HomeMy Public PortalAboutChester Street Neighborhood Informational Letter FinalCITY OF WATERTOWN
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (P) 617-972-6420
124 ORCHARD STREET (F) 617-972-6402
WATERTOWN MA 02472
Gregory M. St. Louis, PE
Superintendent
January 21, 2022
RE: Chester Street Reconstruction
Dear Chester Street Property Owner:
The Honorable City Council approved a list of streets to be reconstructed as part of our 2022 Road Reconstruction
Program, including Chester Street. As a courtesy, we are sending you this letter to provide some additional
background and information related to the upcoming work.
What work will be done?
The City is reconstructing the road pavement, curb, and sidewalks on Chester Street. The first step is to grind up the
surface and supporting layers of the road to create a new "base" for the road. The base is then shaped, smoothed,
and compacted to accept the new pavement.
In addition to a new roadway surface, new granite curbing, concrete sidewalks, and driveway transitions will be
installed. As part of the work, a grass planting strip will be provided that can also accommodate tree plantings. All
sidewalk work will comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. In general, the proposed
road and sidewalk widths will match the existing widths. A conceptual plan of the work is attached. Note the
project area will begin and include #9 Chester Street; work at the Chester Street and Mount Auburn Street
intersection will be performed as part of the Mount Auburn Street reconstruction project
(www.mountaubumstreet.com). The project area will end at Washburn Street.
New concrete
sidewalks
Planting strip
(2' minimum)
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What is the schedule for work?
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The City is in the process of selecting a contractor to perform the work in accordance with public bidding laws.
Work is anticipated to be performed during the 2022 construction season (Spring through Fall 2022) and may also
be completed in Spring 2023.
How will I be notified of construction work?
The City will provide door flyers to all homes on the street at least 48 hours before the work begins and at
important milestones. Notices and schedules will also be posted to the DPW website at:
www.watertowndpw.org/191/Annual-Road-Program. Any impacts to roadway or driveway access will be noted.
Due to the nature of the various phases of work and scheduling of crews, there may be periods where work is not
being performed.
What if I want to replace my water or sewer service or install a gas line?
In 2014, the City upgraded all of its sub -standard (iron pipe) water services from the water main to the shut-off box
in the sidewalk. You may wish to take this opportunity to upgrade your service from the shut-off box to your home
or building.
After the road is reconstructed, there is a five-year moratorium on new excavations/digging in the road. We
strongly recommend that individuals make any desired utility improvements prior to our work. If you have a
question regarding your water or sewer service, please call the Water Department at 617-972-6420. Questions
regarding gas services should be directed to National Grid, at 1-800-732-3400.
What about street trees?
Please consider requesting a street tree in front of your property. To report a concern about a street tree or request a
new one, please contact us at 617-972-6420 or e-mail ddpwdeptkwatertown-ma.. og_v.
Will my driveway be impacted?
Driveways within the work area have been inspected by the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) for compliance
with the City's Zoning Ordinance. Door hangers will be left at properties whose driveways will be impacted and
you will also be notified by mail in a separate letter. A brochure summarizing residential driveway requirements is
also attached with this letter.
If you wish to relocate, widen, or add a driveway, you must receive approval from the ZEO prior to the start of
construction. Public Works will not alter driveway openings without an approved plan from the ZEO. Public
Works will coordinate work to the maximum extent practicable, however, we cannot change driveway openings
once curbing is installed.
If you have any questions regarding driveway openings, please contact Tony Mancini, ZEO at 617-972-6427.
For additional information about the City's annual road reconstruction program, please visit the DPW website at:
www.watertowndpw.oriz/191/Annual-Road-Program. If you have any questions regarding this notice, feel free to
contact us at 617-972-6420 or e-mail dnwdent(awatertown-ma.eov.
Sincerely,
Gregory St. Louis, PE, Superintendent