Project Dashboard

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
CURRENT
Town Facility Master Plan	Study looking at the existing conditions, programmatic needs and capital planning of all Town Facilities.	DPW Director- Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Complete, Final Facility Master Plan
Water Main Replacement: Walker Road		DPW Director- Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Complete. Paving to take place Summer 2024.
Water Main Replacement: Plum Hill	Installation of water main on Plum Hill from Hickory Hill and connecting to Ancient County way to provide redundancy for that area.		Plum Hill is Design only and awaiting future funding (SRF application submitted in summer 2023)
Lincoln Street Well/Gravely Pond PFAS monitoring and Treatment considerations	Massachusetts DEP began testing requirements for PFAS in drinking water in fall of 2021. DPW is testing monthly and considering treatment options should they become warranted.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Monthly Testing- Ongoing In light of potential MCL changes from EPA, the Town is evaluating additional treatment alternatives for Gravely Pond and possibly combining sources of water for PFAS treatment at the Gravely Pond facility as well. Learn More
North Shore Regional Compost Facility	The Town voted to relocate the current compost site at the November 2019 Special Town Meeting. The DPW collected RFP's from interested compost service providers on June 10, 2021 and is ongoing.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Construction of the new compost facility continues next to the Transfer Station and is expected to be completed in Spring 2024 (awaiting permitting from National Grid). Learn more.
PLANNED
Central St Culvert Replacement	The Central St Culvert replacement will replace the existing 100+ year old stone culvert and replace with a new precast concrete arch culvert. This project will also remove the tide gate to improve the hydraulics of Central Pond/Sawmill brook	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	In Design & Permitting Phase; Construction date is contingent upon award of FEMA Bric grant. It is anticipated construction will commence in Fall of 2025. Learn More
Central Pond/Saw Mill Brook Restoration	The Central Pond and Sawmill Brook stream walls will be repaired using natural shorelines and hard scape strategies. The mudflats will be planted with marsh reads to improve their resiliency.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Design and permitting have been completed; construction is contingent upon award of various grants the Town has applied for. It is anticipated construction will commence in Fall of 2025.
Tappan St Water Main & Drainage Phase 1	Replacement of the water main on Tappan St. Rerouting of the storm water drainage system in the area of Tappan & Sea St.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Design has been completed. Construction is contingent upon additional funding. Learn More
Downtown Improvements Project Phase 2 Study	Study to explore continuing the DIPs phase 1 look/feel down to Pine Street past Town Hall, up to Washington St, and down to Tappan St from their existing limits.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Study is underway and anticipated to be completed in June 2024
RECENTLY COMPLETED
2022 Water Main (School Street)	Cleaning of the water main on sections of School Street.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed
Cemetery Expansion	Currently a limited number of available cemetery plots for sale. Developing additional areas within the cemetery into plots that can be sold to residents.		Complete
DPW Relocation Study	Study to evaluate possible Town owned siting locations for a proposed new DPW. Existing DPW on Pleasant St is at its useful life.		Complete
Library ADA Bathroom Study	Study to find a suitable location in the library to add an ADA bathroom while trying to minimize impact to used spaces/services		Complete
Water Treatment Plant SCADA Upgrades			Complete
2022 Chapter 90 Paving Town Wide: Forest St., Harold St. and Magnolia Ave. (other streets TBD)	Annual state funded Chapter 90 paving for roadway and sidewalks. Final paving list TBD and based upon other utility work completed.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed
Guardrail Replacement	Raymond and Lincoln Streets will be done in May/June of 2022.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed
2021 Water Main Replacement - Forest St	Work will commence in September and will go throughout the fall. Roads will be open to traffic but use caution and observe signage. All effected residents will receive notification prior to any service interruptions.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed
Singing Beach Revetment Repairs and Stinky Beach Seawall Repairs	Reconstruction of sections of the Singing Beach revetment damaged during the 2018 winter storms and construction of a new section of seawall destroyed during the 2018 winter storms.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed
WTP Replaced the Original Venturi Meters	Installed new mag meters which will improve the accuracy of our flow metering.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed
WTP & LSW Chemical Feed systems upgrades	Included replacement of chemical metering pumps/systems at the WTP and LSW WTP Flow Meter	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed
WTP RAS System Replacement	Included replacement of pumps, valves, and piping associated with the return activated sludge system.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed
MAPC Green Communities Grant for Library & Fire Dept. Weatherization Work	Weather sealing of doors and windows at the library and fire department. Construction funded through MAPC Green Communities grant	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed
Emergency Services Radio Upgrades	Complete upgrade of the Town’s Emergency Radio system used by Police, Fire, DPW, and Harbormaster to improve the range, radio clarity, and reduce weak signal zones in Town.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed Fall 2021
Seaside 1 Exterior Painting	Long term maintenance painting of the exterior siding and trim of the Seaside 1 building as existing paint was starting to fail. Project wasfunded by the CPC.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed Summer 2021
Town Hall HVAC	Installation of a VRF heat pump system for heating/ cooling Town Hall to replace the existing electric baseboard heating and window air conditioners. Also included replacement of the ventilation equipment and improved air filtration.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed Summer 2021
Harbor Loop Sewer Lining	CIPP (cured-in-place-pipe) lining of the harbor loop sewer, which was deteriorating and allowing salt water into the sewer system. Additional CIPP lining was completed on Bridge St, Central St, Church St, Beach St, Bennet St, along Sawmill Brook, and various other streets.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed Spring 2021
Round Pond Well #1 Cleaning & Redevelopment	Long term maintenance of the Round Pond well which included redevelopment of the well to regain lost capacity, installation of new well pump, and cleaning of the well.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed Spring 2021
Complete Streets	Three intersections in town are being redesigned to improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety and to better accommodate those with mobility challenges.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	School/Central and Union/Beach intersections completed Spring 2020
WTP Sprinkler System Replacement	Replacement of the fire protection sprinkler system at the Water treatment plant which also included nitrogen charging system for “dry” portions to prevent future failures due to leaks/cold weather.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed Spring 2020
Town Common	Reconstruction of the Town Common in front of Town Hall. Improvements included new permeable paver walkways and ramp, trees, sod, HC parking, and incorporation of the new Veterans’ Memorial.	Town Engineer & Facilities Manager -Nate Desrosiers 978-526-1242	Completed Fall 2020
WTP, WWTP, DPW HVAC Repairs/Upgrades	Repairs to the existing heating systems in the WTP, DPW, WWTP. Installation of hazardous gas detection and ventilation at the DPW.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed Fall 2020
2020 Water Main Replacement	Replacement of water main on Boardman Ave from Bridge St to Harbor St.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed Fall 2020
WTP Sodium Fluoride Replacement	Replacement of the original hydrofluorosilicic acid chemical feed system with a sodium fluoride dry chemical feed system, as approved by DEP, to fluoridate the drinking water.	DPW Director - Chuck Dam 978-526-1242	Completed Fall 2019

Harbor

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
Tucks Point Rotunda Pile/Pier Replacement Design	The Town received a grant to hire an engineering firm to present options for undertaking the needed rebuilding of the support structures to the Tuck’s Point Rotunda.	Bion Pike Harbormaster 978-473-2520	Study Complete Learn More
Floats for Fisherman	Creation of a docking facility for commercial fishermen at the head of the harbor. Facility will span between Masconomo and Reed parks with finger slips for the vessels.	Bion Pike Harbormaster 978-473-2520	Permitting and engineering underway. FOTH Engineering
Harbor Dredging	Maintenance of channel and mooring fields to preserve safe and adequate access to boaters	Bion Pike Harbormaster 978-473-2520	Permitting and engineering underway. FOTH Engineering
Tuck’s Point Ramp/Floats	Installation of a fully permitted and compliant docking facility at the Rotunda. Permitting and engineering is complete and final license off for signature by the Governor.	Bion Pike Harbormaster 978-473-2520	Completed
Phase II Floats Reed Park	Two grants submitted (US Fish and Wildlife - Seaport Economic Council) to complete the Reed Park docking facility for transient vessels Facility will span to the drawbridge with water and electricity available.	Bion Pike Harbormaster 978-473-2520	Grants submitted

Affordable Housing Trust

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
MHA/MAHT Housing Project	The Manchester Housing Authority (MHA) and the Manchester Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) have been working on a plan to improve the existing 84 MHA public housing units and create additional affordable housing at Newport Park, the Plains and Loading Place Road. To support the redevelopment, the project would also create housing on the DPW site (if approved by the Town). Following completion of a Feasibility Study for the proposed project, the MAHA and MAHT have issued a request for proposals to secure a Development Partner. Proposals are due October 24th.	Betsy Ware, Interim Town Planner	Learn More

Parks & Recreation

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
Athletic Field Master Plan	Weston and Sampson, an engineering firm, have surveyed our recreational facilities and their users and have compiled the data into documents for review and consideration.	Parks & Rec Director – Cheryl Marshall 978-526-2019	Learn More
Pine St Field - Old Burn Dump	Funding for engineering was approved at Fall Town Meeting.	Parks & Rec Director – Cheryl Marshall 978-526-2019	Construction complete Fall 2023.
Fields - Sweeney Park	Engineering has started for a full-sized turf field to accommodate soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, flag football and softball/baseball.	Parks & Rec Director – Cheryl Marshall 978-526-2019	In Design Phase (Ongoing)
Pickleball Courts at Old Skate Park	Plan to put out to bid in January for a spring project.	Parks & Rec Director – Cheryl Marshall 978-526-2019	Project Completed - July 2022

Planning

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
Limited Commercial District Study	The Limited Commercial District Study has identified a mix and density of uses for a mixed-use neighborhood in the LCD and is creating draft zoning regulations and design guidelines that would allow the site to be built out. As with any zoning change, the overlay district regulations would need Town Meeting approval.	Town Planner	Completed Learn More
Western Woods	The Town is exploring options for preserving the large undeveloped wooded area west of Pine Street. The Town has received a state grant and has hired a professional forester to inventory, map and assess lands within the Western Woods and develop recommendations for maintenance and management.	Town Planner	Forester’s report to be completed by the end of 2022.
Master Plan	The Planning Board adopted the Manchester Comprehensive Master Plan in 2019 and is working to implement its recommendations. Key initiatives include updating the Town's Zoning Bylaws, supporting more diversified housing and preserving, protecting and managing the Town's open spaces.	Town Planner	Learn More
Zoning Recodification and Update	The Planning Board, ZBA Chair, Building Inspector and Town Planner have been working with Attorney Mark Bobrowski for over three years to propose changes for updating and improving the Town's Zoning Bylaws. Reorganization and other changes have been approved in recent Town Meetings, further changes are being recommended to the voters at the 2022 Special Town Meeting in November.	Town Planner	Learn More
Local Rapid Recovery Plan	In mid-Nov, the Board of Selectmen voted to move ahead with two priority projects that were recommended in the study. These include Improved Placemaking and an Off-Season Event Series. Also, as part of these plan recommendations, the Board of Selectmen approved a study to further explore additional restrooms in town that may be part of a new Harbormaster’s Office. The Town continues to seek grant funding for these projects.	Town Planner	Learn More
Downtown Parking Study	The Town is undertaking a downtown parking study to identify the parking needs of the downtown and provide information on parking capacity, occupancy, and duration, as well as recommend ways to manage the existing parking supply more effectively. This study will also identify ways the Town could align new zoning regulations downtown with the aim of boosting residential and commercial vitality.	Town Planner	On going through 2022

Public Safety

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
Public Safety Dispatch	The Select Board voted to move Public Safety Dispatch operations from in-house to the North Shore Regional 911 Center in June 2022. The transition will take approximately one year to complete.	Greg Federspiel Town Administrator 978-526-2000	Transfer to Regional Complete. Learn More

Zoning Board

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
40B Affordable Housing Proposal	The ZBA issued a denial on the 40B comprehensive permit application by SLV. SLV appealed the decision in September 2022.	Greg Federspiel, Town Administrator	ZBA issued denial - August 2022. Currently in MA appeals court. Learn More

Select Board

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Site Links

PROJECT	SUMMARY	CONTACT	STATUS
Policy Review	Review and update of Policies that have been adopted by the Selectmen since the late 1970’s.	Greg Federspiel Town Administrator 978-526-2000	Reviews Ongoing
Water Resource Protection Efforts	Review and update the Water Resources Protection Plan developed in the early 1990’s; Working in Conjunction with the Conservation Commission and other boards and committees.	Greg Federspiel Town Administrator 978-526-2000	Completed Learn More