Subscribe to our mailing list and consider following WestfordCAT on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram for daily updates from Westford’s hometown source for news.
WESTFORD — Welcome to the Oct. 16 edition of Weekend Wrap-Up. Here, we highlight the most important news you may have missed this week in Westford.
Beaver Brook bridge receives funding for replacement, upgrades
Beaver Brook bridge will soon be receiving upgrades thanks to funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed last year.
The bridge, which is has suffered from structural deficiencies could suffer from unpredictable road closures in the future.
The project will replace and upgrade the bridge and the adjoining roadway. Approximately $2 million has been earmarked for the project, which will add sidewalks, two bicycle lanes and upgraded traffic equipment.
“The Town of Westford is greatly appreciative to Congresswoman Trahan and Representative Arciero for securing our community with 2 million dollars in grant funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Westford Assistant Town Manager Eric Heideman in a statement. “These funds will be used to replace the town’s Beaver Brook Bridge, which will benefit both Westford residents and neighboring communities.”
The federal funding will cover 80% of the entire project, with the remainder covered through state-level contributions.
Columbus Day celebration held on Westford Common, proposed ballot question delayed until May
A number of Westford residents and organizations gathered on the town common to celebrate Columbus Day on Monday.
Anthony DiLeo, an organizer of the event, described the event as a celebration of the holiday and of Christopher Columbus’ voyage in 1492.
“The intent is to provide a historical perspective, highlighting both the positives and negatives of Christopher Columbus’ travel to the Americas,” DiLeo told WestfordCAT.
The event saw speakers from the Knights of Columbus, the Italian-American Alliance and the Sons and Daughters of Italy.
The flag flown during Columbus’ voyage was also temporarily raised on the town common.
A recently proposed ballot question to replace Columbus Day to Indigenous People’s Day that was originally slated to appear on a Nov. 8 ballot has been delayed until next year.
“After consulting with town counsel, we learned that this ballot question can only appear on the annual local election,” said Select Board Chair Andrea Peraner-Sweet in a Sept. 27 meeting. Because the election in November is considered a special local election, the Indigenous People’s Day question cannot appear on a special local election.”
Northeast Mass downgraded to ‘significant’ drought, water restrictions remain
Following recent rain events in September, the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Westford, has been downgraded to a significant drought, resulting in relaxed water restrictions for residents.
Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card announced the downgrade from a critical drought to a significant drought on Oct. 7 She cited a number of rainfall events that directly benefited Massachusetts hydrological systems.
The Water Department has implemented mandatory water restrictions for public water customers.
Previously, the department banned all non-essential water use in town under its Stage 3 restrictions. The department is now requiring residents to minimize outdoor water usage between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. under its Stage 2 restrictions.
Now, customers with an odd-numbered address may only water on odd-numbered days from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Customers with even-numbered addresses may only water on even-numbered days from 6 p.m. to 9 a.m. Additionally, the filling of swimming pools is still prohibited.
New water stations coming to Westford schools
State Rep. James Arciero recently secured funding for new water stations at Westford Public Schools.
$35,000 was earmarked in the recently passed state budget to install 23 stations across nine schools in the district. The district previously sought funding through the American Rescue Plan Act funding the Town of Westford received last year.
“The greatest benefit of the filling stations is that it provides students and staff access to drinking water that is much safer than traditional water bubblers,” Town of Westford Director of Facilities Jeff Goodwin said in a news release.
He continued, “the touchless sensor on the new filling stations allows the user to fill a bottle without contacting any part of the unit, thus drastically reducing the risk of contracting COVID or other viruses by touching buttons and putting mouths close to traditional water fountains.”
Local journalism is vital to our communities. As other publications shift focus toward regional journalism, WestfordCAT continues to provide high-quality hyperlocal reporting to our town, free for everyone to read. So — we have a small favor to ask. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps us sustain our journalism and keep our community informed. Please consider supporting WestfordCAT for as little as $1 on PayPal.
