Due to rising costs, the streetscape renovation project at Healey Square and Kennebec avenue in Oak Bluffs is facing a series of cost-cutting measures.

At Tuesday’s select board meeting, several changes to the project were approved, including no longer installing a concrete sidewalk on the east side of Kennebec, deferring the planting of new trees and re-using old trash receptacles and benches.

The changes, said town administrator Deb Potter, became necessary when the town got a better idea of what the project would cost in the current economic climate.

“Unfortunately, due to rising costs, the bids for the RFP came back over what we had anticipated,” she said.

Project designer Tim Wong presented the changes Tuesday evening, which he said could reduce costs by about $290,000.

The project’s core components will remain, including shifting planters in Healey Square to open up pedestrian flow from Circuit avenue to Ocean Park, adding a raised crosswalk on Kennebec, repairing underground wiring, and adding circular benches around existing trees. In lieu of the new concrete sidewalk on the east side of Kennebec avenue, a temporary sidewalk area will be painted there, Mr. Wong said.

Following a series of questions from the board, the modifications were approved.

“I think it flows, I think it works,” said board member Jason Balboni.

In other business, the board gave the go-ahead for grant administrator Alice Boyd to apply for a block grant from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. The grant, Ms. Boyd said, would be used for housing rehabilitation and childcare subsidies administered via her firm, Bailey Boyd Associates, and through The Resource Inc.

Board members spoke highly of the programs that have, since 2020, funded renovations for 22 low-income homeowners or tenants and childcare for 46 families.

“These are good programs that help people that really need it,” said Mr. Balboni.

The board unanimously voted to authorize the application.

The board also approved board member Emma Green-Beach to begin pursuing an Environmental Protection Agency grant for the town to install a central composting unit.

“I think this is probably a no-brainer,” said chairman Ryan Ruley.

Ms. Green-Beach will return prior to submitting the application with a more complete plan addressing board members’ concerns.

Meanwhile, the board approved a series of new town policy guidelines, including a new cost of living adjustment schedule and the establishment of a capital projects stabilization fund.

The board also appointed Robert Mackay, a concerned citizen and frequent bus rider, as the Oak Bluffs representative to the Vineyard Transit Authority.

“It’s great to bring in someone new” said Ms. Green-Beach.