The DPW Town Meeting Forum is an informational meeting dedicated to addressing any questions, concerns, or comments Brookline residents have about the operations of the Department of Public Works. Over the years, many participants in Town Meeting have taken the floor at the Annual Meeting to raise any number of subjects directly relevant to The Department of Public Works, but which might not necessarily involve the budget. This annual event is a specific forum for a more in-depth discussion of matters concerning the Department of Public Works than time allows during the Annual Meeting.
Given the extensive, and often critical, services our dedicated employees provide to the Brookline community, it is not surprising there is so much interest in the DPW. In addition to sanitation and recycling services, roadway maintenance, snow removal and ice control, along with water and sewer services, the DPW also manages parks and open space, street cleaning, school and public grounds maintenance, traffic control, street lighting, line painting, sidewalk maintenance, forestry services, engineering, transportation, storm water draining, and even a public skating rink. It is safe to say that the Department of Public Works enhances the quality of life for every resident in some way, every day of the week.
At this year's DPW Town Meeting forum, Planning and DPW Staff will give an overview of the Gateway East project and provide information about Warrant Articles 8-12, which directly relate to the project. Gateway East has been in the planning stages for almost a decade after a conceptual plan was included in the Town’s Gateway East Public Realm Plan in 2006. Initiated in response to the need to dramatically improve opportunities for pedestrians to cross Route 9/Boylston Street at the eastern section of town in place of the closed pedestrian bridge, the Gateway East project consists now of significant roadway and traffic signal improvements, pedestrian crossings, protected bicycle facilities, sidewalk improvements and landscape and streetscape amenities. The project is nearing its 100% design submission and is scheduled to be bid by the Massachusetts Dept. of Transportation in late August 2018. At the May Annual Town Meeting, favorable action on Warrant Articles 8-12 must be voted to ensure this project moves forward.
All residents are invited to join us at the DPW Town Meeting Forum, and to take advantage of the opportunity to offer feedback and ask any questions they may have regarding DPW operations. This informational session will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday May 9, 2018 at the Brookline Town Hall located at 333 Washington Street, room 103. We look forward to your attendance and participation.