East Longmeadow Plans New High School Amid Traffic Safety Concerns

Overview: In a move for the East Longmeadow community, the Planning Board discussed the construction of a new East Longmeadow High School and addressed concerns regarding traffic safety and the impact on local neighborhoods. The meeting, which covered a range of topics, delved into the particulars of the school’s site plan, including traffic flow, parking allocation, and construction phasing, as well as the effects of these aspects on the surrounding area.

Bethlehem Town Council Grapples with Public Speech and Housing Crisis

Overview: In a recent Bethlehem Town Council meeting, the most pressing topic revolved around a proposal to amend rules for public comment during council meetings. The proposal sought to prioritize comments from city residents and taxpayers, potentially relegating non-residents to the end of the session. Despite rigorous debate, the motion ultimately faced rejection with a 5-2 vote, maintaining the status quo of public participation.

Gardner Council Supports Tax Measures to Bolster City Revenue

Overview: The Gardner City Council has shown support for new tax proposals aimed at increasing the city’s revenue, which include a local option sales tax on meals and an increase in the local option room occupancy excise tax. These measures are seen as vital to diversify the city’s revenue sources and reduce the financial burden on property taxes, especially given the budget cuts impacting city services and the ongoing costs of vital projects such as school construction.

Delanco Addresses Safety and Infrastructure in Town Council Meeting

Overview: The Delanco Town Council, in its May 6th, 2024 meeting, tackled a host of issues including public safety concerns at community events, the implementation of new technology infrastructure, and the regulation of cannabis within the township. The council approved ordinances related to vehicles and parking and discussed safety measures such as the installation of speed bumps. Moreover, the need for a lead-based paint inspection in rental units and the methodology for calculating affordable housing numbers were deliberated.

Gulf County Council Discusses Airport Project Concerns and Public Safety

Overview: At a recent Gulf County Council meeting, council members addressed concerns regarding a proposed airport grant agreement, public safety related to a nearby rifle range, and the potential environmental impact of oil exploration in the Apalachicola River Basin.