HomeMy Public PortalAboutNichols Ave. Neighborhood Informational LetterTOWN OF WATERTOWN
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS (P) 617-972-6420
124 ORCHARD STREET (F) 617-972-6402
WATERTOWN MA 02472
Gerald S. Mee Jr.
Superintendent
March 22, 2019
NAME
ADDRESS
Watertown, MA 02472
RE: Nichols Avenue Reconstruction, from Quimby Street to Boylston Street
Dear resident:
The Honorable Town Council approved a list of streets to be reconstructed as part of our 2019 Road
Reconstruction Program, including Nichols Avenue, from Quimby Street to Boylston Street. We are sending
you this letter to provide some additional background and information related to the upcoming work.
What is the scope of work?
The work includes roadway reclamation, a process by which the surface and sub -surface of the road is ground
up and recycled to create a new "base" for the road. The base is then shaped, graded and compacted to accept
the new roadway surface.
In addition to a new roadway surface, granite curbing and concrete sidewalk/aprons will be installed. As part
of the work, a new grass border will be provided that can also accommodate tree plantings. All sidewalk work
will comaly with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) reauirements.
I 2 FOOT MIN.
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FULL DEPTH PAVEMENT RECLAMATION AND NEW
PAVEMENT - (ROADWAY WIDTH VARIES)
TOWN LAYOUT
NMaM2019 lettersWichols AvelNichols Ave. Neighborhood Informational Letter.docx
A concept plan of the work is attached. As part of the project, a raised table will also be installed at the
intersection of Nichols Avenue and Dexter Avenue, similar to the installation at Elton Ave. The purpose of
the raised table is to provide enhanced pedestrian access meeting ADA requirements. The intersection will
remain a 4-way stop condition. Concrete sidewalk and granite curbing will also be extended to Quimby
Street.
What is the schedule for work?
The Town intends to select a contractor to perform the work later this spring, in accordance with public
bidding laws. Work will be performed during the 2019 construction season (spring through fall 2019) and
may also be completed in spring 2020.
How will I be notified of the work?
The Town will provide door flyers at least 48-hours prior to the work beginning and updates at important
milestones. 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 service or install a gas line?
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.
Why Plant Trees?
• Trees cool the community by fighting the
heat island effect —they reduce high
temperatures created by pavement, cars
and buildings.
• Trees clean the air by making oxygen and
absorbing pollutants.
• Trees help prevent flooding by keeping
rain out of storm drain systems.
• Trees protect wildlife.
• Trees can give you privacy.
• Trees increase value to properties.
Will my driveway, b�pacted?
What about street trees?
The Town Tree Warden will evaluate the condition of existing
street trees and identify potential locations for new plantings.
Any removal of a non -hazardous street tree will require a tree
hearing, in accordance with the Public Shade Tree law, M.G.L.
Chapter 87.
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 Chris Hayward, Tree Warden at 617-972-6420.
Additional information is attached.
Driveways within the work area have been inspected by the Zoning Enforcement Officer (ZEO) for
compliance with the Town's Zoning Ordinance. A notice has been included with this mailing if your
driveway opening requires modification. 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. 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.
MMath2019 lettersWichols AvelNichols Ave. Neighborhood Informational Letter.docx
If you have any questions regarding driveway openings, please contact the ZEO at 617-972-6427.
Additional information about the Town's annual road reconstruction program, please visit the DPW web -site
at: http://www.watertowndpw.org,/191/Annual-Road-Program. If you have any questions in regards to this
notice or in regards to the paving project in general, feel free to contact us at 617-972-6420 or e-
mail dpwdeptkwatertown-ma. og_v.
Sincerely,
zle-O -
Gerald S. Mee, Jr.
Superintendent
I:IM M2019 lettersftchols AvelNichols Ave. Neighborhood Informational Letter.docx