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Norfolk/Wrentham - Local Town Pages

Wrentham’s Myrtle Street Remains Closed Following Crocker Pond Dam Breach

By Joe Stewart
Myrtle Street, a key connector between Route 1 and Pond Street in Wrentham, remains closed nearly a year after heavy rains in late winter and early spring 2024 caused the dam at Crocker Pond to breach, damaging the roadway. With no plans or funding identified for repairs, the future of Myrtle Street and the surrounding area remains uncertain.
According to Brian Anatoli, Wrentham’s Director of Public Works, the town collaborated with Attleboro to apply for a Massachusetts Seawall and Dam Repair Program grant to fund a structural engineer’s analysis of the dam. Unfortunately, the grant was not approved. Without repairs to Crocker Dam, Anatoli noted, it is not feasible to repair Myrtle Street. The dam, which is owned by Attleboro, serves as a vital part of the pond’s ecosystem and infrastructure, influencing water levels in Crocker Pond and downstream flows into Lake Mirimichi.
The road closure has had mixed reactions from residents. Local resident Steve McKinney shared that while some neighbors appreciate the reduction in traffic from the former cut-through, others are concerned about accessibility issues. A recent incident in which a fallen tree blocked access to Thurston Street left the neighborhood temporarily isolated, highlighting the potential risks of the current situation.
McKinney also observed environmental changes resulting from the dam’s breach and lowered spillway, which has significantly reduced the pond’s water level. The stream downstream from Myrtle Street has seen a surge in vegetation growth, including an abundance of cattails.
Crocker Pond, a 17-acre body of water within a 122-acre park, holds historical and ecological significance. Originally the site of grist and saw mills, the property was purchased by the Crocker family in the early 1900s and later donated to the Town of Wrentham in 1988. Today, the pond and its surrounding watershed play a critical role in local water management, recreation, and environmental preservation. It also forms the upper watershed for Wrentham’s well number 4, a groundwater resource.
Attleboro, which owns the dam, has long recognized the need for repairs. The dam is classified as a low-hazard structure in poor condition and Attleboro plans for a $250,000 Phase 1 design, permitting, and bidding project.  Matt Crotty, acting Water Superintendent, shared that Attleboro has been focused on bringing a new 2M gallons/day water treatment facility on the Wading River into production, which is expected in 2027.  A pilot plant is currently treating about 1M gallons/day. That work is impacting other projects and thus significant delays in addressing the Crocker Pond dam remain likely. 
For now, the future of Crocker Pond, its dam, and the closed stretch of Myrtle Street hinges on grant funding and collaboration between Wrentham and Attleboro. Residents, local officials, and environmental stakeholders are left grappling with balancing infrastructure needs, accessibility, and environmental stewardship.