Grant applied for to replace Air Force Road

Community Development Director Marzie Galazka needed some help to apply for a $1,000,000 grant for roadwork on Air Force Road. And she got the full support of the Board of Aldermen on Monday night without a question.

Galazka appeared before the Aldermen on Monday night to authorize Mayor Carlo DeMaria to apply for and to accept a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for a new road to replace Air Force Road in West Everett.

The present road that is about a quarter of a mile long lacks both sidewalks and sufficient street lights as well as the surface being in poor condition.

Presently, the road leads into the former General Electric site.

This new roadway will be the main entrance point for the proposed Berkeley development site that calls for almost 500,000 square feet of new office space in five buildings to be constructed on the 40 acre site.

Berkeley officials have also offered to build and privately pay for another road that will lead into their office park. This road would then be turned over to the City of Everett.

Other current businesses that are seeking to expand their office staff in this area like Boston Coach would benefit from the new Air Force Road.

“This is a great opportunity to get development moving at the Berkeley site and the Northern Strand Bike Path. If we are awarded this grant, we’ll be able to get the work done without having to add more pressure to our budget, allowing us to concentrate on improving different areas of the city,” DeMaria said.

Approval from the Common Council is also needed and is expected to be on next week’s agenda.

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