Charlestown Underground Utility Pilot Project

Why do some parts of Charlestown have underground utility lines and others don’t?

The answer is simple—but inequitable: in the past, utility burial was handled street by street, and only moved forward when residents supported and financed it themselves. That meant if neighbors on a street couldn’t afford it, or couldn’t get enough buy-in, the project skipped that block entirely. Some residents benefitted; others were left behind.

Today, Charlestown continues to live with this patchwork approach. Above-ground utility lines are not only unsightly, but they pose a significant fire risk, especially to our historic wood-framed houses, and continue to disproportionately affect under-resourced parts of the neighborhood.

A Moment of Opportunity

Through the PLAN: Charlestown process, Charlestown Preservation Society (CPS)  pushed for underground modernization of wires across the whole neighborhood. At last, we have a unique chance to advance this goal.

The Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) is continuing its extensive infrastructure upgrades in Charlestown from Spring 2026 through Fall 2028. Streets will be excavated, backfilled, and repaved. If we act now, we can add an underground electrical and utility pilot project alongside this work where feasible, thereby reducing costs, avoiding multiple rounds of disruption, and creating a safer, more visually cohesive Charlestown.

Pilot Project Streets

• School Street (Main St → Bunker Hill St) – 0.238 miles
• Bartlett Street (Pearl St → Walker St; extends the BWSC planned work on Bartlett from  Monument Sq → Pearl St) – 0.125 miles
• Vine Street (Chelsea St → Bunker Hill St at The Kennedy Center) plus Moulton Street – 0.090 miles

Total: 0.453 miles | Estimated Budget: $906,000 – $2.7 million

There are several additional benefits to deprecating the lines including:

• • Safer streets and reduced fire hazards
  • Enables tree canopy growth and streetscape improvements
  • Improved neighborhood lighting
  • Full curb-to-curb paving after work is complete

How You Can Help

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to promote safety, equity, and resilience in Charlestown—but we need strong community support to make it happen.

✅ Volunteer as a Street Lead: Help CPS connect with neighbors, share updates, and mobilize support on your block.

📞 Call and Email Our Elected Officials: Residents’ voices are the most powerful advocacy tool we have. Please urge them to help secure funding and approval for this pilot project.

Advocacy Toolkit

Here’s how you can take action right now:

1. Contact Your Elected Officials

(City Council, State Representatives, the Mayor’s Office)

Phone Script:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live on [Your Street] in Charlestown. I’m calling to urge you to support the proposed underground utility pilot project during the Boston Water and Sewer upgrades. Burying lines will make our neighborhood safer from fire risks, more visually cohesive, and more equitable for all residents. Please help ensure funding and support for this crucial infrastructure modernization.”

Email Template:

Subject: Support for Charlestown Underground Utility Pilot Project

Dear [Elected Official’s Name],

I am a resident of Charlestown and I’m writing to ask for your support for the underground utility pilot project proposed alongside the upcoming Boston Water and Sewer Commission upgrades (Spring 2026 – Fall 2028).

Above-ground wiring creates higher fire risks in our historic wood-frame housing and disproportionately affects under-resourced areas of the neighborhood. This pilot program—burying lines on School, Bartlett, Vine, and Molton Streets—will improve public safety, equity, and long-term resilience while coordinating with already-planned excavation.

Our community needs your leadership and support to make sure this once-in-a-generation opportunity isn’t missed. Please champion inclusion of this project in the 2026–2028 infrastructure plan.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]

2. Spread the Word

• • Talk to neighbors and encourage them to also reach out.
  • Share posts from CPS on social media.
  • Volunteer as a Street Lead with CPS to help keep your block connected.

Together, we can make Charlestown safer, stronger, and more equitable. CPS is committed to leading the charge—but we need your voice to help get this done.