STREET REHABILITATION - TOWN

In 1992, the Department of Public Works (DPW) undertook a comprehensive study of its roads and implemented a pavement management system. The system was designed to bring Town-owned streets to a sufficient level of repair such that the roads could be maintained without undertaking costly full reconstruction. From 1992 to 1997, the Town made some progress in this regard, but funding was inconsistent. Starting in 1997, the Town began allocating $1 million per year to streets, in addition to Chapter 90 funding from the State.


Based on the recommendations of the 2007/2008 Override Study Committee (OSC), the 2008 Override approved by the voters included $750,000 for streets and sidewalks, to be increased annually by 2.5%.


STREET REHABILITATION - STATE

The State provides monies under its Chapter 90 program for improvements to certain streets. About 1/3 of Brookline's streets are eligible for 100% State reimbursement. This money supplements the funding appropriated from Town funds for street rehabilitation. An annual $300 million statewide Chapter 90 program is assumed.


SIDEWALK REPAIR

The Department of Public Works developed a sidewalk management program. Some sidewalks are reconstructed as part of the street reconstruction program; those that are not are funded under this program. Based on the recommendations of the 2007/2008 Override Study Committee (OSC), the 2008 Override approved by the voters included $750,000 for streets and sidewalks, to be increased annually by 2.5%. Of the FY09 override amount, $50,000 was appropriated for sidewalks. In FY21, the appropriation is recommended at $336,000 (the original $200,000 base plus the $50,000 added in FY09 increased annually by 2.5%).

PARKING LOT REHABILITATION

Since its construction in 1965, the Centre Street parking lot has not had any substantial maintenance work done. Repairs have been more reactive and of the "band-aid" type and significant renovations in terms of curbing, pavement, and associated improvements are necessary. There is a great opportunity for the Town to identify and then integrate other needs confronting Coolidge Corner into planning for the parking lot, thereby promoting an efficient use of the publicly owned parcel. The $205,000 shown in Future Years is the estimate for the more traditional repaving and resetting of curbing.

FIRE ALARM CALL BOX SYSTEM

Brookline has an aging network of hundreds of hard-wired fire alarm call boxes. The Department of Public Works has the responsibility for maintaining this system. The CIP includes an item that would finance abandonment of the existing hard-wired network and replacement of 80 of the 297 street boxes with modern solar-powered wireless call boxes. The Fire Department has determined that 80 street boxes are sufficient to provide town-wide coverage. The existing 42 publicly owned master call boxes in buildings will be replaced with wireless boxes.