Center Business District Project

A project to improve water and sewer infrastructure in the French Square area; and to provide street level amenities to a vibrant business district.

CBD Map

Winthrop's Center Business District

Financing for the infrastructure project in the Center Business District (CBD) has been approved and construction will occur in 2020 and 2021. This is a critical infrastructure project for the Town and will result in a system that works better for the entire community. Although this will be a large undertaking, the Town believes that it is a necessary project and we appreciate the understanding and appreciation of the community.


Specific instructions that have been provided to the contractor, so that:

  • Sidewalks will not be demolished on both sides of the street at the same time.
  • Demolition and installation of sidewalks must be completed within five working days.
  • Work must be completed in the current phase before work can begin on the next phase of the project.

Project Timeline

Phase 1 (part 1)

French Square will be demolished in preparation to construct a temporary parking lot. A temporary parking lot with 24 spaces will be constructed.

Phase 1 (part 2)

Parking in French Square

Phase 2

Sewer, water and drain improvements will be constructed on Pauline Street between Walden Street and Woodside Avenue and on Woodside Avenue between Pauline Street and Bartlett Road. Contaminated soil and groundwater are expected during construction of the infrastructure improvements on Pauline Street and Woodside Avenue. The staging area at the Larsen Rink will be utilized during this construction to manage soil.

Phase 3

Storm drain improvements on Pauline Street (Woodside Avenue to Hagman Road), Harman Road, French Square and Jefferson Street (French Square to Putnam Street) will be constructed. Contaminated soil and groundwater are expected during construction on Pauline Street and Hagman Road. The staging area at the Larsen Rink will be utilized during this construction to manage soils. Hagman Road is also an area of environmental concern. An archaeologist will be on site monitoring construction as a precautionary measure.

Phase 4

Sewer, water and drain improvements will be constructed on Woodside Avenue (French Square to Pleasant Street), Adams Street, Williams Street and Bartlett Road (French Square to Pleasant Street).

Phase 5

Sewer, water and drain improvements will be constructed on Somerset Avenue (Woodside Avenue to Pleasant Street) and Cottage Park Road (Somerset Avenue to Pleasant Street).

Phase 6

Sidewalk, landscaping and electrical improvements will be constructed on Pauline Street (Walden Street to Woodside Avenue) and Woodside Avenue (Pauline Street to French Square).

Phase 7

Sidewalk, landscaping and electrical improvements will be constructed on Hagman Road, Putnam Street (Pauline Street to Jefferson Street), Jefferson Street (Putnam Street to French Square) and French Square. This phase does not include the reconstruction of French Square.

Phase 8

Sidewalk, landscaping and electrical improvements will be constructed on Woodside Avenue (French Square to Pleasant Street), Adams Street, and Bartlett Road (French Square to Pleasant Street).

Phase 9

Sidewalk, landscaping and electrical improvements will be constructed on Somerset Avenue (Woodside Avenue to Pleasant Street) and Cottage Park Road (Somerset Avenue to Pleasant Street).

Contact Information

ENGINEER – Woodard & Curran

Arthur Leventis, P.E.; Project Manager

(978) 482-7836

Joseph Lacasse; Resident Engineer

(978) 775-3044


CONTRACTOR – P. Gioioso & Sons, Inc.

Marco Gioioso, Project Manager

(617) 364-5800

Frank Fruci, Site Supervisor

(617) 207-3253

Gianna Gioioso, Assistant Project Manager

(617) 364-5800


TOWN – Department of Public Works

Steven Calla; DPW Director

(617) 846-1341

How to learn more

To learn the history of this project, please visit the website Winthrop Projects, Plans and Presentations.


To submit a project related work order, please visit SeeClickFix.

Follow the project

Follow #WinCenterBusinessDistrict on all social media streams for the most current updates on the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the hours of construction?

In general work hours are Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM


Who should I contact if there is a problem with my water service or sewer service?

During construction hours, you should contact either the Woodard & Curran or DPW at contact numbers provided herein. After construction hours, please contact the Police Department at 617-846-1212. Emergency Contact information will also be provided on the website.


Can I access my house by car during construction?

In general, yes. However, there will be times during construction, when work is being performed at or near your house that vehicle access will not be possible. During this time, you can park a vehicle in one of the public lots.


If there is an emergency, how will emergency vehicles access areas where there is construction activity?

While road closures are necessary for public safety and the safety of the workers, provision have been made to ensure no disruption of service by emergency vehicles.


How will traffic be affected by construction?

There will be disruption to the normal flow of traffic in the area of construction. Efforts have been made to minimize this disruption. For the safety of the public and the workers, there will be temporary road closures. Detour signs will be posted, detail officers will be on site and the project website will be updated periodically regarding road closings and detour routes.


How long will roads be closed?

The roads will be closed during construction hours (M-F, 7 AM to 3:30 PM). Roads will reopen for the evening to normal traffic flow.


What can I do to help?

Your patience with the inconveniences associated with construction is greatly appreciated. If possible, we ask you to consider minimizing the number of times you access your home by vehicle and to schedule errands after construction hours.