MassDOT Presents Vent Building Demo Plans

MassDOT held a public meeting in the North End last week to advise residents and the business community of its plans for a $6.5 million construction project to repair the Callahan Ventilation Building on North Street.

State officials explained the dire need to repair this property due to major problems with the walls falling apart creating a public safety issue that needs to be corrected as soon as possible.

If everything goes smoothly with the design and construction bids, the State hopes to begin construction as early as this November.

Demolition and construction would take place Mondays through Fridays from 7:30am to 4pm, Saturdays with permission and no work on Sundays or holidays.

The State estimated that the project will take about one year to be completed. Possibly earlier depending on a lot of variables.

Work will take place on one side of the four sided building at a time with the possibility of finish work beginning when demolition moves to the next side.

Six or seven residential spaces will be taken during the work day but made available to residents after 4pm or so.

No streets will be closed during construction and all equipment and vehicles will be stored on State property, not on local streets.

Many other issues like dust control, noise control, pollution control, pest control and other issues of concern were addressed at the meeting held in the Nazzaro Community Center.

Residents suggested that a vibration monitoring device be installed on the site.

MassDOT committed to conduct another public meeting once the project plans have been finalized.