Millers Falls
GOVERNMENT
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...
Erving awaiting word on I.P. Mill demotion money
ERVING, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Erving officials are awaiting word from MassDevelopment on a plan for partial demolition of the International Paper Mill. Town Administrator Bryan Smith says MassDevelopment had some questions about the plan before the grant money is released. Scott Bastarache of the Selectboard explained that...
Construction Update Brattleboro-Hinsdale Bridge – August 29, 2024
BF A004(152) One-way alternating traffic controlled by flaggers can be expected on Vermont Route 142 as they build the intersection for the new bridge. At the Vermont abutment, crews have begun and will continue to work on the expansion joint. Work on moment slabs/sidewalks adjacent to VT 142 will begin and continue over the next few weeks.
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...
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...
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.
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.”
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.
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