The City is preparing to commence construction on the final segment of a five-phase infrastructure redevelopment initiative along Everett Avenue, with this construction season concentrating on the portion stretching from Carter Street to Route 16.
This $2 million state-funded undertaking will mark the conclusion of five sections that have undergone complete reconstruction, including new sidewalks, roadway improvements, lighting installations and additional enhancements.
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“We’ve finished all of the environmental studies and design and engineering and we’ve hired GTA Company of Everett as the contractor,” noted Planner Alex Train. “We’ll be commencing construction sometime in May.”
According to City Manager Tom Ambrosino, completing this long-term project represents an exciting milestone for the municipality.
“We’ve excited to finally complete the final part of the Everett Avenue Urban Renewal Area,” Ambrosino remarked. “It should tie in with the development of the Fairfield apartment buildings where the Chelsea Clock building was at. We’re looking forward to this proceeding to construction.”
The Everett Avenue infrastructure initiative launched several years back following the opening of the new Market Basket, advancing methodically through the neighborhood by utilizing MassWorks state grants for each successive phase.
“We’ve had five total years and five grants,” Train explained. “It’s exciting and it’s exciting that it’s spurring the economic development in the area like the FBI and One North. It’s a dramatic improvement and we’re excited to see it come to a finished point…We still want to rehabilitate Spruce Street between Everett Avenue and Williams Street, but I think we’ll be looking to the downtown Broadway next.”
The work scheduled for this year encompasses installation of new water mains, replacement fire hydrants, fresh sidewalks, decorative lighting, comprehensive roadway reconstruction and enhancements to the intersection where Carter Street meets Everett Avenue near Chelsea High School.
“We’re also coordinating with DCR, who controls the light at the Parkway, to make sure they are synchronized and work in tandem,” Train added.
Work will proceed over a one-year timeframe, continuing through October of this year before resuming in spring 2019 for final paving operations.
Looking ahead, Ambrosino indicated the City would pursue another MassWorks grant application for 2019, this time targeting downtown Broadway improvements.
“I think the focus is now going to move to the downtown for this grant,” Ambrosino stated. “I think our construction costs for what we want to do downtown are going to exceed the $5 million the City has thus far authorized.”
The municipality could potentially secure between $2 million and $3 million through MassWorks funding, which would complement existing City resources already designated for Broadway rehabilitation efforts. Combined, these funding sources should provide substantial momentum for Broadway corridor enhancements during the following spring and summer.