Events
The City of Newburyport marked the 20th annual receipt of the Tree City USA Arbor Day Foundation award for the care of trees in Newburyport. The Mayor also recognized Ed Taylor for 14 years of service on the Tree Commission.
View of the devastation inside Abraham’s Bagels
Since the last City Council meeting we had a devastating fire on Liberty St. that was a total loss for Abraham’s Bagels and severely impacting all the businesses in East Row. We are very fortunate the Fire Department and Police Department response with support of mutual aid partners were able to contain the fire and reports indicate that structurally the building is salvageable.
What is really significant is the amazing outpouring of support in our City- businesses owners impacted as well as other business owners, the Chamber, City and Firehouse staff came together within 24 hours and began organizing a benefit- FIRE UP NEWBURYPORT. On Wed., 7/20 the Firehouse will open its doors at 5 pm for the public to enjoy music from Lux, Henry Welch Band, Cup of Joe and Liz Frame & the Kickers. It is an open house with a suggested donation of $25 with restaurants and retailers also offering a percentage of their sales. All funds will go directly to the impacted businesses and employees. So watch a band, then go eat, buy raffle tickets and help support the event. More information will be out this week including all the businesses participating.
Attendees at the annual safety training
On June 29, 2016, Chief LeClair and EM Director led our annual summer exercise with Police, Fire, EMS, AJH, Health, Harbormaster, facilities, Coast Guard, Mayor and staff to walk through a potential scenario at a festival. All present reported this exercises are very helpful in identifying roles and responses during a mock crisis.
Park Updates
Cashman Park: We met with Berkley Team to review plans for the new public bathrooms to be built as the public benefit for the Townhouse development behind the Towle Building. We anticipate the project starting shortly once final conservation commission findings are reviewed.
NHS Stadium Netting: Notice to Proceed was signed today for the expanded height and width of the netting adjacent to the Summit Place street. This is critical as lacrosse and soccer balls are not contained in the field and damaging neighbors’ homes and breaking windows. We are hoping installation can be completed in August.
Flyer from the concert
Congratulations to The Parks Dept., Commissioners and volunteers who with the help of sponsorships, held a great concert for the City on July 2nd. The music was wonderful and the weather was picture perfect. Thank you.
Other
Whittier Bridge Project:
Construction on the Whittier Bridge continues
We met onsite with staff from Walsh/McCourt and are coming to closure on mitigation for the City of Newburyport for use of the city land at the water plant for staging. We will have additional information for you within the next several weeks.
Plum Island:
The team from MIT inspecting the Air Vac pilot
Dr. Alex Slocum and doctoral students Dave Taylor and Kevin Simon came to PI last week to meet with Jamie Tuccolo, Collections Superintendent to see the pilot for the Air Vac system. MIT brainstormed for months with Jamie on how to keep the valve pits dry and we are very encouraged by the four pilots despite the mild winter.
Intermodal Facility:
Our 2nd IAG meeting was held on June 28th which was very productive. We are pushing the design team in terms of façade and are working to relocate the stairwell on the corner of Titcomb and Merrimac to Titcomb and Pleasant. We plan to meet again once 30% design is complete.
Rt. 1 Traffic Circle and Pedestrian Crossing:
We are meeting with MADOT District staff on Wednesday to discuss the pedestrian crossing and hope to obtain state support as we apply for the next round of MA Works funding. We also participated in a very interesting health mapping exercise with Metropolitan Planning Commission, State Dept. of Public Health, MVPC and city staff to look at options for redesign of the rotary from a health perspective.
Road & Sidewalk work: Work is beginning in several locations across the city, notices will be sent to abutters and updates will be posted regularly on the city website. Charles St & Water & Green St. this week begin prep work. Hale ST. sewer main is 24 week project that will require closure of a section of the street on some days; better notification through the electronic signs will occur immediately. My apologies to residents who were inconvenienced over the weekend with poor signage during paving.
Master Plan: Kate Newhall-Smith, Senior Planner held a meeting with the MP Steering Committee and COG consultant; solid progress has been made and we anticipate a community, City Council and Planning Board roll out in September.