Newbury Committee Focuses on Updating Open Space and Recreation Plan

Overview: The Newbury Open Space Committee recently prioritized the need to update the town’s expired open space and recreation plan, a tool crucial for natural resource inventory, future space protection, and grant applications. The committee’s discussion revolved around revising critical sections of the plan, addressing environmental challenges, and ensuring the inclusion of accurate and current data.

Newbury Board of Assessors Approves Abatements and Sets Next Meeting

Overview: During the recent Newbury Board of Assessors meeting, the board approved a series of property abatements, tidying up financial records from 2012 to 2023. The board also set the tentative date for the next meeting and discussed further abatements in an executive session.

Whittier Regional Technical School Committee Weighs SOI Impact and Enrollment Policies

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Whittier Regional Technical School Committee addressed topics including the potential expansion of technical education programs, budget approvals for fiscal year 2425, and the submission of a new Statement of Interest (SOI) to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The committee also considered the impact of proposed changes on participating communities and the alignment with other educational institutions.

Newbury Select Board Addresses Housing and School District Financials

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Newbury Select Board tackled a host of issues, with notable discussions on zoning amendments to introduce multifamily housing zones and financial matters concerning the Whittier Regional Vocational High School agreement and the Triton Regional School District. The board also approved a $5,600 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and authorized negotiations for a solar facility lease.

Newbury Planning Board Sets Public Hearing for Land Use Revisions

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Newbury Planning Board focused on a series of issues, most notably setting a public hearing date for proposed revisions to chapter 117, which pertains to subdivision of land and site plan review submission requirements and procedures. The revisions are aimed at ensuring compliance with the town’s MS4 general permit by amending regulations and bylaws to include considerations of water quality impacts and low impact development strategies during preapplication conferences. Additionally, the board discussed the incorporation of a public comment segment into the Planning Board agenda, reported on various liaison updates, and addressed property applications and stormwater issues.