Braintree OKs $355K In Community Preservation Act Money For 2 Projects

BRAINTREE, MA — Town Council unanimously approved two projects at their Oct. 18 meeting, accounting for $355,000 in Community Preservation Act funds.

The first project approved was a wheelchair ramp at Town Hall. In total, the project will cost $215,000, with the $55,000 approved at the recent meeting going toward masonry work which will match the brick used in the ramp to the brick that makes up the exterior of Town Hall, according to Mayor Charles Kokoros Chief of Staff Nicole Taub.

Some residents have questions about concerns about the placement of the ramp at Town Hall. The ramp's location at the back of the building is one concern, as is the pathway which leads to the ramp, which is often blocked according to Crystal Evans, who is a member of the Braintree commission on disabilities.

Building Inspector Russell Forsberg did note, however, that the building of the ramp is coupled with a redesign of the parking lot out back, which would move parking for Braintree's disabled community closer to the building and also create a better way to get to the ramp itself.

The council unanimously approved the measure.

A new riverfront trail on Middle Street is also seeing additional money, with $300,000 in Community Preservation Act funds being used to help put the finishing touches on the project.

Braintree officials had already committed $300,000 to the project with the state providing $287,000. This additional money, according to Taub, is needed after construction bids came in at a higher price point than officials expected.

The additional $300,000 was also unanimously approved by the council.

Watch the full meeting below: