Holliston Select Board Confronts $2.2 Million Norfolk Street Infrastructure Shortfall

Select Board · Meeting of August 10, 2026

Holliston Select Board hears that the voter-approved Norfolk Street project will cost $7.8 million, far above its $5.6 million debt exclusion. Chair Benjamin Sparrell said the town has "failed to meet the voter's expectations" after consultants confirmed the full drainage and sidewalk design, completed in May 2026, carries a price tag of $7.8 million without contingency, or about $9.2 to $9.3 million with a standard 20 percent buffer — nearly $2.2 million over the authorized amount before contingency. The original estimate, offered at the November 2024 design kickoff, was made with no design drawings in hand.

DPW Director Sean Reese acknowledged that interim cost updates to the board were never provided: "That's a failure, and I probably didn't do it." The board directed Town Manager Frank Gervasio and consultant Ali Paran of AP Associates to prepare a written plan for phased construction using the $5.6 million already authorized, with a base contract award to Potomac Park and an additive alternate to Clark Street, leaving Stoddard Park access potentially unfunded under the base scenario. The board also voted unanimously to authorize a $41,996 grant agreement with Holliston Cable Access Television covering operations through June 30, 2027, and learned that Massachusetts Land Court has awarded the town ownership of 20 Cross Street, with the EPA set to conduct a Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment at no cost to the town.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
• Organizations And Documents Referenced
• The complete report — 3,314 words

Source: the Select Board meeting of August 10, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.