Newbury Planning Board Tackles Zoning Amendments and Affordable Housing Initiatives

Overview: The Newbury Planning Board meeting on February 19, 2025, primarily addressed updates to zoning bylaws, with particular emphasis on recodification, compliance with state and federal regulations, and affordable housing initiatives. Discussions underscored the importance of aligning local bylaws with broader legislative frameworks to facilitate sustainable development and community growth.

Nisswa City Council Faces Criticism Over Master Plan Billing and Fire Relief Pension Exclusion

Overview: During the recent Nisswa City Council meeting, tensions surfaced over the downtown master plan and its associated billing discrepancies, along with concerns about the exclusion of EMS personnel from the Fire Relief pension eligibility. In the open forum, a resident voiced apprehension about the lack of detailed receipts related to the downtown master plan, questioning the hours billed by the city administrator and WSN, the project manager. The resident highlighted a disconnect between the committee’s feedback and the concepts presented, also expressing frustration over not receiving an invitation to an upcoming retreat intended to discuss the master plan. A council member acknowledged the issues, confirming that WSN agreed to credit the city for overcharges but admitted detailed fee breakdowns were still pending. The council member assured the resident of efforts to improve communication with the committee and promised further investigation into how their opinions were being conveyed.

Resident’s Frustration Highlights Fair Haven Planning Board’s Development Challenges

Overview: During the recent Fair Haven Planning Board meeting, discussions unfolded around development regulations and procedural challenges, particularly spotlighting a resident’s ongoing struggles with the borough’s subdivision application process. The resident, who sought to subdivide their property on Parker Avenue into two conforming lots, voiced significant frustration over what they perceived as bureaucratic hurdles and lack of communication from borough officials.

Halifax Faces 5.9% School Budget Hike Due to Enrollment Increase

Overview: At the recent Halifax Finance Committee meeting, discussions centered around an unexpected 5.9% increase in the school budget for Halifax, attributed to rising student enrollment at Silver Lake Regional School. The meeting also touched on the town’s budget planning for fiscal year 2026, the certification of free cash, and potential community engagement through budget forums.

Wyckoff Town Council Approves Funding for Police Department Renovations and Infrastructure Upgrades

Overview: The Wyckoff Town Council meeting on February 18, 2025, focused on significant capital allocations for local infrastructure and police department renovations. Key ordinances were passed, authorizing the use of existing funds for several large-scale projects, including a $711,000 allocation for police department upgrades and $1,498,000 for infrastructure improvements.