Burlington Celebrates Milestone: MWRA Connection Ribbon Cutting
Marks Key Achievement in Water Infrastructure Collaboration
Burlington, MA August 31, 2023 – The Town of Burlington is hosting the MWRA Connection Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on September 7th at 10:30 AM, located at the Vine Brook Water Treatment Plant at 171 Middlesex Turnpike.
A collaborative effort between the Towns of Burlington and Lexington has culminated in a significant improvement to the region’s water infrastructure. The extension of the MWRA water main through Lexington, to Burlington connects the community to the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA). This substantial endeavor ensures a reliable water supply and alleviates issues that had previously impeded Burlington’s potential for growth in recent times.
This infrastructure investment catalyzes transformative projects that will shape Burlington’s future landscape. Two significant commercial ventures have been made possible by the vital MWRA water connection:
- 25-27 Blue Sky Drive Life Sciences Laboratory Building: This cutting-edge facility spans 270,000 square feet and embodies innovation in the field of life sciences. Proudly hosting two dynamic organizations, it will serve as the new headquarters for The Broad Institute, renowned for its groundbreaking genomics platform. Additionally, it will house Vericel, a company dedicated to advancing cell therapies to support human health.
- 4th Avenue Multi-Family Residential Project: This project promises to introduce 167 new housing units to the area, including a crucial allocation of 25 affordable units. Scheduled to attain its certificate of occupancy this fall, this development is poised to provide much-needed housing options while enhancing the community’s vibrancy.
The Town Administrator, Paul Sagarino stated, “These projects represent the achievements that can come from the collaboration including the support of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the MWRA. By working together, we have unlocked new possibilities for our future.”
Mr. Sagarino also pointed to the strong public-private partnership and cooperation in Burlington that led to the successful project. The Burlington Area Chamber of Commerce was essential in working with the Town to spearhead the effort to secure the MassWorks grant. The Town understood the practical need for better access to reliable water supplies, but the Chamber’s President, Rick Parker, was able to mobilize our private sector partners. In addition, the state’s MassWorks Grant helped to make this project come to fruition. The Town is appreciative of the support from our business community, including Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Nordblom Company, The Gutierrez Company, Oracle, Wegman’s, Boston Marriott Burlington, National Development, Riemer and Braunstein, and Ingenuity Properties.
The MWRA Connection Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be on September 7th at 10:30 AM at 171 Middlesex Turnpike to mark this milestone.