Townsend Planning Board Grapples with Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations and Parking Challenges

Overview: The Townsend Planning Board meeting on December 23, 2024, focused on revising and refining the town’s bylaws related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs), with a keen emphasis on parking regulations, language consistency, and procedural clarity. The meeting, chaired by Laura Shifrin, saw active participation from board members as they navigated through complex regulatory frameworks to align local bylaws with state statutes.

Westport Board of Health Faces Staffing Concerns Amid Regulatory Updates and Infrastructure Developments

Overview: The recent Westport Board of Health meeting concentrated on addressing staffing shortages, updating outdated regulations, and discussing various local upgrade approvals related to septic systems and well installations. The board grappled with budget constraints, regulatory compliance, and community needs against the backdrop of environmental and infrastructure challenges.

Hampden Board of Selectmen Tackles Health Code Violation and Water District Expansion

Overview: The Hampden Board of Selectmen meeting on December 23, 2024, addressed pressing local issues, prominently featuring a health code violation involving a travel trailer on Scanic Road and the ongoing water district expansion project. The board made several decisions, including setting an appeals hearing date for the health violation and awarding a contract for the water district project, while also discussing the fiscal implications and community concerns surrounding these matters.

Sunderland Select Board Discusses Sanctuary City Status and Board of Health Fee Changes

Overview: During the Sunderland Select Board meeting, it was confirmed that Sunderland is a sanctuary city, though the exact date of adoption was not specified. The board also reviewed a request from the Board of Health to introduce a $300 trash handling permit and increase the septic handling permit fee from $200 to $300.

East Longmeadow Library Board Reviews Borrowing Policies and Honors Departing Member

Overview: The East Longmeadow Library Board convened in December to delve into library policy revisions, focusing on borrowing procedures, overdue items, and confidentiality of records, while also recognizing the contributions of departing member David Boucher. The meeting, called to order by Vice Chair Amy Paul, highlighted changes in the library’s borrower policy, discussing the intricacies of loan limits and overdue item management.