Proposal to remove Saugus bridge concerns selectmen

SAUGUS – Selectmen questioned the haste and lack of cost information when presented with the proposal to remove the Elm Street bridge to mitigate flooding.Consultants from CDM Smith told the board that if they wanted the project funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, they would need to choose a project that would be equal or less than the money offered by the town, which only allowed for the removal of the bridge at $1.14 million, which consultant Paul Ross said would allow for a more natural flow. Town Meeting would also have to approve an appropriation of 25 percent of the cost.Selectmen were concerned that there were no other options with a cost attached, and they were even further apprehensive about the decision once they heard FEMA wanted a decision from the town by the end of the year.?No matter which way we go nobody is going to be pleased, but I want more information than was given to us tonight,” said Selectman Steve Castinetti.The public hearing to discuss alleviating flooding that has been filling Saugus basements during major storms for 10 years brought about 50 residents to Town Hall and prompted a two-hour discussion.Some residents were concerned that removing the bridge would cause major traffic concerns for residents driving to Saugus Center, while others who had experiences with flooding were advocates of removing the bridge.Resident Ed Jeffrey suggested the town go with the proposal to remove the bridge and improve the drainage system with the money but prepare the site for construction of another bridge down the road. Jeffrey?s suggestion was heavily supported by others, including Cemetery Commission Director Dennis Gould, who called it a “win-win.”Retired Saugus fire chief Jimmy Blanchard was concerned that water would rush to Lincoln Street or Hamilton Street, and he recommended a hydraulic study.Fritz White, former Emergency Management Agency deputy director, said he had been in many of the homes that had been flooded and said the photos “did not do it justice,” but still suggested the town turn down the money and do it themselves the right way. “One thing about federal money is that it usually comes with strings attached,” said White.At the end of the hearing, Ross reminded the board that removing the bridge, or any other option, is no sure fix. “No one is saying there?s a guarantee that no one will ever be flooded again,” he said, and pointed to the progression of storms as evidence.Chairman Ellen Faiella asked the consultants to come back to their next meeting in January with cost estimates of other alternatives, such as building a new bridge or relieving the culvert. The board also called for a traffic study and hydraulic study.?We can?t do it without information and we can?t do it with our backs to the wall,” said Selectman Maureen Dever.Ross said the board would have to act quickly if they wanted the money, since Saugus had been put on the wait list for the issue in the past.