Newbury Select Board Advances Housing Plan to Tackle Affordable Housing and Population Decline

Overview: The Newbury Select Board addressed several issues during their recent meeting, focusing on the town’s Housing Production Plan, which aims to increase affordable housing and mitigate projected population decline. The board also discussed grant approvals, zoning bylaw amendments, and future energy options for residents, highlighting efforts to adapt to both demographic shifts and environmental constraints.

Newbury Human Resource Board Discusses Key Salary Survey Project Amid Staffing Changes

Overview: The Newbury Human Resource Board’s recent meeting centered on an important salary survey project and staffing changes within the town. The board addressed consultant Sandy Step Sinsky’s ongoing project to analyze salary benchmarks, alongside recent resignations in the police and fire departments and the implications for future hiring.

Newbury Recreation Committee Grapples with Field Usage Conflicts and Budgetary Planning

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Newbury Recreation Committee addressed concerns regarding field usage conflicts and financial planning for the upcoming fiscal year. Key topics included the overlapping requests for field usage by local youth sports organizations, the need for a more structured budget to manage community resources effectively, and the ongoing maintenance challenges of local recreational facilities.

Newbury Planning Board Debates Housing Production Plan Amid Controversy Over Population Projections

Overview: The Newbury Planning Board meeting was marked by a heated discussion on the town’s Housing Production Plan for 2024 to 2029, with board members expressing concerns about projected population declines and the plan’s effectiveness. The board also considered amendments to zoning bylaws, addressing issues such as energy efficiency in project designs and clarifying zoning definitions.

Newbury Conservation Commission Supports Lock and Dam Removal for Ecological Restoration

Overview: The Newbury Conservation Commission meeting on January 21st focused on several environmental projects, with an emphasis on the proposed Lock and Dam removal. This major ecological restoration initiative aims to improve fish habitats and address the structural integrity of aging infrastructure, presenting a more sustainable alternative to rebuilding existing facilities. The commission also tackled various compliance issues and discussed new developments concerning local properties.