National Grid is currently working closely with neighbors and the City of Worcester, Mass. to develop a sound and visual screening plan for the Cook's Pond substation. Upon the request of abutters for visual screening, National Grid expanded its original proposal of constructing two sound walls adjacent to the substation transformers and HVAC equipment within the substation to building 20- and 24-ft exterior walls along the southern and northern perimeters of the substation, respectively. These walls, for which the Zoning Board of Appeals recently granted approval because of their proposed height will provide the visual and sound barriers requested by abutters.
National Grid plans to continue to work with neighbors on the existing vegetation and landscaping in an effort to reach the best available solution while ensuring safe and reliable service for customers in this neighborhood as well as those receiving electrical service from this substation, a spokesperson said. Construction is expected to begin on this project before the end of this year.
