Newbury Finance Committee Approves Key Town Budget Articles

Overview: The Newbury Finance Committee recently convened to deliberate and recommend a series of fiscal articles pertinent to the town’s budget, including allocations for operational budgets, funding for the stabilization fund and the Other Post Employment Benefits liability, and investments in public access media infrastructure. The committee, which ensures the town’s fiscal stability, unanimously backed significant appropriations and engaged in debates concerning the town’s cable TV infrastructure and the formation of a media committee.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Debates Key Budget and Staffing Topics

Overview: At the recent Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board meeting, the board engaged in discussions on the town’s financial and operational planning, including the introduction of new staff positions, reallocation of budget for capital projects, and key updates on town services.

Manchester-By-The-Sea MBTA Zoning Task Force Tackles Zoning and Housing Density

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Manchester-By-The-Sea MBTA Zoning Task Force delved into discussions regarding the town’s compliance with state zoning laws, specifically focusing on the impact of potential density increases in the downtown area, rezoning for affordable housing, and the implications for local infrastructure. The task force grappled with the complexities of balancing growth with community character, debating the merits of different zoning models and the potential consequences of non-compliance with state law.

Newbury Select Board Approves Liquor License Change and Discusses Taxation

Overview: The Newbury Select Board convened to address several matters, including a change in liquor license classification for the Oldtown Country Club and the potential taxation of digital streaming services. The board approved the country club’s request to update its license from wine and malt beverages to include cordials and liquors. Additionally, the meeting delved into the state’s pending legislation on taxing streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu, aiming to direct these new revenues to support public, educational, and government (PEG) programming provided by Cable Systems.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Planning Board Tackles Zoning and Housing Regulations

Overview: The Manchester-By-The-Sea Planning Board recently convened to address significant zoning regulations and the potential impacts of the New Business and Technology Association (NBTA) Communities Act on the town. The discussions featured presentations from a consulting team and a task force, and covered a range of topics including the proposed creation of overlay districts, the compliance model for multifamily housing, and the senior center property transfer. Community concerns regarding the preservation of the town’s character and the impact of development were at the forefront of the debates, along with the implications for real estate transactions and tax rates.