Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board Tackles Associate Member Appointments and Zoning Overhauls

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Manchester-By-The-Sea Select Board made decisions regarding the appointment of associate planning board members and discussed significant zoning updates in preparation for the town meeting. The board appointed Isabella Bates and Nancy Garvey as associate members to assist with special permits, while discussions focused on downtown zoning, senior housing, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Resident Raises Concerns Over Longmeadow’s $30 Million Fiber Project Debt

Overview: During the recent Longmeadow Select Board meeting, resident Tom Shay voiced his concerns regarding the town’s financial strategy surrounding a $30 million general obligation bond for a fiber project. Shay criticized the financial model as “superficial,” urging the Select Board to adopt a more comprehensive 20-year financial plan. He highlighted potential risks to the town’s credit rating, referencing a September 2025 statement from Standard & Poor’s that warned of unfavorable debt metrics should the fiber debt be scrutinized in isolation. Shay painted a worrying picture of the proposed debt structure, which includes bullet payments of $14 million due two decades after issuance, a deviation from the town’s norm of fully amortizing debts.

Blandford Select Board Considers Town Hall Reorganization Amidst Eversource Expansion Debate

Overview: In a recent Blandford Select Board meeting, discussions focused on reorganizing the town hall in conjunction with a library move and the community’s opportunity to express opinions on the proposed Eversource substation expansion. The board deliberated on optimizing town hall space, engaging department heads in a potential reorganization, and addressed community concerns about the Eversource project.

Police Budget and School Committee Funding Drive Intense Discussions at Milton Warrant Meeting

Overview: During the recent Milton Warrant Committee meeting, the primary focus was on the complexities of the police department budget and the school committee’s funding challenges.

Yarmouth Board of Health Deliberates Nicotine Ban and Kratom Regulation Amid Local Business Concerns

Overview: The Yarmouth Board of Health meeting held on February 2, 2026, focused on various public health issues, including a potential nicotine ban, the regulation of kratom, and the implementation of local health regulations. Concerns were raised regarding the impact of these initiatives on local businesses and public health.