Community Preservation Committee Recommends Additional Funds for Waushakum Dock

FRAMINGHAM - The Framingham Community Preservation Committee (CPC) voted to recommend the allocation of additional money to develop an accessible dock at Waushakum Pond during their meeting on Monday, August 11.

In late July, the CPC approved of the submission of a special application for additional money for the Waushakum dock project. The plan received $110,000 through the Community Preservation Act in 2023, but city officials have now been seeking $75,000 more in the current fiscal year plan.

Planning and Community Development Director for Framingham Sarkis Sarkisian told committee members on Monday that the latest request is for additional costs and contingencies for any issues that may arise, though he doesn't anticipate any problems or overruns in the future related to the dock's construction. Sarkisian mentioned that a contractor is on board for the dock's development; the director told the CPC last month that the project is set to cost $144,000, though he added that the time and scope of work should be quick and easy considering that their contractor previously built a similar dock in Worcester.

“I’d really like to get this project done ASAP," Sarkisian continued during Monday's meeting.

"Right now, the weather’s perfect to get in there and do this type of work: it’s dry, the water’s down, timing is everything.”

Sarkisian suggested that if the work were to begin soon, residents could possibly use the dock in the fall. He previously mentioned his hope of having the work at Waushakum begin in the winter so that the permanent dock could be opened in the spring.

Members of the CPC contended that parking concerns by Waushakum should be ironed out during the dock's development, as people from outside of Framingham may be coming to use it in the future. Additional points raised by the body had to do with staffing at the site along with the enforcement of existing rules.

Still, Conservation Commission member for the CPC Steven DeNicola lauded the plan, adding that feedback from the community has also been positive.

“This is what community preservation is about: when we’re reaching those people that are usually silent, that don’t choose to speak up, and they actually take the time to speak up," DeNicola said.

"I think this is an incredible project, and I don’t see how anybody can speak up against this or delay this any further.”

The CPC eventually voted 6-0-0- in favor of recommending the additional $75,000 for the dock plan. The matter will now move on to the City Council, who has the final say on the allocation's approval or denial.