The central focus of the meeting was the cathodic protection project aimed at preserving the structural integrity of the city pier. The project involves installing 109 anodes to prevent corrosion of the steel pilings. A bid package is being prepared with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for early April and bids due by mid-April. This critical measure was highlighted as essential for extending the pier’s lifespan. Project Manager Karen Martin elaborated on the technical aspects, noting that the sacrificial anodes corrode instead of the steel, thereby protecting the pier. The project also includes continuity welding and epoxy protection of welds.

Two alternate proposals are under consideration due to budget constraints. The first involves an epoxy coating on sheet piling interlocks, crucial for structural stability, while the second proposes a special splash zone epoxy for areas prone to wave-induced corrosion. These alternates were recommended by a corrosion engineer based on budgetary evaluations. Questions arose regarding these measures’ timing and why similar precautions weren’t implemented during the pier’s original construction six years ago. It was suggested that funding limitations at the time may have been a factor. The project’s estimated cost for anodes alone is between $213,000 and $215,000, with detailed bid figures still pending.

Discussions highlighted the importance of acting now rather than responding to potential damage later.

In another significant matter, the board discussed a hazardous waste decontamination project estimated near $4 million. This initiative will protect the pier’s outer sheathing, particularly the sheet piling exposed to water. An amendment to the contract with FA Infrastructure and Environment LLC was approved, adding bid assistance and construction management services. This contract, capped at $36,000, is crucial due to potential scope changes and includes time-and-materials billing. The need for immediate authorization was underscored to address uncertainties surrounding the project.

Adding to the meeting’s highlights, the authority celebrated the nomination of the city pier for the 2025 James Ferrell Award for Brownfield Remediation Project of the Year. The project, recognized for transforming a brownfield into a public space, earned a nomination from the Environmental Business Council of New England. The authority was invited to a ceremony in Boston, with the opportunity for significant representation. Discussions ensued about who to formally recognize at the event, considering the roles of various stakeholders like Bisco Construction.

Updates on other projects were also shared. The Northfield project is moving forward with anticipated permitting finalization and plans to assess granite availability for enhancements. The authority is seeking grants from the Seaport Economic Council and federal marine fisheries to support mooring fields and dinghy docks, although staffing cuts may delay decisions.

The authority addressed ongoing urban renewal plans, focusing on Pleasant Street. The lieutenant governor’s office is involved in revising these plans, with regular updates provided to ensure alignment with state expectations. A proposal to bypass the extensive MEPA process for urban renewal plans was discussed, considering potential administrative fixes to save costs and time.

The authority also submitted expressions of interest to the state through the OneStop grant program. These proposals aim to assess properties for development, including potential 25-unit apartment buildings. Additionally, the authority is revamping a vacant storefront program to attract businesses, with a $50,000 request to support space fitting and signage. Discussions about the practicality of tax credits for businesses were held, emphasizing the need for them to offset revenue effectively.

The Deval Street Corridor Master Plan is nearing completion, with community engagement initiatives like the North Downtown Restaurant Week fostering local involvement. Public safety concerns, including trash management and pedestrian safety, were addressed, with plans to collaborate with city traffic management for improvements. Parking payment methods were also discussed, highlighting the transition to digital options.