Chelmsford Secures State Budget Earmarks and Tackles Local Infrastructure Challenges

During the Chelmsford Select Board meeting, attention was devoted to the town’s budgetary priorities and infrastructure projects. The legislative delegation provided an update on the state budget, highlighting earmarks secured for Chelmsford, including $25,000 each for the Council on Aging and tree canopy restoration, as well as $50,000 for species reduction at Freeman Lake. Additionally, the millionaires’ tax generated approximately $1.3 billion, earmarked for education and transportation. The representatives also discussed regional transit authority improvements, noting $73 million allocated to enhance infrastructure and services, particularly benefiting the Lowell Regional Transit Authority. Furthermore, $248 million from the budget will support special education costs through circuit breaker reimbursements, alleviating fiscal pressures on local districts like Chelmsford.

01:09:04Another major topic was the ongoing Vinyl Square project, which includes installing a new town clock and anticipated traffic flow modifications. The project is projected to span five to six years, with discussions about the clock’s placement and potential parking space reductions due to state-mandated electric charging stations. The committee emphasized the importance of visual representations for the clock’s final placement and addressed community concerns about parking availability. Fundraising efforts for the project have been successful, with a focus group of residents and business representatives involved in planning and coordination with the Department of Public Works for landscaping and electrical installation.

17:54The meeting also covered updates on the Chelmsford-Lowell bridge bundle replacement project, set to begin in June 2025 with closures expected to last 12 to 18 months. Detour routes will be established, and pedestrian access will remain available. Additionally, improvements on Route 3A Princeton Street are planned, featuring a new traffic signal to enhance safety. An in-person public information meeting is scheduled for July 8th, for residents to learn more about the project.

01:01:41The Select Board addressed various licenses, including a one-day wine and malt beverage license and an expansion of the entertainment license for Center Brick House Pizza. Plans for acoustic music were detailed to minimize disruptions, and necessary permits were confirmed. The board also approved one-day all-alcoholic beverage licenses for the Chelmsford Public Library and St. Vartinance Armenian Church for upcoming events.

26:29Infrastructure development was a prevailing theme, with updates on the appointment of Leftfield as the owner’s project manager for new fire stations and Galante Architectural Studio as the designer. An initial project budget and schedule are being refined, with schematic design-level cost estimates expected by the end of July or early August. The school building committee also provided an update, with architectural services requests issued and a designer selection panel meeting anticipated in August.

01:28:11The meeting concluded with discussions on local committees and appointments. The board approved a contract with NV5 for elevator design services at town offices and the senior center, valued at $81,000. Additionally, appointments to the Board of Registrars and the Historical Commission were confirmed, alongside a decision to reduce the Clean Energy and Sustainability Committee’s membership from nine to seven members.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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