Saugus withdraws application for grant to remove bridge

SAUGUS – Selectmen voted unanimously not to accept grant money to remove the Elm Street Bridge.Board members cited a weak presentation from consultant CDM Smith, who suggested at a December meeting that the board vote to accept $1.4 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to remove the bridge to mitigate flooding.But as Selectman Maureen Dever and Selectman Steve Castinetti pointed out Tuesday, the consultants gave no guarantee that the flooding from the Saugus River would not change direction to flood a different neighborhood if the bridge was removed. Dever proved further that there was no hydrologic study, no traffic study, no drainage study and no plan for the relocation of public utility lines to accompany the consultants? recommendations. She added that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division reported to the town in late December that cracks and erosion in the Hamilton Street and Boston Street bridges would be aggravated by the removal of the Elm Street Bridge.?In fairness to the other communities waiting for the money, we need to make a decision,” said Dever.Dever?s motion to withdraw the town?s application for the grant was supported by the entire board.Chairman Ellen Faiella said it seemed at the presentation Dec. 10 that “the more questions that were answered, the more that were raised.”Selectman Debra Panetta said while it was “a shame” to say no to the money, she felt there was a more innovative way to approach the problem. Castinetti said in speaking with engineers, he was told there were in fact other options nowhere near $1.4 million.Faiella added that the board still empathized with those who were dealing with flooding issues. “I want to make it clear to the people who voiced their concerns, withdrawing the application does not mean the problem is no longer before us,” she said.