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West Nile Virus detected in mosquitos in Greenfield
GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced on Friday that the West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected in Greenfield. The Greenfield Health Department is working with the state DPH on the situation. Here is the official press release from the...
ZBA Opens Public Hearing for Affordable Rentals
Report on the Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, August 29, 2024. This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Steve Judge (Chair), Everald Henry, Craig Meadows, David Sloviter, and Philip White. Staff: Jacinta Williams, Nate Malloy, Chris Brestrup (Planners) Attorney Carolyn Murray (KPLaw) representing the Zoning Board...
Pioneer Valley Mosquito Control District Messaging
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is a very rare but serious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes that can cause severe illness and even death. The last human case of EEE occurred in 2020. There is no specific treatment for EEE; prevention is crucial. West Nile virus (WNV) differs from EEE in...
Holyoke seeks to fill two spots on School Committee following resignations
HOLYOKE — The City of Holyoke is currently seeking applicants for interim appointments to the School Committee seats for Ward 1 and Ward 4. Gustavo Romero from Ward 1 and Gloria Caballero-Roca of Ward 4 submitted their letters of resignations to Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia this week. If you...
ZBA Denies Permit for Nonowner-Occupied Duplex on Chestnut Street
Report on the Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, August 22, 2024 , Part 2. This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Lixiang Yao applied for a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to convert the house she purchased in April at 161 Chestnut Street into a nonowner occupied duplex. The house is at the corner of Chestnut Street and Mattoon, near the middle school and high school and has an in-ground swimming pool in the rear. The previous owner occupied a one-bedroom accessory unit, while renting the two-story, three-bedroom main house. Both units are currently unoccupied, and the pool has not been opened this year. The property has had no rental registration permit since 2019.
Board tosses complaint questioning residency of Ware Selectboard member
The Ware Board of Registrars voted unanimously at its Wednesday meeting to dismiss a complaint questioning the residency of Ware Selectboard member Terrance Smith. In June, Selectboard member Josh Kusnierz filed a complaint alleging Smith was living in Shutesbury, not Ware. In his complaint, Kusnierz asked the board to investigate whether Smith could serve as an elected official in the town given the allegations that Smith did not live in Ware. The Republican previously reported that Smith was prohibited by a legal order in his divorce proceedings from residing at his Ware property.
Letter: Hope is Alive in Amherst
Jones Library Trustee Farah Ameen labels those who disagree with her a “vocal minority,” denigrates their concerns as “first world” problems and misinformation, and blames their advocacy for a loss of hope. Hope is alive and well among the many town residents who support the Jones Library but advocate a more measured and affordable approach than the plan proponents insist is the only way. Hope that other, higher priority town needs will not be short-changed or delayed because of this one project. Hope that those in positions of power will not abuse that power . Hope that reason will prevail. And hope that the Jones Library finally will be repaired, its unused spaces fully utilized, and its function as one of three town libraries continue well into the 21st century and beyond.
OSHA regulations could overwhelm local fire departments
GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — New proposed federal Occupational Safety and Health Association, OSHA, regulations for fire departments could put undue financial and staffing burdens on small towns. OSHA is proposing moving from medical exams at hiring, to requiring twice yearly exams as well as weekly inspections of...
Library Project Gets Past Historical Review with a Little Help from Its Friends
Amherst Historical Commission Nixes Asphalt Roof, Window Repairs. Amidst complaints that they were ignoring advice from the Massachusetts Historical Commission (MHC), the Amherst Historical Commission (AHC) voted 3-1 to declare that recent cost-saving cuts to the design of the Jones Library Demolition-Renovation-Expansion “meet the [Town-Library] Preservation Restriction standards and comply with the Secretary of the Interior standards.”
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