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Providence & Worcester Railroad Crossing Upgrades
Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc., parent company of the Providence & Worcester Railroad, has revised plans and cost estimates to ensure compliance with American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-of-Way Association (AREMA) standards at the Rice Road railroad crossing. This adjustment is in response to anticipated traffic increases from the proposed Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project. Safety is paramount for Genesee & Wyoming Railroad Services, Inc., Providence & Worcester Railroad, and the community. However, the developers of Rice Pond Village have not prioritized public safety, as evidenced by their disregard for concerns raised by the Millbury Planning Board and the neighborhood. Despite increased traffic volumes and speeds due to the project, the developers refuse to bear the financial responsibility for necessary upgrades. The estimated cost for these upgrades is $432,659.42, with a projected closure of at least four days. Providence & Worcester Railroad's involvement in decision-making processes is crucial for prioritizing public safety.
Recap Of Chapter 40B Public Hearing #5
Kenneth Perro, the chairperson of the Millbury Board of Appeals, initiated the public hearing and clarified that testimony or public comments would not be received. He elucidated that the developers had presented documents that both the board and the town's peer reviewers hadn't thoroughly examined and addressed. Consequently, the public hearing would be postponed until March 13, 2024. The board then voted to continue the public hearing and adjourn.
Traffic Impact Study Updated - February 2024
Discover the startling findings from our analysis of massDOT Crash Data, aligned with the developer's February 2024 Traffic Impact Study, but diverging in findings. Within a 0.25-mile radius of the proposed project site at 17 Rice Road in Millbury, Massachusetts, we uncovered 12 recorded accidents, including a fatal incident on South Main Street attributed to speed. Furthermore, recurring collisions highlight critical safety concerns, urging immediate intersection reconfiguration. Explore the details to understand the urgency of implementing traffic control measures for safer roadways.
Chapter 40B Public Hearing - February 28, 2024
The upcoming public hearing for the proposed Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project will be hosted by the Millbury Board of Appeals. It is scheduled for Wednesday, February 28, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM. The venue for this event will be at the Millbury Senior Center, situated at One River Street in Millbury, Massachusetts. Attending in person is encouraged for maximum participation. However, if you're unable to attend physically, you can join via Zoom using Meeting ID 863 3392 3170.
Rice Pond Village Waiver Justifications
James Tetreault, the project engineer for the developer, submitted justifications for waivers associated with the Chapter 40B Rice Pond Village project on February 21, 2024. However, these reasons lack merit and fail to prioritize the town's interests. There's a noticeable absence of citations or supporting evidence for the numerous waiver requests. It's apparent that the developers prioritize their own interests over those of Millbury residents, with a pattern of behavior indicating a disregard for rules and regulations.
Rising Threat: Potential Rental Market Monopoly In Millbury
In Millbury, there's a looming possibility of monopolies taking hold in the apartment rental sector, quietly shaping our community's housing landscape. These monopolies, potentially controlled by a few individuals using various corporations or a select few entities, could dictate rental prices, tenant options, and living standards. This dominance may lead to inflated rents, subpar living conditions, and limited housing choices, particularly affecting low- and middle-income families. Furthermore, the emergence of monopolies could stifle innovation, drive community displacement, and hinder fair competition.