Town defends $207 million sewer project as local businesses feel impact

Local businesses along Route 28 in South Yarmouth, Massachusetts say they are struggling as the town’s $207 million wastewater management project resumes construction following a summer break. Store owners reported at a Sept. 23 town meeting that detours, road closures, and limited customer access have caused significant financial losses, according to Cape Cod Times. 

The multi-phase sewer initiative, approved by town meeting voters in 2023, is designed to protect local waterways by reducing nitrogen pollution and replacing aging septic systems near Bass River, Parkers River, and Lewis Bay. It also aims to attract year-round business investment and ease the tax burden on residents by expanding the commercial tax base.

But business owners pressed town officials for better communication and relief from disruptions. Complaints focused on inadequate detour signage, confusing traffic patterns, and limited outreach, Cape Cod Times reported.

Yarmouth’s Department of Public Works Director Jeff Colby acknowledged the frustrations, noting that while road repaving on completed sections will take six weeks beginning Sept. 29, sewer connections cannot proceed until the new treatment plant on Buck Island Road is finished in December 2027. Dig It Construction of South Dennis has been awarded a $19.8 million contract for the next section of Route 28 work, which is scheduled through May 2027.

To improve communication, the town has appointed Jeffrey Martin as project ombudsman to serve as a direct contact for businesses and residents. Officials also pledged to work with contractors to improve signage and traffic flow as the sewer project continues.

 

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