Select Board approves Complete Streets work on Exchange Street, adds $300,000 to contract

The Millis Select Board voted Nov. 24 to authorize the town administrator to sign an amendment adding $300,000 to an existing contract for the Complete Streets Exchange Street project, which includes sidewalk replacement and an intersection redesign.

Project presenters said the work uses a $100,000 earmark from Senator Rebecca Rausch's office for sidewalks and an additional Complete Streets grant to fund intersection and pedestrian-safety improvements. A presenter described the changes as "a major change to the way people drive in Millis," saying the redesign shortens crosswalk distances and adds defined turning lanes and a longer center island to improve sight lines.

Board members and residents pressed on trade-offs. Jim Duffy and other attendees asked how many angled parking spaces would be lost; the engineer reported losing four spots. The board discussed removing two mature street trees in front of Number 12 Exchange Street because roots have damaged sidewalks; members said the trees will be replaced in other green spaces selected by the energy/trees committee.

Public-safety concerns were raised and will be addressed in the construction-phase design: the police chief asked about pedestrian signal coordination; the fire chief requested confirmation of turning radii so trucks can maneuver around disabled vehicles. Project staff said those details will be confirmed during final design.

The board passed the motion to amend the contract and extend the work, with members noting the funds are grant- and Complete Streets–sourced and will not increase local taxes. Construction timing was presented as spring and the contract amendment locks current prices through June 30.