Newbury Select Board Discusses Food Insecurity and Police Firearm Surplus

Overview: In a recent Newbury Select Board meeting, the executive director of Our Neighbors’ Table, a regional food access organization, delivered a significant report on the current state of food insecurity in Newbury, highlighting that almost one out of ten residents is living in a food insecure household. The report also introduced a new regional food hub intended to support local food pantries, such as the First Parish Newbury food pantry, by providing access to fresh foods. In other matters, the board discussed the deeming of police handguns as surplus following an upgrade to new firearms with red dot sights, which will be sold with proceeds returning to the general fund.

Newbury Zoning Board Approves Accessory Apartment Project

Overview: The Newbury Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on July 18th, 2024, resulted in the approval of an accessory apartment project and the discussion of a continuance for a separate property development.

Newbury Select Board Approves Veteran Monument Committee

Overview: The Newbury Select Board meeting emphasized the town’s commitment to honoring its veterans through the approval of an ad hoc committee dedicated to establishing a new Armed Forces Monument. This decision, alongside discussions on the Council on Aging’s accessibility and upcoming community projects, marked key points of interest.

Newbury Select Board Tackles Rodenticide Bylaw and Ambulance Issues

Overview: The Newbury Select Board meeting addressed a variety of topics, with the adoption of a home rule petition to restrict the use of second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides on private property and issues surrounding ambulance equipment at the forefront. The board also engaged in a debate over the composition of the capital planning committee and the proper referral process for mental health issues, among other significant items.

Newbury Select Board Grapples with Zoning and Property Use Issues

Overview: In a recent Newbury Select Board meeting, significant time was devoted to the discussion of zoning enforcement decisions and property use concerns, particularly focusing on two separate properties on Northern Boulevard and 31 Rail Sling. The board engaged in a debate regarding a notice of appeal filed against the town’s director of inspectional services and the legality of a renovated garage space being used as a second dwelling unit without proper authorization on Northern Boulevard. Additionally, the board scrutinized a proposal for a detached accessory apartment on Rail Sling, raising questions about its proximity to a pool and potential use as a pool house, which could violate town bylaws.