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MARION SELECTMEN'S MEETING

More Roadwork Ahead for Marion Village

By Laura Pedulli

Marion Village is bracing for another round of heavy construction, which is set to begin next week and conclude by the end of May. The Phase 3A Village Loop Structural Repairs will include deep digging along Front and Hiller streets with the aim of replacing the sewer system.

Marion Board of Selectmen, Town Administrator Paul F. Dawson, Superintendent of Public Works Robert Zora, and contractor representatives met with abutters of the roadwork March 9 to address concerns and answer questions regarding the next phase of construction.

The goal of the meeting was to foster communication between abutters and town officials after unanticipated construction blocked access to shops during the holiday season. "We know the business area had a terrible time during the Christmas season," said Mr. Dawson. "The weather conspired against us, contract time conspired against us, and we conspired against ourselves sometimes quite honestly." To that end, he said the meeting's purpose is to help residents and business owners understand the impact of the spring roadwork.

In a discussion on the construction plans, superintendent Zora said that Cape Ann Equipment will begin installing a temporary, above-ground water main system as a safety precaution for the workers who, at times, will be as deep as 17 feet underground. Shutting the water off would eliminate the water pressure in the new main and prevent the possibility of a blow out, he said.

As such, temporary water will be fed to abutters via a garden hose connected to outside faucets. Mr. Zora promised two abutters in the area - the postmaster and a building owner - a good flow even by alternative means if no spigot is available. "We will find a way to make sure you have flow into your house," he said. The superintendent assured the affected residents that they will not pay for extra water or sewage use charges during the project as the water meter will be inactive the entire duration of the temporary water phase.

In addition, Mr. Zora said there would be police officers at both ends of the construction to reroute traffic. At all times at least one parking lot will be available for visitors: the General Store or the Island Wharf parking lot. Jim Brodeur - the on-site Resident Engineer - urged residents and business owners to openly communicate with the policemen about anticipated shipments.

In response to an inquiry on when sidewalks will be completed, Mr. Zora said likely not until the fall of 2011. The sidewalks will be made of concrete with granite curbing because "granite lasts forever," he said.

One affected businesswoman requested that signs be prominently displayed notifying visitors that businesses are open. Mr. Dawson assured her that signs would be made stating that all businesses are open in the center. In addition, he said there would be signs stating where parking is available.

Another issue raised was whether the water pressure under the temporary system will be adequate to fight fires. "We'll have adequate capacity to fight fires," Mr. Zora assured the residents.

For all other inquiries before and during the project, Mr. Brodeur said that he serves as the point of contact. Mr. Dawson promised to keep affected residents and business owners updated and conceded that as much as he hopes work will be completed by May, further delays may be possible.

"We know you've been patient. It is an embarrassment when you go to other towns and you see what their centers look like and ours has been in rough shape for a long, long time," said Mr. Zora. "This should be the final phase and hopefully when we get this all done we'll do a super job for you."