Town officials in southern Franklin County are looking to wrap up a few large projects in the coming year, and to move forward with others.
The most significant ongoing project is the South County EMS building search. Tied into that is extra space Whately wants to rent in its Town Office building at 4 Sandy Lane — in which South County EMS has showed interest.
“I’m hoping that in the new year, all these things will be resolved, and we can start construction on some of these projects,” said Whately Selectboard Chairman Paul Newlin.
Also of note, Newlin said “we’re moving ahead on a lot of projects including renovating the old Town Hall and merging the two water systems, the (Water) District with the larger East Whately Water Department.”
The town has authorized funds for both projects.
The new year could also see a large-scale landscaping project in the town center move forward.
“The Conway School has worked with a town committee to develop plans to renovate Whately Center to make it more amenable to pedestrian and car traffic, and just to improve the aesthetics of it, and provide parking,” Newlin added.
Several Deerfield development issues from 2016 are moving into the new year, from the town’s plan to keep the South County EMS in South Deerfield to a proposed move of the local Cumberland Farms.
“As far as what things we’re getting excited about, we really need to focus on the senior center and senior housing,” said Deerfield Selectboard Chairwoman Carolyn Shores Ness, adding, “obviously getting the South County EMS building built is a goal.”
Deerfield Academy has agreed to build a garage and office space near the South Deerfield fire station to house the regional ambulance, a proposal that runs counter to the original plan to go to Whately but one that Deerfield leaders prefer in part because it looks like it might be cheaper and closer to home.
Shores Ness also noted a state grant given to Deerfield and a few neighboring towns, including Conway, to fight mosquito-borne illnesses by improving control of insect populations.
“Deerfield is lead on that, and that’s hugely important because it’s a climate change issue,” Shores Ness said.
Also of note, keep an eye out for progress on a new marijuana dispensary on Greenfield Road, across from the Red Roof Inn, and Mark Wightman’s proposed senior housing development on Sugarloaf Street.
He would build 70 apartments in 35 duplex buildings at the foot of Mount Sugarloaf, but has met resistance from some residents, including those along Sugarloaf Street.
Expansion to Tilton Library and upgrades to the town’s sewer system are also on the horizon.
Next year will bring with it the town’s 250th anniversary celebration.
Town Administrator Tom Hutcheson said there’ll be a celebration June 16 through the 18th, featuring “bands, fireworks — there’s a whole bunch that’ll be coming.”
As far as projects go, like other towns in South County, bringing in affordable senior housing tops the priority list of Conway’s 2017 agenda.
On Thursday, Hutcheson said the Housing Committee “is actively trying to put together a project, and they’ve got their eye on a property now.”
In the past year, the housing committee has looked into building a development on a plot of land near the South River. Hutcheson noted that “they’re planning to use Community Preservation Act money.”
Another project town officials hope to move forward next year is creating a downtown municipal septic system, to replace a collection of older privately owned residential systems, some of which may be at risk of failing without room for modern replacements.
Hutcheson said, “we did not get any bids for our septic system engineering plan.”
In terms of long-term upcoming projects, Hutcheson said “the highway garage is still waiting for enough funding to move forward — that’s probably number one.” Also on the list is a Town Hall renovation project.
Sunderland hopes to build on the successes of this year, noted by Town Administrator Sherry Patch as completion of a 242 killowatt-hour solar project at the Elementary School, weatherization initiatives at the Town Offices and Public Safety Complex, and progress to bring affordable senior housing into town at 120 North Main St.
Looking ahead, town officials are working with a design organization for a reconstruction project on North Main Street that includes “surface and sub-surface drainage, road surface improvements, road shoulder improvements to enhance bicycle safety, and sidewalk upgrades for handicapped accessibility and improved walkability.”
The statement notes that the project will be funded by the state, and is scheduled to begin in 2020.
Upcoming in 2017, the town is looking to complete a boat ramp at the end of School Street, authorized on town meeting floor in April 2016.
So far, town officials have acquired land and secured public access. The next step is to “establish a Land Management agreement, which will provide for capital maintenance of the boat launch in perpetuity” with the Department of Fish and Wildlife.”
In addition, the town will be working to plan its 300th anniversary, scheduled for 2018.
You can reach Andy Castillo
at: acastillo@recorder.com
or 413-772-0261, ext. 263
On Twitter: @AndyCCastillo