Washington (Bergen) Council Allocates $700K for Emergency Stream Restoration

Overview: The Washington (Bergen) Town Council meeting concluded with a notable decision to allocate $700,000 for an emergency stream restoration project on the Masqusink Brook to repair a sewer line. This urgent infrastructure issue took precedence, leading to a debate about the potential suspension of the 2024 Road program to redirect funds to the emergency project. The financial implications and the potential impact on other planned projects were considered thoroughly before reaching a resolution.

Longmeadow School Committee Weighs Construction Costs and MSBA Funding

Overview: The Longmeadow School Committee recently convened to address the complexities of funding and constructing educational facilities, including discussions on the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (MSBA) reimbursement rates, classroom size standards, and special education space requirements. The Committee scrutinized the MSBA’s base reimbursement rate of 50.57% for Longmeadow, with additional incentives for maintenance, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality, and how these factors would influence the district’s financial planning for upcoming construction projects.

Escambia Board of Adjustment Grants Liquor Sales and Retail Store Construction, Debates Variance Requests

Overview: At the recent meeting of the Escambia Board of Adjustment, the board voted to grant a conditional use for liquor sales in a separate building within LDM zoning and approved the construction of a retail store larger than 6,000 square feet in the RMU zoning district. The board also engaged in a substantial deliberation over a variance request from a homeowner on Deerfoot Lane who built too close to the front property line due to a topographical error.

North Port City Council Tackles Strategic Planning and Infrastructure

Overview: The North Port City Council recently convened to address the city’s strategic planning, prioritizing initiatives that pertain to infrastructure and growth management, amidst the backdrop of Hurricane Ian’s impact. The council focused on the need to develop a comprehensive disaster response plan, a tree replacement program, and methods to prioritize projects within the city’s budget. The meeting also delved into discussions about the workforce development, affordable housing, and environmental sustainability.

Norton Plans New Zoning District, Eyes Multifamily Housing and Smart Road District

Overview: The Norton Planning Board has discussed the establishment of a new zoning district aimed at creating multifamily housing and a Smart Road District. The meeting, held remotely via Zoom, saw the presentation of potential sites and mechanisms for compliance with state housing mandates, as well as the discussion of various considerations for the new zoning, including its structure, housing types permitted, and inclusionary components.