Dedham could pay up to $78M under MWRA sewer overflow plan
Dedham's Select Board heard that the town's share of an MWRA sewer overflow plan could reach $78 million, voted to accept road layouts for a Safe Routes to School project, and reviewed veterans services, licensing fees and a PILOT program update.
The Dedham Select Board met Oct. 22 at Town Hall and via Teams, the town announced in a recap posted Oct. 28.
Representatives of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority presented a proposal to reduce sewer overflows affecting the Charles River, Mystic River and Alewife Brook. The recommended plan carries an estimated total cost of about $1.29 billion, with Dedham's share estimated at about $26 million over the life of the project. More aggressive alternatives could raise the town's share to about $59 million or $78 million. John Phelan of the Charles River Watershed Association urged a higher level of environmental protection. The board discussed the financial impact on ratepayers and plans to submit comments before the state's Oct. 30 deadline.
During a posted public hearing, Town Engineering Director Jason Mammone discussed the formal layout acceptance of portions of Whiting Avenue and Walnut Street for the Safe Routes to School project, listed as Article 11 in the Fall Annual Town Meeting Warrant. After public comment on sidewalk, bike lane and traffic safety changes, the board voted to accept the Planning Board report and formally lay out the roads as public ways, as required for the project to proceed.
Veterans Services Officer Joe Hamilton reported more than 220 Hometown Heroes banners installed, nearly 1,000 federal veterans claims processed over four years, and about $345,000 in property tax exemptions for Dedham veterans this year. Veterans Day events are planned for Nov. 10 and 11.
The Town Manager updated the board on the town's Payment In Lieu Of Taxes program, saying letters were sent to 31 eligible nonprofit organizations and that Delta Projects voluntarily submitted its full recommended payment of $2,289. The board asked for another update in early 2027.
The board also reviewed proposed changes to licensing fees, including administrative liquor license fees and a new fortune teller license fee, with most changes advancing while discussion on one-day liquor license fees continues at a future meeting. The board voted to support a letter advocating for restoration of full-service acute care hospital services at the former Norwood Hospital site in Norwood.
Source: Town of Dedham announcement, October 30, 2026.
Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the original announcement.
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