Southwick Select Board Grapples with Cybersecurity Breach Impacting Emergency Notification System

Overview: The Southwick Select Board meeting on December 1, 2025, focused heavily on community concerns, including a cybersecurity breach of the Code Red emergency notification system, the handling of property assessment reevaluations, and proposed legislation affecting battery storage facilities. The board also discussed improvements in local governance and community engagement through media and communication initiatives.

Beaver Dam Removal and Flood Zone Concerns Dominate Southwick Conservation Commission Meeting

Overview: During the recent Southwick Conservation Commission meeting, a issue was the emergency certification for the removal of a beaver dam on College Highway, where concerns had arisen about the dam endangering the driveway of Southwick Acres campground. The commission reviewed the situation after a site visit conducted by the Department of Public Works director, who confirmed the need for immediate action. The owner of the property was given 30 days to carefully dismantle the dam to mitigate downstream impacts. A discussion ensued about whether engaging a beaver trapper might be necessary, given the ongoing beaver season, and the emergency certification was ratified unanimously.

Southwick Planning Board Explores Open Space Plan While Debating Roles and Responsibilities

Overview: The Southwick Planning Board convened on November 25th to address topics, including the organization of their open space plan, election of committee officers, and clarifying their roles in relation to other town bodies. They also delved into the logistics of meeting scheduling and procedures related to open space management.

Southwick Water Commission Faces Public Concerns Over Water Quality and Communication

Overview: The Southwick Water Commission meeting on November 20, 2025, highlighted considerable public dissatisfaction with water quality and communication issues. Commissioners debated the validity of these concerns. Additionally, the town’s water supply challenges and state regulations were discussed, underscoring Southwick’s efforts to balance resource management with public expectations.

Southwick Community Preservation Committee Tables Tannery Road Conservation Project Amid Access Concerns

Overview: At a recent meeting of the Southwick Community Preservation Committee, members engaged in a discussion about a proposed conservation restriction purchase and site improvements for a property on Tannery Road. The complexities surrounding legal access to the land emerged as a issue, prompting the committee to table the application for further investigation. Other noteworthy topics included a change in the venue for the town’s Christmas fair and an intricate legal situation involving land associated with the local library and high school.