water pipes, while ongoing sidewalk projects enhance connectivity along Riverside Avenue. “The infrastructure in this community has been around for a long time,” says Ullucci, “ARPA funds created a springboard to address these dated services. With a new High School constructed in 2016 and a New Middle School finished this year, which Ullucci refers to as “jewels within the crown,”The Town also invested over 1 million dollars of ARPA money into elementary schools. Recent park developments include a pirate shipthemed Waterfront Park and the revitalized Buffinton Park, complemented by smaller pocket parks throughout neighborhoods.“We have installed two brand new parks in two years,” notes Ullucci, highlighting these investments as community assets. Somerset recently approved the installation of an outdoor “adult” fitness court scheduled to open this year. “Our continued commitment to recreational infrastructure is another reason people want to live in this community, they see everything we are investing in.” QUALITY OF LIFE AND HIDDEN GEMS Somerset’s rich heritage enhances its contemporary appeal, featuring the oldest Quaker meeting house in Massachusetts, and arguably the country. Selectman Allen Smith captures the history of Somerset. “The Town of Somerset which is located on the Taunton River has gone through a number of changes since it was first settled in 1677. During the early years, the area along Water Street (now Main Street) was a vital shipping port. The James Hood Shipyard was a major ship-building industry. In the 1800s manufacturing grew along the Taunton River with companies such as Somerset Potters Works and Mount Hope Iron Works and the Somerset Stove Foundry. After World War One Somerset became important for power generation 149 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07 SOMERSET, MA
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