Blandford Select Board Faces Challenges in Managing Energy Projects and Road Infrastructure

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Blandford Select Board tackled several issues, including the town’s strategy for handling large-scale energy projects, potential road damage from logging activities, and the management of grant funds.

Southwick Lake Committee Faces Compliance Hurdles with Retaining Wall at South Pond

Overview: During the recent meeting of the Southwick Lake Management Committee, members grappled with several regulatory and compliance issues concerning local water bodies, the most pressing of which was the installation of a retaining wall at South Pond in Southfield. The chair had previously submitted a list of questions regarding this project, which had been mostly addressed in earlier discussions. However, a site visit revealed a silt fence placed improperly in the water, contrary to guidelines stating that such barriers should not be submerged. The property in question is located on Lake View, directly across from another committee member’s property.

East Longmeadow Town Council Votes to Repeal Compensation Review Committee Bylaw

Overview: In a notable move during the recent East Longmeadow Town Council meeting, the council voted to repeal Chapter 187, the bylaw establishing the Compensation Review Committee. The decision followed a discussion about the committee’s relevance and effectiveness, as it was noted that the town manager ultimately controls compensation decisions, rendering the committee’s recommendations largely ineffective. The vote to repeal passed without opposition.

East Longmeadow Board of Health Advances Deer Park Recycling Facility Site Assignment Despite Public Concerns

Overview: The East Longmeadow Board of Health convened remotely on July 10, 2025, to address multiple agenda items, most notably the site assignment for the Deer Park recycling facility. The board unanimously approved the site assignment after thorough deliberation, addressing community input and evaluating the site against 19 criteria, including proximity to water supplies and potential environmental impacts.

East Longmeadow Town Council Debates Environmental Protocols for Agricultural Land Restoration

Overview: The East Longmeadow Town Council meeting, which convened at 6:03 PM, involved pivotal discussions on several environmental and agricultural concerns, most notably the management of buffer zones around agricultural land and the restoration efforts of We’re a Farm LLC. The council examined whether to plant new vegetation or leave the area undisturbed, with the central question revolving around the appropriate procedural steps for such undertakings. The meeting also touched on ongoing projects, including stream alteration and sediment removal from Blackman Pond.