Acushnet Board Denies Special Permit for Bounce House Business

Overview: The Acushnet Board of Selectmen has denied a request for a special permit to operate a bounce house rental business from a residential home. This decision came after consideration of several factors, including the impact of the operation on the neighborhood in terms of noise, traffic, and community peace. The applicant, Jacqueline Korea Gonzalez, sought permission to clean and dry her inflatables at the location, not to operate the business itself there. However, the request was met with opposition from residents and concerns from the board regarding compliance with town bylaws.

Acushnet Housing Authority Debates Staff Reclassifications and Project Bids

Overview: The Acushnet Housing Authority’s recent meeting focused on critical operational changes and the advancement of housing projects, with discussions encompassing staff reclassifications, the initiation of a construction bid, and the implementation of a new railing project. A highlight of the session was the debate over altering the title of a staff member to Maintenance Supervisor due to the individual’s construction license and the nature of the work they were performing. Additionally, the meeting deliberated on the legalities and financial details of appointing an architecture firm for the railing project, and the inclusion of additional health benefits for employees.

Acushnet Planning Board Tackles Solar Project Permit Extension

Overview: The Acushnet Planning Board’s recent meeting was notably centered around the deliberation of a special permit extension for Distributed Solar Development LLC’s project on Mores Lane. The board grappled with the implications of potential legislative changes on the permit extensions and the developer’s request for more time due to delays attributed to Eversource and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities. Additionally, a unanimous vote was required for any extension, with the decision postponed until the board reconvened with full membership.

Acushnet Board Addresses Asphalt Plant Odor Concerns

Overview: The Acushnet Board of Health meeting centered on addressing odor complaints potentially linked to the local asphalt plant operated by PJ Keating Company. The discussion was a response to the concerns from residents regarding the chemical makeup of the asphalt production and the effectiveness of the newly implemented odor mitigation measures. In an effort to address these concerns, the Board engaged with third-party consultants and reviewed the results of recent stack testing and the approval of an air quality plan by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Acushnet Conservation Commission Considers Holding Conservation Restriction

Overview: The Acushnet Conservation Commission, in its recent meeting, discussed a significant proposal from the Buzzards Bay Coalition (BBC) regarding a conservation partnership for a property located on South Main Street. The BBC intends to purchase the property and transform it into a conservation area, which would be accompanied by the removal of existing structures on the site. The Commission supports the initiative and plans to recommend that the Board of Selectmen agree to hold the conservation restriction. This partnership is contingent on acquiring a grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which mandates that the conservation restriction be held by a municipality or a partner.