Ayer Planning Board Tackles Stratton Hill Project Delays and Site Plan Concerns

Overview: The Ayer Planning Board met on April 9, 2024, to address several development projects, with the Stratton Hill project and the Aho Development’s 333r Street proposal at the forefront. The board approved an extension for the Stratton Hill project hearing due to COVID-19-related delays and prepared for the peer review of revised plans. Substantial discussion also centered on Aho Development’s proposed construction of three single-family homes on 333r Street, raising public and board concerns about stormwater management, floodplain compensation, and road improvements.

Ayer Select Board Advances Special Education and Communication Initiatives

Overview: In a recent Ayer Select Board meeting, members took steps forward in improving the local education system, particularly focusing on special education and enhancing communication with the community. The board reviewed and discussed a proposal to create a postgraduate transition program for students with disabilities, debated possible changes to the school calendar, assessed the superintendent’s midyear report on special education, and scrutinized the district’s communication practices based on recent audit results.

Ayer Board of Health Addresses Public Health Career Awareness and Local Healthcare Challenges

Overview: The Ayer Board of Health meeting held on April 8th focused on a range of topics, with discussions on promoting public health careers, addressing the closure of healthcare facilities, and managing the impact of these closures on local services. The meeting also reviewed property issues, animal keeping regulations, and the handling of agency bylaws and governance, but the emphasis was on the challenges facing public health services in terms of staffing, awareness, and maintaining operations amidst financial constraints.

Ayer Housing Trust Supports $4 Million Funding for Affordable Housing Project

Overview: The Ayer Affordable Housing Trust expressed unanimous support for a $4 million federal earmark to address a funding gap for the Noah Commons affordable housing project. During the meeting, a detailed letter of support addressed to Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Ed Markey, with a copy to Representative Lori Trahan, was reviewed, amended, and approved by members of the Housing Trust. The letter outlines the project’s need for additional funding due to increased construction costs and inflation and emphasizes the community’s backing and environmental considerations of the project.

Ayer Select Board Advances Town Development and Budgeting

Overview: The Ayer Select Board, in its recent meeting, approved pivotal amendments and appointments, discussed budgeting platforms, and supported local and regional development initiatives. The board ratified the appointment of April Ina con as the new assessing administrator for Ayer, and approved a license amendment for JR Realty Corporation. Furthermore, the board collaborated with the Finance Committee to review and endorse the 2024 town meeting warrant, which included the adoption of the ClearGov budget platform to enhance transparency and accessibility for residents.