Phase 3 sewer construction is officially shifting focus to Chestnut Lane and Elm Drive North as Harwich continues its multi-year wastewater expansion. During the March 10 Select Board meeting, representatives from GHD engineering, Jeff Greg and Mark Drainville, detailed the upcoming construction footprint and timeline for the neighborhood. Greg informed the board that crews are prepared for the transition, stating we are currently transitioning the heavy machinery to the Chestnut Lane corridor to maintain the Phase 3 schedule. Drainville added that technical surveys of the area are complete, ensuring that the installation of the main sewer lines can proceed with minimal disruption to the existing utility grid.

The board’s discussion centered on the logistical and environmental stakes of the project, particularly given the ongoing community focus on pond health and the Great Sand Lakes area. Chair Donald Howell emphasized the need for a holistic approach to the expansion, noting that we need to ensure that as we move through these phases, we aren't losing sight of the broader pond health goals that residents are rightfully concerned about. Board Member Michael Howell echoed these sentiments, focusing on the financial clarity of the project. Fiscal transparency during these large-scale infrastructure shifts is what the taxpayers expect from this board, he said.

Engineering staff member Link highlighted the coordination required between departments to manage the traffic impacts on local roads. Board Member Julie expressed concern for the residents living in the immediate vicinity of the work, stating that the impact on neighborhood traffic during the Chestnut Lane work must be communicated clearly to residents to avoid confusion during the daily commute. Following the technical update, the board took formal action to solidify the construction schedule. Motion Made by P. Piekarski to authorize the Phase 3 construction schedule for Chestnut Lane. Motion Passed 5-0.

The meeting also addressed broader municipal concerns through a series of project updates from Megan Elders and Amy Archer of Par Corporation. Elders touched on the town's capital projects, which have recently faced inflationary hurdles, reminding the board that inflationary pressures remain a challenge for our municipal projects, requiring constant oversight of our capital timelines. Archer, representing Par Corporation, discussed how ongoing housing initiatives fit into the town’s broader production plan, explaining that our goal is to align these housing initiatives with the town's broader production plan while navigating the current funding landscape. Vice Chair Peter Piekarski underscored the urgency of these timelines, noting that the timeline is critical because every week of delay in this environment adds to the bottom line of these contracts.

Financial and assessment accuracy was also on the agenda, with Town Assessor Richard Wasac providing insight into how the town's growth and valuations are being tracked amidst rising infrastructure costs. Wasac told the board that the assessing department is working to ensure that new growth and valuations accurately reflect the current market shift in Harwich. Board Member Mark Kelleher, who was seated for the evening’s votes, noted the sensitivity of the tax and assessment burden on residents. We are watching these sewer assessments closely to ensure the burden is distributed fairly, Kelleher said. The board concluded the session by monitoring project updates from the Town Administrator’s office, with Joseph Powers emphasizing the continued need for departmental collaboration as the spring construction season approaches.