Council committee reviews $332,497 UniFirst payment, seeks details on Tufts Street soil remediation

Chair Ben Wheeler brought forward two linked items to create the Tufts Street Soil Project Stabilization Fund and appropriate $332,497 from UniFirst Corporation to pay remediation costs at 50 Tufts Street. Director Michael Richards told the committee the city has received a payment from the vendor and will apply those funds to required soil disposal costs related to the street resurfacing project.

Councilor Strezzo pressed for more detail on the contamination's origin and public notice, asking whether the remediation traces to a train-yard incident in 1979–1980 and whether residents — including the ward councilor — had been informed. "Can I just submit something in writing just confirming or, expanding on that?" Strezzo asked, requesting written follow-up and confirmation on outreach and exposure risk. Richards responded that work is underway, the payment has been deposited in escrow, and he will provide the requested written information and the city's agreement with the property owner and solicitor.

Committee members also asked whether the city's acceptance of the payment includes any release of the property owner from future liability if remediation costs exceed $332,497. Richards said he would check the attached agreement and follow up with legal if the responsibilities were not explicitly stated. Chair Wheeler noted that even if the committee recommends approval in committee, final council approval next week would provide an additional opportunity for follow-up and review.