Center Village Master Plan Committee: April 2, 2026

The Center Village Master Plan Committee meeting held on April 2, 2026, focused extensively on the planning and design considerations for Chelmsford Street renovations and related infrastructure improvements. Key procurement-related discussions included potential funding through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for intersection and bike lane projects, the complexities of right-of-way negotiations with local businesses, and the challenges of relocating utility poles, including the high costs and lengthy timelines associated with undergrounding utilities. The committee also discussed the need for detailed engineering drawings to advance TIP funding applications, cost estimation efforts for construction and design phases, and the importance of phased project implementation to manage legal and budgetary constraints. Additionally, there was mention of ongoing capital planning for other town infrastructure projects, such as a life upgrade with an estimated design cost of $75,000. The meeting concluded with plans to engage further with MassDOT, town council, and stakeholders to clarify funding opportunities, legal issues, and design details, aiming for a cost estimate by late 2026 and phased project advancement thereafter.