Engineers to present updated Montague Center designs
MONTAGUE CENTER — Months after draft designs for traffic-calming alterations and other roadway changes in Montague Center were presented, updated designs will be shared during a Montague Selectboard meeting on Monday, Jan. 12.
The updated designs by Bowman Engineering build on the initial roadway designs made by VHB Engineering. A memo prepared by Assistant Town Administrator Chris Nolan-Zeller about the updated designs notes that Bowman Engineering incorporated changes to “improve safety, increase efficiency and remain within the existing grant budget.”
The memo explains some of the main changes. For one, the intersection of Main Street and Center Street has been changed to a nearly 90-degree angle instead of being a Y-shaped intersection. This eliminates the need for another flashing beacon for pedestrians that would cost $15,000, and improves safety for both drivers and pedestrians, with access for emergency and maintenance vehicles as well.
Other updates include making the intersection of Main Street and North Street also a 90-degree angle, new designs for more natural filtration of stormwater, and moving a Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA) bus stop farther north on Main Street to accommodate a raised crosswalk in front of the stop.
“Overall, the updated design reflects community priorities, enhances safety for all users and maintains project value within the existing budget,” the memo explains.
Engineers from Bowman Engineering are expected to attend the Jan. 12 Selectboard meeting to explain the changes and take feedback from residents. Ahead of time, residents are encouraged to share their thoughts with Nolan-Zeller via email at chrisn@montague-ma.gov. Designs are available to view at montague-ma.gov/n/426/Montague-Center-Complete-Streets.
FY27 budget page launches on Montague website
MONTAGUE — Residents who are interested in keeping up with the fiscal year 2027 budget development can visit Montague’s town website. The FY27 Municipal Budget Planning Page provides context for what guiding principles the town uses to develop its budget, the names of town staff involved in development, definitions of key terms used in the budget discussion and opportunities for public involvement, among other information points.
Town Administrator Walter Ramsey spoke to the Selectboard on Monday about the web page, noting that its development is part of an effort to increase budget transparency between the town and residents.
To view the FY27 Municipal Budget Planning Page, visit tinyurl.com/mrbrpdwf.
Group painting coming to Erving Senior Center
ERVING — Artist Bill Dolan will lead a group in painting a snowman portrait on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. at the Erving Senior & Community Center, 1 Care Drive.
The cost is $30 per person. There are 10 spaces available, so people are encouraged to sign up ahead of time by calling 413-423-3649. Canvases and paint will be provided.
Library holding first puzzle swap of the year
ERVING — The Erving Public Library will host an all-ages puzzle swap on Sunday, Jan. 11, from 1 to 3 p.m. Attendees don’t need to bring a puzzle in order to take a puzzle.