Blake Street streetscape, park design trimmed and advanced to warrant after CPC vote; CSX rules shape fence and mural plans

The Master Plan Implementation Committee received a detailed Blake Street streetscape update on Feb. 19 and heard that design changes and rail‑right‑of‑way constraints have shaped a revised, lower‑cost project that the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) has advanced to the Town Meeting warrant.

Laurie (project lead) said bids for the Blake Street streetscape will be released the week of Feb. 26 with bids due in late March and that several adjustments came after railroad feedback. "They told us that we couldn't have our trees in the grass strip between the municipal parking lot and the railroad tracks," Laurie said; as a result, the project will use decorative grasses in that narrow strip and relocate one tree to the park. Laurie added the walkway connecting Hudson to the municipal lot was removed and replaced by a short walkway to a round seating area with three benches.

CSX fence requirements: CSX stipulated fence openings no larger than 2 by 2 inches and discouraged vinyl fencing near track vibration; project staff submitted a revised wooden fence design with stainable panels that would allow murals and reduce vibration concerns. Project staff and committee members discussed painting both sides of mural panels to reduce graffiti risk and agreed a solid stain on both sides is likely needed.

Budget, funding and CPC action: the design changes and scope adjustments reduced the budget request; Laurie told the committee the CPC recommendation was reduced from a higher initial ask and is now roughly $783,900. She said the CPC "voted unanimously to advance it onto the warrant to recommend in favor of using CPC funds for that purpose." Committee members discussed how the Blake Street Park article will be presented at Town Meeting and emphasized explaining to voters that CPA funding is different from general‑fund or tax increases.

Why it matters: the project ties downtown aesthetic improvements, safety near the railroad and small‑scale public‑art opportunities. If approved at Town Meeting, the project would advance park improvements and downtown activation, while the fence redesign addresses safety and rail‑right‑of‑way constraints.

Next steps: bids will be opened in March and, if CPC and town‑meeting approvals follow, the town will proceed with contracting and construction; project staff will continue coordination with CSX and with the cultural council on mural and maintenance plans.