MAYOR’S UPDATE
City Council Agenda
Communications: Coronathon full and half-marathon: I was pleased to see that a marathon is finally using the shared use path over the Whittier Bridge for a marathon. This really helps to reduce the impact on the neighborhood streets. I would encourage more races to utilize this route.
Budget & Finance
CPA Project Approvals: The Budget & Finance subcommittee reviewed CPA projects and I would like to provide a bit of history to City Councilors. The residents of Newburyport voted twice in support of the Community Preservation Act and established a committee per state regulation representing Affordable Housing, Open Space & Recreation and Historic Preservation. The CPC has been chaired since its inception by Mike Doucette, who is also an attorney. Project grants are submitted in February each year and vetted by the CPC. This includes public meetings on every project followed by the CPC deliberations. All projects approved are monitored by the Planning Office. In regards to projects
approved by the CPC for funding first, tennis courts. The School Committee approved this project and if needed can add the School Department to Parks to move this forward. Our Parks Department built the turf field and renovations to the WW Memorial Stadium at NHS; built the Richie Eaton baseball field;
and continues work to complete the renovations to the Fuller Field and track. There is precedent for this approach.
Hillside affordable units: We are in desperate need of more affordable housing in the city and this project will provide an additional 10 units. The YWCA has been a leader in the region in providing affordable housing. The developer has provided over $350,000 towards this project and the funding is needed now. We do not have other projects sitting out there for funding and we should not bank the funds when $50,000 can be applied to a project in need.
Bartlet Mall: Frog Pond and Sculpture: The Parks Commission has identified a company that can bring back this magnificent and historic sculpture that can aid in helping to clean up the frog pond. They have also connected with one of the top experts in water quality and environmental management, Vladimir Novotny, Professor Emeritus at Marquette University and Northeastern University to assist in cleaning the toxins from the frog pond.
Plum Island: A late file was submitted this evening as we finally received approval of the short-term protection project for greater Reservation Terrace, wood pilings and coir bags for $450,000. The State will fund $350,000 and we are providing a match of $100,000. This funding would come from the Water & Sewer settlement account and there is a strong nexus to this project.
Last Thursday we were confronted by a new moon and very high tides that caused additional and significant damage collapsing more of the road, exposing the water line and battering homes. We placed rocks between the collapsed road and fallen wall to add a layer of emergency protection. This was a step taken as we learned that the Merrimack River dredge project bids were opened with only one bid at $8.9 million, nearly 50 percent over the expected bids of $4 million by the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE). I spoke with staff from Sen. Markey’s office today who will coordinate outreach to ACOE with Congressman Moulton and Sen. Warren to help move the dredging project forward.
The good news is this morning our legislators and I held a call with Secretary Theoharides and members of her team, and they agreed to fund the short-term coir bag & wood piling project.
This project was developed with GZA and Sum Co. and I have been in contact with them this morning to begin moving forward. The only permit outstanding is the construction access and that is in process. This should buy us time until the dredge can occurs.
Ordinances: I fully support holding the Municipal Facility Reports and Municipal Building Procurement in committee. There is more work that needs to occur with both ordinances.
Changes in Parking: There are significant changes here and I am hopeful that all neighborhoods impacted are receiving notification. For example, I have heard concerns about the Liberty Street loading zone and reduction/impact on residential parking.
Affordable Housing Trust: Thank you for your favorable first reading. Concerns were raised regarding some of the responsibilities and operating authority of the AHT when it comes to managing funds. Please know the AHT responds to crisis situations and needs to act in short time frames to support individuals and families in need and must have this level of state regulated autonomy.
Other
CSO Early Alert System: We held a call last week with Kathleen Baskin, Assistant Commissioner of Water Resource and DEP team with MVPC to discuss the status of the notification system. DEP is focused on developing the regulations for operators to provide notifications of CSOs within 2 hours of event. DEP is also very interested in the computer system we have developed with Brown & Caldwell, MVPC and MRWC. We hope to launch next month.
There is also a $400 million in a bill being reviewed by the legislature specially to address the Merrimack River and CSOs. Letters of support to the following legislators is always helpful:
- Aaron Michlewitz, House Chair Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Sen. Michael Rodrigues, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Ways and Means
- Daniel Hunt, House Chair House Joint Committee on Federal Stimulus and Census Oversight
- Sen. Cindy Friedman, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and Vice Chair of Senate
- Committee on Ways and Means
Rapid Recovery Program: Our consultant Ezra Glenn will be reviewing the results of the downtown business survey and interviews with key stakeholders this week followed by a discussion of potential plans in hospitality, tourism, arts and culture and small businesses- more updates will follow.
Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC): MVPC held its first Mayors and Managers meeting with new Executive Director Jerrard Whitten on Sept. 8. Each division within MVPC presented their roles, responsibilities, and projects through a story map format (PowerPoint elevated to a new level)- Economic Development, Environmental, GIS, and Transportation.
Harris Street Parking Lot Murals: My thanks to Walt Thompson for his vision, Allan Bull for his outstanding artwork and the Institution for Savings for financial support for these four beautiful murals.
Firehouse Center: Officially re-opened on Sept. 8 with a ribbon cutting, dedication of the lobby to Pete Kelly, longtime supporter and treasure, and an unveiling of the new season of productions.
Central Waterfront: Sasaki presented a preview of their conceptual design for our central waterfront park in preparation for ad hoc group presentation on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.
Essex National Heritage: I was honored with a special recognition award last week for the decade-plus work in supporting our rail trail system including the shared use path and the cultural and tourism of Essex Heritage.
Over 150 free activities throughout Essex County with their annual Trails & Sails begins this Friday, Sept. 17, and extends for 10 days — brochures online, in City Hall or public library lobby.