Turley Publications photo by Jonathan Cook

Warren Center businesses remain open and access is provided while construction is in full swing.

Warren Center improvements underway

By Jonathan Cook

Turley Publications Reporter

WARREN – The planning process has been open and extensive, but now that the sight of an excavator ripping up sidewalks and parking spaces on two blocks of Main Street is really happening, project leaders want to reassure residents – this temporary inconvenience will be worth it.

Owner’s Representative Scott Charpentier of Lenard Engineering says that he has been in touch with business proprietors in the affected area and responded to their concerns. “Shopkeepers have had comments here and there and they have been addressed,” he said.

As the Owner’s Representative, Charpentier is there to observe conditions and advise the contractor, Morais Concrete of Springfield, of its obligations to secure the work site at the end of the day and to provide access to all businesses when they are open.

In one case, the Board of Selectmen heard that a piece of rebar, (steel bars that support concrete) had been left sticking up. Charpentier says the contractor has been informed that is not allowed and they have taken measures to prevent such hazardous conditions from being unattended.

Chris Dunphy of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), who helped the town secure the $323,456 for the improvements through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), noted that many residents “are now concerned that the project is causing hardship and presenting a problem to area residents and business owners.”

But Dunphy points to other successful projects funded by CDBG with the help of the PVPC. Right around the corner from Main Street are the Bacon Street improvements along with the rehabilitation of Winthrop Terrace. Also, “Hobo” Gendron Park was given new life with the help of Dunphy and CDBG money.

Dunphy also notes that in 2003, “The first small effort occurred by making the town Gazebo handicapped accessible and installing new handicapped access ramps at the intersection of West Brookfield Road. This followed in 2004 by a comprehensive Warren Downtown Revitalization Plan.” The revitalization plan allowed for a year-long evaluation of the area that included many public meetings and direct discussions with local businesses and property owners.

Rich Eichacker, Chairman of the Warren Community Development Advisory Committee, said “We had many community meetings during that planning study which ultimately led to some great projects including this ongoing Main Street project.”

Dunphy added, “We all knew going in that the Main Street piece, particularly the sidewalk and ramp work, was going to be the most complicated and aggravating for area residents, property owners and business owners. That is why we conducted a separate design study phase last year to gather more information and to prepare folks for the construction activity.”   

One complaint has been that cars are parked in the same spot all day, now that parking in the area is at a premium. The Board of Selectmen decided to enforce a 30 minute parking limit along the library side of Main Street.

The contractor has 120 days (until October 5) to “substantially complete” the project. But, Charpentier said, “Our hope is to open Labor Day with a few final touches left to be done.”

Charpentier pointed out that the end result will make a dramatic improvement in access for elderly, disabled and parents with small children. “It’s not just wheelchairs,” he said, “It’s also mothers with carriages. I don’t like to see my wife struggle with one child in her arms and dragging another in a carriage up the step just to get a gallon of milk.” Instead, when this project is complete, there will be ramped access to all stores that will make it easier for customers to do business downtown.