West Whately
GOVERNMENT
Excitement high for a potential new path along Route 116 corridor
SUNDERLAND — The town of Sunderland is partnering up with the town of Amherst to design a mixed-use path from Whately to Amherst. Sunderland has received a $195,090 Mass Trails grant for a feasibility study and designing of the 10-foot-wide path that will go from Whately Park and Ride off Interstate 91 along Route 116 through South Deerfield and Sunderland ending just south of Meadow Street in Amherst.
Lake Pleasant 150th Anniversary Celebration
Lake Pleasant 150th Anniversary Block Party Celebration. The Lake Pleasant Village Association and The National Spiritual Alliance are excited to host the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Montague MA’s most storied Village of Lake Pleasant. This FREE public block party is scheduled from 1-9pm and marks the founding of the Village of Lake Pleasant in 1874, as well as the 150th anniversary of the Spiritualist Community. This momentous occasion will feature live music, regional craft vendors, festival food, history talks, metaphysical vendors and authors, 50/50 raffle, pie auction and activities for families. The celebration will culminate with a time capsule ceremony and illumination of the historic Bridge of Names.
3 Massachusetts College Towns Are Among the Best in the Northeast
Any New Englander will tell you that there are many factors contributing to the region's excellent reputation, including the schools and higher education opportunities. New England is home to over 250+ colleges and universities, according to The New England Board of Higher Education and CollegeSimply. But it's not just these institutions which hold appeal to prospective students; it's the towns they're located in. After all, when you're not in the classroom or studying, these communities are where you go to shop, eat, and have fun with friends.
Puffers Pond Remains Closed to Swimming
Puffer’s Pond will remain closed to swimming until further notice due to high levels of E. coli bacteria. There are many factors that could be contributing to this ongoing issue and the town is looking into causes and exploring long-term solutions. The town conducts water quality testing weekly with results posted on Wednesdays at www.amherstma.gov/puffers. The most recent results were posted on Wednesday, July 24 and new results will be posted on Wednesday, July 31.
North Whitney Street Duplex a No-go for Now
Application for Non-owner Occupied Duplex Withdrawn. Report on the Meeting of the Zoning Board of Appeals, July 25, 2024. This meeting was held over Zoom and was recorded. Steve Judge (Chair), Everald Henry, Craig Meadows, David Sloviter, and Philip White. Staff: Christine Brestrup (Planning Director), Jacinta Williams (Planner), and Rob...
Hibernians of Hampden and Hampshire Counties Annual Traditional Summer Picnic
Holyoke - The Hibernians of Hampden/Hampshire Counties invites the public to attend the annual traditional summer picnic featuring Jim O’Connor and the Boston Irish-American Blackthorne Band at Hamel’s Summit View Pavilion, 555 Northampton St. on Sunday, Aug. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are...
Philip Avila Named New Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Town Manager Paul Bockelman announced in his July 15 Town Manager Report that former Amherst Human Rights Commission co-chair Philip Avila will be the new Assistant Director of the town’s office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Avila will begin his duties on August 5. Avila is currently a...
Residents raise noise, traffic, emissions concerns over increased activity at the fairgrounds
GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — Wednesday’s Greenfield Public Safety Commission meeting took place in the new fire station for the second time. Several resident came to give comment on the impact fairground events have had on life in their neighborhood citing concerns with noise levels, time of noise disruptions, increased traffic, and emissions.
Holyoke Water Works Commission Meeting July 30, 2024
– Healing from the Roots, LLC – Five Element Yoga. – William J. Boyle Scholarship Fund – Run Billy Run 2024. – Pope Francis Preparatory School – Cross Country Meets. 6. DAVID M. CONTI, MANAGER. RE: Old Business/New Business. – Mass. Audubon Grant Program. – Collective Bargaining...
Town Schedules Three Public Hearings on Proposed Changes to Jones Library Expansion Design
The Town of Amherst has scheduled three public hearings on proposed changes to the design of the Jones Library expansion. Recent value engineering adopted by the Jones Library Trustees in the hopes of lowering the overall cost of the project have resulted in significant changes to the design from what was originally proposed – requiring re-approvals from both the Planning Board and the Amherst Historical Commission. These changes include the elimination of nearly all sustainability features and many historic features that would impact the historic character of the building.
Embattled nursing home system asks judge to change receivership into monitoring
BOSTON — Attorneys for the company that owns three nursing care facilities placed into receivership last week over concerns that poor staffing would imperil the welfare of 300 residents asked a Superior Court judge to change the arrangement so that the state is only monitoring its operations. The Attorney...
Town Manager Report for July 15, 2024
Editor’s note: Town Manager Paul Bockelman submits a comprehensive report to the Town Council, usually at the first Town Council meeting of each month. The reports, usually 9 to 16 pages in length, provide up-to-date information on what is happening within and across town departments. The Manager’s Report is usually one of the last items on the agenda and is often taken up late at night, leaving little time for Bockelman to do more than mention a few highlights and this is usually all that gets entered into the Council minutes. What follows is a complete, unedited version of the Town Manager’s Report. All Town Manager Reports are available on the town’s website here: Town Manager Reports.
Fire department pursuing hybrid lane at entrance to Main Street
GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — As the Greenfield fire department settles into their new station, chief Robert Strahan discussed some challenges they are experiencing such as fire engines entering Main Street to get to a fire. Strahan did note that the conditions for entering Main Street are improved over the experience at the former station.
YMCA closed after water main pipe breaks
GREENFIELD, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The Franklin County YMCA at 451 Main Street in Greenfield has closed expectedly Friday after a water main pipe broke and will reopen as soon as repairs are made. From the Franklin County YMCA:. YMCA CLOSED DUE TO BROKEN WATER MAIN PIPE. The...
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