The proposed Project is the demolition of the existing parking deck on
Middlesex Avenue and the design and construction of an approximately
360-car parking garage to replace it.
The Committee has proposed that the Project (demolition and
construction) be delayed for one year after passage of the DIF to
provide sufficient time for the DIF to "grow in". This will
help the
Town ensure that revenues meet projections. The Town will not begin
construction of the Project until sufficient ongoing revenue exists to
pay for the Project's debt service costs, however. The result may be a
delay of more than one year between DIF adoption and the initiation of
construction, but the Committee believes this is the most prudent path
toward success for the Program.
The Committee proposes that the Town manage the DIF with existing
personnel. Parking garage revenue will be set aside for facility
maintenance or, many years in the future, for facility replacement.
With regard to the construction project, the Town of Natick would
undertake the construction project and would manage it with existing
personnel as well. The Town would also rely on the expertise of
external consulting engineers to assist in project design, development
and construction administration.
The Town may undertake some streetscape improvements on the garage
property itself - addition of ornamental lighting, replacement of
sidewalks damaged by construction, possible installation of brick
soldier courses in concrete sidewalks, and other related items - but
would not conduct streetscape improvements as a significant portion of
the work under this Program. Any significant streetscape improvements
would require separate appropriation by Town Meeting.