Charlton’s Turner Road Bridge to be Replaced, Senior Center Plans, and New Library Roof
By Janet Stoica
The town was able to secure a grant from the MassDOT’s Small Bridge Program and the highway department is working with the Pare Engineering firm that has been assigned by the state as the project engineer. “A meeting is scheduled to review plans and for determining a tentative timeline for the bridge’s completion. The Small Bridge Program is specifically aimed at bridge replacements under 20 feet in length,” said Andrew Golas, Charlton’s Town Administrator.
The Main Street Sidewalk replacement project has obtained all necessary abutter agreements to begin work. “We will also be including a pedestrian access to better connect the Charlton Elementary School Parking Lot to the athletic fields and library to hopefully mitigate parking concerns during athletic events. We are planning for construction over the summer following the end of school,” stated Administrator Golas.
Additionally, the town has received two proposals for Senior Center space. The Overlook on Masonic Home Road and the Charlton City United Methodist Church on Stafford Street submitted the proposals. “The Council on Aging will soon begin their tours of both facilities to review what the sites offer and weigh the cost benefits. A feasibility study will be done to measure the cost metrics vs. construction of a new facility,” said Mr. Golas.
A seven-year update for Charlton’s Open Space and Recreation Plan needs town volunteers. Open space refers to passive recreation like walking pathways, etc. and reflects on the future of conservation and recreation resources. The year 2017 was the last revision and if there are local residents who are interested and would like to volunteer their time, their involvement would be greatly appreciated. Talent Bank Forms are available on the town website: townofcharlton.net Just type “Talent Bank” in the upper right corner of the home page.
With the funding for the town’s library roof replacement already approved, supplier bids were due by February 28. “There was roof leakage on one section of the library roof,” said Mr. Golas, “and the gutters and roofing were due for replacement as they had degraded. The $400,000 project will include new 40-year shingles and rain gutter replacements.” Current gutters are built into the roof edging, are copper-lined and are not visible, but the downspouts are viewable. The new roof and gutters should be completed soon.
