Townsend Planning Board Grapples with MBTA Communities Act and Future Zoning Challenges

Overview: The Townsend Planning Board meeting focused on the implications of the MBTA Communities Act, discussing necessary zoning amendments to comply with the state mandate to zone for 178 multifamily housing units by right. The meeting, attended by residents and town officials, delved into the potential impacts on local development, community character, and the town’s eligibility for significant state grants.

Townsend Conservation Commission Tackles Timber Infestation Amidst Regulatory Challenges

Overview: At the recent Townsend Conservation Commission meeting, members engaged in discussions on environmental management, with a primary focus on managing a timber infestation at Old Meeting House Park and addressing regulatory requirements for a property on Fishburg Road. The commission agreed on the urgency of hiring a forester to manage the infested timber and deliberated on the complexities of a construction project potentially affecting a sensitive environmental buffer zone.

Townsend Finance Committee Scrutinizes Trash Program Viability Amid Financial Concerns

Overview: The Townsend Finance Committee meeting focused heavily on evaluating the town’s new trash program and its financial implications, while also grappling with broader budgetary and accounting issues. The committee expressed concerns over the program’s sustainability, as well as the potential impact of budget discrepancies on future fiscal planning.

Townsend Select Board Approves Public Relations Proposal and Debates Property Transfers

Overview: In a recent Townsend Select Board meeting, members approved a proposal for on-call public relations services from Capital Strategic Solutions (CSS) and engaged in discussions about property transfers to the Conservation Commission. The meeting also covered topics like zoning amendments, affordable housing, surplus equipment, and noise regulation.

Townsend Finance Committee Tackles Open Meeting Law Violation Response and Budget Form Standardization

Overview: During the recent Townsend Finance Committee meeting, members grappled with addressing a violation of open meeting laws while also working towards standardizing budget forms across departments.