Norton Select Board Faces Scrutiny Over $1,500 Property Sale After $500,000 Cleanup

Overview: In a recent Norton Select Board meeting, attention was directed towards a controversial property transaction that left many questioning the town’s financial oversight. After investing $500,000 in cleanup efforts, the town sold the property for a mere $1,500. The sale sparked concerns about outstanding back taxes and potential legal implications, with suggestions to escalate the issue to the attorney general’s office for further investigation.

Norton Planning Board Approves District Realignment and Discusses New Student Cell Phone Policy

Overview: During a recent Norton Planning Board meeting, the board approved hiring Ross Haber and Associates for a district realignment study and debated updates to the high school handbook, focusing on changes to the student cell phone policy. The board considered various agenda items, including a detailed examination of educational programs and partnerships.

Norton Select Board Grapples with Signage Policy Amid Pride and Gadsden Flag Discussions

Overview: The Norton Select Board convened recently to tackle a series of issues ranging from public signage policies to emergency preparedness and staffing updates. The meeting was marked by a vibrant discussion about the town’s long-standing tradition of displaying Pride signs, a topic that intertwined with a proposal to display the Gadsden flag, spotlighting the ongoing need for a comprehensive town signage policy.

Norton Planning Board Advances Affordable Housing Fund Plan Amidst Development Deliberations

Overview: During the Norton Planning Board meeting on May 20, a focus was placed on advancing a proposal to establish an affordable housing fund, alongside discussions on various development projects. The board approved the creation of a Mass General Law 40A Chapter 44 Section 53K account, aimed at collecting $600,000 for affordable housing from a developer, contingent upon the issuance of final occupancy certificates. The meeting also addressed the technical evaluations of several projects, including a mixed-use building proposal, stormwater management for new residential lots, and a definitive plan involving duplexes.

Norton Planning Board Approves Custodial Contract and Discusses Student Parking Fees Increase

Overview: At the recent Norton Planning Board meeting, decisions included the unanimous approval of a custodial contract with Local 1702 and a debated increase in student parking fees. The board also explored updates to school handbooks and considered geomapping proposals for district alignment, emphasizing community involvement in decision-making processes.