the Massachusetts Historical Commission and will be bidding out the project this spring.
These projects will enhance the quality of life for all Webster Residents. We ask for your patience this summer as some of these construction projects will coincide, but we are confident you will be pleased with the results. Additionally, if you have any thoughts or ideas on how we can continue to enhance the quality of life and beauty of the Town of Webster, please contact us at town.administrator@webster-ma.gov.