$2.1 million sewer grant marks progress in town affordable housing

A $2.1 million MassWorks grant has provided the remaining funds needed to complete the planned upgrades to the Elswick and Route 6 pumping stations, according to the Massachusetts Senate.

These upgrades were made necessary by the recent developments in that area, including the proposed 288-unit affordable housing complex, called “The Preserve,” which requires more capacity at 783 State Road. The need for this infrastructure has delayed the project overall.

Earlier this year, the developers sought and received a two-year extension on its permits, including the comprehensive permit with the Zoning Board of Appeals. At the time, one of the developers spoke on difficulties obtaining sewer and water permits.

While awaiting permits, the land was cleared, erosion control measures were installed, a retention pond was excavated and they demolished three buildings.

According to Public Works Director Tim Barber, “Our current infrastructure does not have the capacity for the increase of sewer flows from that development. So the upgrade was designed to … increase their capacity so they can accept that waste.”

The total upgrade is estimated to cost about $2.6 million. Of the remaining funds, $160,000 is from the wastewater enterprise fund, $250,000 from the developer and $100,000 from another developer, according to Barber.

Over the next month, he said his department will work with a consultant to complete the design and then a bid will go out for its construction. Working with the contractor and weather, the construction will then kick off.

Barber said the housing project was granted permits to begin construction, but “they’re only allowed a limited amount of connections once that infrastructure is in due to the capacity until that upgrade is complete.”

While it is certain these upgrades will allow the housing development to make progress, it is unclear what this will look like over the next two years. The developer, First Dartmouth LLC, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Previous discussions on the project planned for a five-phase breakdown of the construction, with the first phase said to include four apartment buildings and a clubhouse.

Barber highlighted some of the other work the developers have been completing in the meantime, including constructing an emergency access road out to Reed Road that will also be a water main connection.

“We are excited we were awarded the grant because the funding was tight to get,” he said, adding it's especially good given that it wasn’t a previously scheduled project and it takes the 

“This funding will allow the Town to meet the usage demands of today while also enabling future opportunities for business growth and development in the area,” said Co-Interim Town Administrator Chris Vitale.

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a competitive state grant program funded by the legislature that provides the largest and most flexible source of capital funds to municipalities for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur private development and create jobs throughout the Commonwealth, according to Sen. Mark Montigny’s Office.

Montigny said, “This funding makes a significant contribution to updating and maintaining the infrastructure needs of Dartmouth. As our community continues to grow and develop it is essential that the infrastructure matches the needs of our residents. These funds enable our commitment to that goal without placing an undue burden on local tax bills.”

Grant King, SRPEDD comprehensive planning manager and deputy director, said, "SRPEDD assists with numerous municipal grant applications every year. It's our mission to help communities achieve their goals and find solutions to challenges. SRPEDD is gratified to contribute to Dartmouth's success and looks forward to seeing the positive economic and community benefits that result from this project.”