East Rutherford School Board Explores Preschool Expansion Amidst Budget and Enrollment Challenges

Overview: In a recent East Rutherford School Board meeting, discussions centered around issues such as preschool expansion, managing prekindergarten grant allocations, and the ongoing challenge of lunch balance management. The board also tackled staffing challenges and the need for strategic financial oversight to ensure future program sustainability.

Cocoa Beach City Tackles Budget Challenges and Beach Vendor Debate

Overview: The Cocoa Beach City Commission meeting centered on discussions about budget resolutions and a debate over beach vendor expansion. Key financial resolutions were passed, including the adoption of the final budget for fiscal year 2026 and a five-year capital improvement program, while commissioners also addressed concerns about commercialization of local beach areas.

Fall River Commission on Disability Allocates $8,000 for 2026 Scholarship Brunch

Overview: The Fall River Commission on Disability convened to reelect officers, allocate funds for a scholarship event, and discuss planning for future disability training. Key decisions included the unanimous reelection of all current officers and the approval of an $8,000 allocation for a future scholarship brunch.

Townsend Grapples with Zoning Challenges Amidst MBTA Communities Compliance Push

Overview: During a recent Townsend Select Board meeting, discussions were dominated by zoning challenges and the town’s pressing need to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. The board deliberated on a zoning reclassification proposal for a property on Brookline Road and explored the implications of a multifamily overlay bylaw amendment to align with state requirements, crucial for maintaining funding and grants.

Clay County Grants Variance for Garage Construction Despite Prior Denial

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Clay County Board of Commissioners approved a variance for Michael Ward, doing business as Benchmark Builders, to reduce the road centerline setback for an attached garage in Barnesville. This decision comes after a similar variance request was denied in 2020. The landowner, Kyle Schmidt, plans to convert the existing detached garage into part of the house and build a new one 66 feet from the road centerline, a 27% reduction from the standard 90-foot setback required for local township roads.