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Scott Lindgren, an engineer for HKT, explains the challenges and opportunities presented by redeveloping the DPW facility on Fletcher Street.
Photo Credit: Deborah Gauthier
HKT's option 1 for redeveloping the DPW site on Fletcher Street.
Photo Credit: Deborah Gauthier
HKT's option 2 for redeveloping the DPW site on Fletcher Street.
Photo Credit: Deborah Gauthier
HKT's option 3 for redeveloping the DPW site on Fletcher Street.
Photo Credit: Deborah Gauthier
HKT's option 4 for redeveloping the DPW site on Fletcher Street.
Photo Credit: Deborah Gauthier
NORTHBRIDGE, Mass. – HKT Architects Inc. of Somerville will study the feasibility of redeveloping the existing Department of Public Works on Fletcher Street.
The firm was chosen last night after the Building, Planning and Construction Committee listened to the proposals of three companies – HKT, AECON and Maguire Group. All gave 20 to 30 minute presentations and then answered questions of the committee.
Department of Public Works Director James Shuris said he was pleased to hear from all three companies that the DPW could be redeveloped at its current site with just local permits because it is an existing use.
“I don’t think any of them lack the ability to do the job,’’ said BPCC Chairman Thomas Pilibosian, but he was most impressed with HKT. “They really caught my attention,’’ he said.
The choice of HKT was a unanimous decision of the committee.
In the presentation, HKT provided four options, all with visual and noise screening for residential abutters and a riverfront walk.
Janet Slemenda, an architect and HKT principal, explained the process they would like to follow, one that begins with a kick-off and “visioning’’ meeting during which the wants and needs of the community can be defined and to find consensus.
HKT also suggests a schedule even more aggressive that than proposed by Shuris, which wants a plan in place for the Spring Annual Town Meeting in May. HKT proposes a kick-off meeting on Feb. 1, preliminary concepts ready for the BPCC on Feb. 28.
The feasibility study is being funded with $76,220 approved by voters at the Fall Annual Town Meeting last November.
The plan is to have a design and firm cost of construction to present to voters in May.
Voters rejected a $10 million DPW proposal a two years ago, which would have relocated the facility from Fletcher Street to the wastewater treatment plant property on Providence Road.
The BPCC wants to keep the cost of redevelopment to about $2 million. “We’re looking for a Fiesta, not a Ferrari,’’ Shuris said. “I know cost is an issue. I don’t want to spend any money… I want to make it affordable and I want to make it right,’’ he said.
It will be up to the BPCC to guide the project through, he said. “We’ve done a good job up to this point. We’ve set the stage. Now we need someone to package it.’’
'Just A Guy'
Just want to make sure the 'Good Tax Payers' are aware the proposed Providence Rd WWTP DPW Site was '$2.1 Million Dollars.'
Not the '$10 Million Dollar Figure' mentioned in the Article, plus it may even be less if the RR Signaling Equipment may be cheaper according to the Chairman of the BOS. Plus maybe even less if the Town is able to attain some Grants?
I think most people would like all the Street Lights turned back on someday in Town, when the Town can afford it? Plus most people would like the Town to have a new DPW, Fire Station, & update the Town Hall. But you have to admit it tough economic times, so who knows?