By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD – The Town Council got an update last night on the “Envision Wakefield” project, which will reconfigure the downtown area adding bike lanes and other features. The project would be funded using millions in state and federal dollars.
Town Engineer William Renault and Josh Trearchis, an engineer from VHB, were on hand to discuss the latest developments. The focus of last night’s update was the section of Main Street between Water Street and the Common.
The project goals, as stated last night, are to improve circulation and accessibility, create a pedestrian-focused, vibrant streetscape, enhance cultural identity, create safety enhancements and address Main Street parking capacity and occupancy. The planned bicycle and pedestrian improvements will include one-way bike lanes on either side of Main Street.
Trearchis said that alternative designs were analyzed for key intersections, including Chestnut and Main streets, Main and Crescent streets, and Salem, Main and Church streets. He said that roundabouts were considered for all three intersections, but were rejected for various reasons, including significant impacts to on-street parking (loss of 19 total spaces) and significant right-of-way impacts to abutting properties. He noted that the previous designs for each of those intersections will be maintained.
Renault and Trearchis talked about changes to parking, including closing off the section of Common Street next to the Rockery and creating additional parking there. They also talked about areas of the downtown where angle parking will be maintained as well as areas where angle parking will be replaced by parallel parking. Renault said that street width is the controlling factor in determining where angle parking will remain.
Renault and Trearchis discussed next steps, including a public input meeting planned for next month.
Project revisions and the 25 percent design submission will go to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in October/November 2025. MassDOT then has a 90 Day Review Period leading up to a design public hearing to be held in March/April of 2026.
The town will then work with MassDOT and the Metropolitan Planning Organization to get the project on the “TIP” for funding. (The Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is the five-year rolling capital plan for the 97 cities and towns in the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (MPO) planning area.)
Trearchis and Renault reviewed the anticipated project schedule beginning with the 25 percent design submission in October/November of this year, followed by the design public hearing in the spring of 2026. The 75 percent design and the filing of environmental permits is set for the winter/spring of 2027. That will be followed by the 100 percent design submission and the final plans, specifications, and estimate design in the summer of 2028.
Town Councilor Jonathan Chines said that he believed the project will improve the aesthetics of the downtown but he was not confident that everything will line up for funding according to schedule.
Renault stressed that it was important to show progress with the planning process so that the town can maintain its position on the list for funding.
Councilor John Carney said that he wanted to make sure that downtown businesses are informed and on board. Renault said that he will be meeting with the Chamber of Commerce next week.
Town Councilor Douglas Butler was less enthusiastic about the project.
“This doesn’t feel like it’s providing dramatic positive change for the downtown,” he said. He also noted that the inclusion of bike lanes is a condition of receiving state and federal funds for the project.
Councilor Jonathan Chines said that while the funds do come with conditions, he believed that some local concerns could be mitigated without losing funds.