Infrastructure > Project Case Study

Mill Yard Redevelopment Project

The Town retained a team led by Wright-Pierce to assist with a multi-faceted program to redevelop the downtown mills. The project will create a new access to the northern periphery of the mill properties, establish a trail along the Mousam River, and build a community garden area. This development is envisioned to serve as a catalyst for other revitalization projects in the downtown area.

The current phase, including the final planning, design, permitting and construction, draws on an initial planning effort. While the initial planning effort included significant public participation, additional input from the public and other stakeholders (including mill owners and business operators) is a key element in the final planning and preliminary design.

Other key elements include defining the capacities and limitations of the existing utility systems; projecting future utility needs; evaluating existing structures; and defining regulatory constraints associated with shore land zoning, flood hazard ordinances; and state and federal rules protecting wetlands and water bodies.

Renewed commitment by building owners, business people, and patrons is the key to improving the long-term vitality of the mills and downtown. The goal of the planning and design team is to help the stakeholders understand that others share their vision, and that only as a team does it all become possible.

The project is being funded through a Community Development Block Grant for infrastructure improvements, as well as local TIF funds, Brownfields funds and other sources.

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