Littleton Board of Health Advances Local Health and Property Initiatives

Overview: The Littleton Board of Health recently convened to address a series of public health and property-related issues that impact the local community. During the meeting, the board approved Title 5 waivers, a well location variance, and local variances for a sewage disposal system.

Reading Finance Committee Discusses School Building Project and Community Preservation Act

Overview: During the recent Reading Finance Committee meeting, discussions centered around the planning and design of a new school facility, potential energy improvements under the Inflation Reduction Act, the Community Preservation Act (CPA), and various community projects.

Dighton Honors Junior Firefighter Hero Benjamin Corville

Overview: In a recent Dighton Board of Selectmen meeting, junior firefighter Benjamin Corville was honored for his heroic act of saving a young girl from choking, an event which stood out among the various topics discussed. The board also tackled other issues including a scout’s proposal for a recreational project, concerns over potential conflicts of interest with a consulting firm, and the ongoing efforts to fill important town positions.

Hampden Planning Board Allows Solar Project Withdrawal Without Prejudice

Overview: In a recent Hampden Planning Board meeting, the board voted to allow the withdrawal of a special permit application for a 4.92 megawatt agricultural ground-mounted solar facility by Glendale Road Development LLC without prejudice. The decision, following advice from Town Counsel, gives the applicant the possibility to resubmit the project at any time without having to wait for a two-year period. This move comes after the project was denied an order of conditions by the Conservation Commission, prompting the developers to reconsider their options, which may include revising the project, abandoning it, or filing appeals.

Amherst Contemplates Future of University Drive with Mixed-Use Overlay Proposal

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Amherst Community Resources Committee delved into a series of discussions surrounding the proposed mixed-use overlay district along University Drive, which has become the focal point of a broader debate on the area’s development strategy. The mixed-use overlay is intended to introduce high-density residential and commercial spaces to the corridor, with buildings potentially reaching up to six floors. The committee also examined the implications of new state-level solar permitting laws, the development of downtown design guidelines, and the intricacies of a form-based zoning approach.