Shutesbury Conservation Commission Grapples with National Grid Project’s Environmental Impact

Overview: The Shutesbury Conservation Commission meeting on February 13th centered around environmental discussions, with a primary focus on the National Grid’s “Central to Western Massachusetts Energy Improvement Project” and its potential impacts on local ecosystems. The project, which includes tree removal in sensitive areas, has sparked concern due to its intersection with priority habitats for endangered species. The commission emphasized the importance of creating locally-focused mitigation measures that would directly benefit the wetlands of Shutesbury.

Deerfield School Committee Deliberates on Immigration Protocols Amid Budget and Class Size Concerns

Overview: At the latest Deerfield School Committee meeting, members focused on developing protocols for handling potential immigration enforcement actions in schools, while also tackling budgetary constraints and the impact of school choice on class sizes.

Shutesbury Board Approves Tax Abatement for Conservation Land, Discusses Land Transactions

Overview: In a recent meeting of the Shutesbury Board of Assessors, members approved a tax abatement for property owned by Kathleen Lugos on Shutesbury Mountain Road due to a conservation restriction. The meeting also covered motor vehicle commitments, personal exemptions, and land transactions involving Lime Quabbin LLC.

Shutesbury Select Board Approves Easement for New Library, Discusses Lake Wola Bylaw Safety Forum

Overview: The Shutesbury Select Board unanimously approved an easement for National Grid necessary for the new library construction, discussed organizing a public forum on Lake Wola bylaws for watercraft safety, and addressed the disbandment of the Broadband Committee due to its completion of original objectives.

Frontier Regional School Committee Tackles Budget Increases and Graduation Standard Revisions

Overview: The Frontier Regional School Committee meeting focused on several issues, including a proposed budget increase of 2.32%, new competency determinations for graduation, and the impact of immigration law enforcement activities within schools. The Committee also addressed the financial assessments for the districts and the implications of recent changes in federal and state policies on local education systems.