Cultural Council Seeks Support for Revived Newbury Town Day

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Newbury Select Board tackled a variety of topics, with a focus on revitalizing Newbury Town Day, a community event slated for August 16, 2025. Alongside this, the board navigated discussions about municipal contract executions and logistical challenges concerning local facilities and licenses.

Danvers Planning Board Faces Expired Covenant Dilemma Amid Traffic Concerns

Overview: The Danvers Planning Board meeting on January 14, 2025, primarily revolved around the expired covenant associated with the Folly Hill development, impacting the Board’s authority to oversee traffic safety concerns related to the proposed project. The covenant, established in 1972, restricted the Board’s power to enforce traffic safety measures, and its expiration has shifted the dynamics of ongoing discussions about the project’s impact on local intersections.

Manchester-By-The-Sea Planning Board Grapples with ADU Regulations and Downtown Zoning Challenges

Overview: At the recent Manchester-By-The-Sea Planning Board meeting, discussions focused intently on the development of regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and the zoning requirements for maintaining commercial spaces in the downtown area. These two topics dominated the meeting, revealing a complex intersection of state mandates, local zoning bylaws, and community concerns.

Newbury Council on Aging Plans Expansion of Health Services and Community Engagement Initiatives

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Newbury Council on Aging discussed expanding health services, including a new hearing clinic and community engagement events, while also focusing on improving communication strategies and historical preservation efforts.

Methuen School Committee Grapples with Graduation Standards Amid Statewide Changes

Overview: The Methuen School Committee meeting on January 13, 2025, was dominated by discussions on the evolving graduation requirements for the Class of 2025. With the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) indicating a shift away from relying solely on the MCAS test scores, the committee faces the challenge of defining new competency standards for students. Concerns were raised about ensuring that diplomas accurately reflect students’ capabilities, especially given the lack of clear guidance from the state.