City Council action in brief

By Anna Nooney

A request to tear up part of Hammond Street, which was paved earlier this year, is in front of city officials.

The City Council at its Monday night meeting heard from attorney Bret Francis on behalf of petitioner Zhou Chen, who is seeking permission to dig up the road to install utilities at 88 Hammond St. 

Councilors expressed concern.

“That’s really tough to sell to residents, that this road is going to be dug up again, as the asphalt is cooling,” Ward 6 Councilor Sean T. Councilor Durkee said, noting the road was paved just this year. 

Ward 8 Councilor Cathyann Harris raised similar concerns. 

Francis characterized the timing of the work request as unfortunate but said the proposed work wouldn’t happen until April 2026 and that the road would be repaved in accordance with city standards and that any damage to the sidewalk would be repaired.

He also said approval of the petition is a condition of the sale of 88 Hammond St., noting that no sale has occurred as of now. 

The City Council referred the request to its Public Works and Public Safety Committee.

The City Council at its Monday night meeting also

• Approved $74,500 to continue the Illicit Discharge and Detection Elimination program.
• Approved a class 2 license renewal for European Auto Solutions at 1486 Main St.
• Approved extended hours renewal for MK and Company at 677 Moody St.
• Approved extended hours renewal for 7-Eleven at 591 Moody St.