Newbury Planning Board Approves Common Driveway, Discusses Land Withdrawal

Overview: The Newbury Planning Board, in their recent meeting, unanimously approved a special permit application for a common driveway and engaged in discussions surrounding the withdrawal from chapter 61a for a property on Central Street. In a session that saw the introduction of the new Planning Director Kristen Grubbs, members also deliberated on a request by the Newbury Golf Center and the reorganization of the board’s leadership roles.

Newbury Library Board Discusses Freedom of Information Request and HVAC System Delays

Overview: The Newbury Library Board convened recently to address a variety of issues, including a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request affecting multiple town departments and the status of ongoing building projects, particularly the delayed HVAC system upgrade.

Newbury Select Board Discusses Food Insecurity and Police Firearm Surplus

Overview: In a recent Newbury Select Board meeting, the executive director of Our Neighbors’ Table, a regional food access organization, delivered a significant report on the current state of food insecurity in Newbury, highlighting that almost one out of ten residents is living in a food insecure household. The report also introduced a new regional food hub intended to support local food pantries, such as the First Parish Newbury food pantry, by providing access to fresh foods. In other matters, the board discussed the deeming of police handguns as surplus following an upgrade to new firearms with red dot sights, which will be sold with proceeds returning to the general fund.

Newbury HR Board Tackles Job Classification and Compensation Challenges

Overview: At the recent meeting of the Newbury Human Resource Board, the primary focus was on the classification of key financial positions and the initiation of a comprehensive compensation survey. The board grappled with the intricacies of municipal finance roles, facing the challenge of attracting qualified candidates with the necessary expertise in fund accounting. This issue was compounded by the ongoing need to remain competitive in terms of compensation and benefits, prompting the board to consider a detailed study to compare their pay scales with those of other communities.

Newbury Zoning Board Approves Accessory Apartment Project

Overview: The Newbury Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on July 18th, 2024, resulted in the approval of an accessory apartment project and the discussion of a continuance for a separate property development.