Selectmen Not Ready to Move Ahead on Eversource Project

NEEDHAM, MA — Town officials are hoping to slow down a proposed Eversouce project that would include running underground lunes in Needham.

The proposed reliability project from the energy company calls for 2.6 miles of underground lines, with a preferred route from Greendale Avenue parkland to Chestnut Street. The project is part of a federal mandate for reliable solutions.

Residents, however, spoke for an alternative solution at a recent meeting.

“I think to me, it is a very fiery crowd who had opinions on the primary route and rightfully so. There are questions that need answers,” Selectmen Chairman Matthew Borrelli said at last week’s selectmen meeting. “I think it's time to step back and reassess everything from the mandate.”

Selectman Maurice Handel called on Eversource to make a more compelling argument to the residents who live on the proposed route.

"The decision isn’t being made at the town level, it’s going to be made at the regional level,” Handel said.

Town Meeting approval is needed to move the project forward, but it appears that the board isn’t rushing to pass something anytime soon.

Image: File Photo