Council Approves $2.5 Million for Water Plant Design
Newburyport council approved $2.5 million for a new water treatment plant and a Federal Street parking fix. The council voted 11-0 for the loan order, which funds a required pilot study and design work toward state PFAS compliance on a project estimated at $60 million.
Select Board · Meeting of September 14, 2026
Newburyport council approved $2.5 million for a new water treatment plant and a Federal Street parking fix. The council voted 11-0 for the loan order, which funds a required pilot study and design work toward state PFAS compliance on a project estimated at $60 million. Councilor Zade warned the project "is going to balloon your rates," citing the city's existing $90 million to $100 million debt load.
Separately, the council accepted a $215,000 Curtis Memorial Fund gift and, amid criticism from Councilor Nikitich that smaller awards risk being "frittered away," split it among five city projects. Councilors also approved, as amended, Ordinance 227, letting roughly 15 Federal Street households apply for Zone 1 parking permits on adjacent streets, and appointed Michael Hennessy tree warden after officials said the city removes more trees than it replants.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 3,008 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 14, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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