A major focus of the meeting was the cathodic protection work at Norton Pier and Northfield Point mooring fields. The project manager reported substantial progress, with a draft package of field studies and recommendations already received. This project includes plans to add additional coating on exposed steel above the mean high-water line, with a clear timeline established for the release of construction proposals. The target date for releasing requests for construction proposals is April 3, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for April 10, and bids expected by April 17. The contract is anticipated to be awarded in early May, leading to a three-month construction period starting in June. Confidence was expressed regarding the project’s financial feasibility, as it is well within the budgeted price for the grant. The notice of intent for the Conservation Commission was submitted for their February 3 docket, with ongoing positive discussions noted.

In addition, the meeting addressed a significant anticipated grant for Northfield Point, with discussions scheduled with state fishery and wildlife representatives. A meeting with Beta was planned to discuss the phasing of construction work, with a possible extension of the timeline for potential work to 2026, contingent on grant approvals. The only additional grant application planned is for the CPORT Economic Council Grant, which opens June 1 and closes June 30.

Another noteworthy development was the sale of 191 Commerce Drive for $380,000, a property previously challenging to sell. This was marked as a positive outcome, contributing to the financial health of the redevelopment authority.

The Pleasant Street urban renewal plan was also discussed, with ongoing revisions being prepared for submission to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The board considered a proposal to extend and increase a consultant’s contract by $11,120 to meet new MEPA standards. The necessity and reasonableness of the expense were supported by several members, who expressed confidence in the consultant’s work.

The meeting also encompassed updates on the master plan for dev Street, with members reviewing the final draft and providing feedback to Stantech. This phase involved consultations with developers, many of whom showed interest in the area.

Safety and community engagement in the North Downtown area were addressed, with recent meetings focusing on Purchase Street and North Main. A meeting on January 16 led to discussions on potential funding opportunities for spring events, consensus on hosting outdoor concerts, and enhancing collaboration among local restaurants to create a vibrant downtown scene. Despite this, funding for entertainment and beautification efforts remains a concern. The police chief was approached about establishing a walking patrol to improve safety and community engagement, particularly after recent safety incidents near Bank Five.

The board also discussed improving the visibility and safety of pathways leading to and from the downtown area, especially in poorly lit sections near parking lots. Strategies were considered to address the needs of individuals congregating outside the public library, with potential outreach to local shelters and organizations.