Greenfield City Council Grapples with Cannabis Social Equity Ordinance and Emergency Meeting Protocols

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Greenfield City Council engaged in discussions on several topics, including the intricacies of a proposed cannabis social equity ordinance, potential implications of emergency meeting protocols, and updates to various city ordinances. The council also debated the need for a plan to ensure the effective implementation of proposed policies.

Whately Select Board Meeting Delves into EV Charger Safety and Accessibility Concerns

Overview: The Whately Select Board meeting focused heavily on discussions about the proposed installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the local library, raising concerns about safety, accessibility, and community engagement.

Conway Selectboard Adjusts Battery Energy Storage Regulations Amidst Rising Health Insurance Costs

Overview: During the recent Conway Selectboard meeting, the board approved a amendment to the town’s zoning bylaw concerning battery energy storage systems, reducing the threshold from 300 kilowatt-hours to 250 kilowatt-hours in the aquifer protection district. This decision aligns with forthcoming state guidelines and addresses environmental safety concerns. Additionally, the board sanctioned a 20% increase in health insurance funding for town employees, reflecting broader economic pressures.

Whately Board Faces Scrutiny Over Doubling Waterfront Property Assessments

Overview: The Whately Board of Assessors convened to address several issues in their latest meeting, with the doubling of waterfront property assessments emerging as a concern. This significant increase, attributed to a single sale, raised questions about the methodology and fairness of current assessment practices. Additionally, discussions touched on property valuation methods, the impact of market trends, and the equitable distribution of tax burdens across property types.

Shutesbury Planning Board Deliberates on Data Center Regulations Amidst Community Concerns

Overview: In a recent virtual meeting, the Shutesbury Planning Board engaged in discussions regarding the regulation of data centers and battery energy storage systems. The board explored the implications of these technologies on local water resources, zoning regulations, and community safety, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts with the Board of Health.