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Return to NIA 2006
MRWC's News & Info Alert (NIA) database.
Archive of 2005
NIA #: 05-234
Geographical key words: Ashburnham, Westminster, Southern Monadnock Plateau
Thematic key words: Mt. Hunger, Mid-State Trail, Forest Legacy program, land protection, conservation restriction
Source: Gardner News, 31 Dec. 05, p. 4
Headline: Mt. Hunger land said to be under serious development pressure
Summary: A regional effort is attempting to protect a large amount of land bordering the northern section of the Mid-State Trail, which runs north-state across the entire state. According to the North County Land Trust, one of the groups involved, an application for financial support from the federal Forest Legacy Program may not be answered in time to protect the Mt. Hunger property, a 900 acre parcel in Ashburnham. The Trail crosses from New Ipswich, New Hampshire, passes Mount Watatic, and continues down through Westminster, where 590 acres have been targeted for protection status.
NIA #: 05-233
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: heritage landscape
Source: Gardner News, 30 Dec. 05, p. 2
Headline: Winchendon selected to participate in DCR survey
Summary: Winchendon will be among 37 towns in Mass. participating in a survey of local heritage landscapes. The Department of Conservation and Recreation is organizing the Freedom’s Way Reconnaissance Survey as part of its Heritage Landscape Inventory Program. Landscapes can include scenic roads, village centers, gardens, cemeteries, archeological sites, and more. After identifying such landscapes, communities will be able to apply for funding for heritage landscape protection and related economic development.
NIA #: 05-232
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: Affordable housing, Chapter 40B
Source: Gardner News, 29 Dec. 05, p. 3
Headline: Templeton to hold a Chapter 40B informative seminar
Summary: The town’s legal counsel will offer an affordable housing seminar to town officials next month. The seminar will cover the Comprehensive Permit and information on subdivision planning, zoning and wetlands issues. The Chapter 40B process applies in cases where a town has less than 10 percent of its housing stock considered affordable, and a development project has at least 25 percent of its units so designated. The seminar comes amid concerns that the Chapter 40B process bypasses town bylaws, by allowing developers to build four or five houses on a one-acre lot instead of the one house per acre allowed by the town. There is only one Chapter 40B housing project in town, Daymill Estates, but three Chapter 40B projects have been proposed: Depot Pond Village on Hospital Road, Riverside Estates LLC at 128 Main Street, and The Village at Pond View LLC off Patriots Road.
NIA #: 05-231
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: condominium development, stormwater management, wetlands, flooding, wastewater treatment plant, determination of applicability
Source: Athol Daily News, 22 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: Building hearing continued
Summary: The conservation commission continued its public hearing on a notice of intent for construction of a 40-unit condominium in Petersham Road, due to concerns over stormwater runoff from the three-story structure and parking lot, which could flood nearby wetlands. The builder has agreed to amend the project’s drainage plan to get the commission’s approval, and may install a detention tank and possible additional diversion, such as a split drainage system. The building will be constructed on a ten-acre lot, with one, two and three-bedroom units. Richard Godin, a Petersham Road resident, said there are currently 49 single family homes within a mile and a half stretch of road, and he complained the project will double the number of people living in the area. The commission also gave a favorable ruling to a request for determination of applicability concerning planned upgrades at the town’s wastewater treatment plant; they determined the work would have a negative impact on the Millers River, which is nearby, because the work is within the required buffer zone.
NIA #: 05-230
Geographical key words: North Quabbin
Thematic key words: ecotourism, North Quabbin Woods
Source: Athol Daily News, 22 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: $50,000 to promote tourism
Summary: The North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce received a $50,000 grant from the state that will expand and support tourism initiatives of the North Quabbin Woods project. Funds will be used for a variety of purposes, including developing a new guide to regional attractions, completing the NQW website, updating the Tully Trail map, and supporting area tourism events.
NIA #: 05-229
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: conservation commission
Source: Gardner News, 21 Dec. 05, p. 3
Headline: Conservation Commission seeking new recruits to attend meetings, hearings
Summary: The town conservation commission has only two members, the minimum allowed to conduct official business—and one wants to retire. There are openings for five more members, but the town has been struggling to find them, and could face difficulties if new members are not found. The commission meets weekly to hear from three to nine case hearings, plus field checks for some cases. Preferably, new members would be knowledgeable about the Wetlands Protection Act, but they can also learn once they start.
NIA #: 05-228
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key words: affordable housing, condominium development
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 21 Dec. 05, p. B3
Headline: Housing expert offers Westminster advice
Summary: Richard Heaton, a development consultant who recently worked for the town’s zoning board of appeals on the Mountain View Estates project, met with the select board and offered advice for dealing with the multiple development projects coming down the pike. Heaton suggested the town increase the ZBA from three to five members, because the ZBA is responsible for placing conditions on the Comprehensive Permit issued to developers of affordable housing projects. Hearings have closed on the Mountain View Estates project, but town officials are still working to define the conditions for the Comprehensive Permit. Issues include: the number of units and the number of affordable units, and the mitigation package—the amount of money the developer must set aside for sewer, water, schools, fire and road upgrades.
NIA #: 05-227
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: open space and recreation survey, water protection
Source: Gardner News, 21 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: Survey benefits city in prioritizing goals
Summary: City officials have the results of a recent survey on residents’ open space and recreational priorities. The survey was sent to 7,000 Gardner residents and 377 completed surveys were received, a 5.4 percent response rate. The results showed strong support among respondents for protection of ponds and water bodies, with 74 percent of respondents ranking them as the cities “most treasured natural resource. Two-thirds of respondents said they want to see Gardner “environmentally sound with a natural setting” in 20 years. The survey results are posted on the town website.
NIA #: 05-226
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key words: Kingsbury Arms, affordable housing, condominium development, subdivision
Source: Gardner News, 20 Dec. 05, p. 3
Headline: Attorneys still wrangling over Castle Partners decision
Summary: The question of who will perform an independent peer review of the proposed 56-unit Kingsbury Arms development on Livermore Road is holding up the project’s public hearing schedule. 14 of the units would be affordable housing. The town had rejected the project application as incomplete, and indicated it wanted to select the member of the construction or engineering industry to do the peer review study for the town. The state subsequently affirmed some rulings for the developer, leaving the issue of the peer review study hanging. The proposed project is near several other large proposed subdivisions that would add another 101 homes to the area. Local residents are opposing the Kingsbury Arms project, arguing so much development would adversely change the character of their neighborhood.
NIA #: 05-225
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: avian census, bird species, biodiversity
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 20 Dec. 05, p. B3
Headline: Athol-area avian census turns up a few uncommon species
Summary: The 42nd annual winter bird count conducted by members of the Athol Bird and Nature Club on Saturday found a few surprises. 34 Club members counted throughout parts of a 15-mile diameter around Athol, from the Quabbin Reservoir to Gardner. Results are contributed to the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas bird count. Club president Dave Small said the biggest surprise was a boreal chickadee, which is uncommon in Central Mass. Club founder Bob Coyle and his son found a bluebird, normally rare in winter, in Petersham. Owls were way down in the count this year, likely due to the bright moon, which they do not like. Winning most sighted honors was the black-capped chickadee, whose 1,875 sightings far surpassed the second place bluejay, 1,113 of which were seen.
NIA #: 05-224
Geographical key words: Vernon (VT), Massachusetts, New England
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, safety study
Source: Recorder, 20 Dec. 05, p. 4
Headline: Rep. Donelan renews call for Vermont Yankee safety study
Summary: Rep. Chris Donelan is again calling for an independent safety inspection before the federal government allows a 20 percent power increase at the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant. In the Spring and fall of 2004, Mass. legislators representing communities within 10 miles of the plant requested that the Vermont Public Safety Review Board and the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission require an independent study before allowing a power increase. In renewing his request, Donelan cited “recent news stories about cracks in cooling towers and expert testimony questioning containment integrity.” Entergy Corp., the plants owners, have received approval from Vermont officials to boost power without an independent review, and the NRC may do the same. “Much of the information provided in the process has come from Entergy and has not been verified by inspection,” Donelan said. The plan also was endorsed last week by an advisory group of nuclear power experts from around the country, a decision that surprised opponents of the plan.
NIA #: 05-223
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key words: Chapter 40B, affordable housing, zoning board of appeals, Mountain View Estates
Source: Gardner News, 18 Dec. 05, p. 3
Headline: Consultant to discuss expectations after approval
Summary: The town is nearing approval of its first Chapter 40B comprehensive permit application for Mountain View Estates, a 136-unit affordable housing project on East Road. Consultant Richard Heaton told the select board to expect a lot of paper and “legalese.” He stressed that Mass. General Law Chapter 40B gives the zoning board a lot of leverage on other boards when it comes to making decisions. Heaton, a former selectman, said some communities have gotten into disputes over zoning board Chapter 40B decisions, and on occasion zoning board members have dropped off the board during a Chapter 40B application. In Kingston, he said, an entire zoning board was asked to resign as a result of a comprehensive permit decision. He said the effect of the state law has been to make what was once a minor town board into a major player.
NIA #: 05-222
Geographical key words: Royalston, Massachusetts
Thematic key words: recycling, solid waste management, pay-per-throw
Source: Telegram & Gazette. 18 Dec. 05, p. B1
Headline: In recycling, Royalston is near the top of the heap.
Summary: A list of recycling rates for Massachusetts towns in 2004 showed Royalston near the top, tied with Southampton at 69 percent; only Blandford was higher, at 70 percent. According to Phil Leger, chair of the Royalston board of health, Royalston recycled 560 of its 814 tons of waste. Leger also cited 119 tons of material composted by the town. Leger said a good solid waste management program is key to a strong recycling program, and that the pay-per-throw system used in town encourages recycling. The state’s recycling average is about 34 percent, and has not increased much recently. According to the DEP, 117 communities in the state have pay-per-throw programs.
NIA #: 05-221
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Millers River, flooding
Source: Recorder, 17 Dec. 05, p. 2
Headline: Athol works to avert river flooding
Summary: Recent efforts to avoid the flooding that occurred near Cass Meadow and homes along Pequoig Avenue the last two winters are so far working. The cutting and mowing of trees and brush currently underway in Cass Meadow appears to be allowing a freer flow of water near the river’s edge. The buildup of slushy ice known as frazil, which caused the flooding the past two winters, has been detected during daily inspections by Fire Chief Jim Wright, without any undue impact so far. Other flood-prevention measures taken include installation of one-way check valves on storm drains by the Little League field, and regular communication with engineers at Birch Hill and Tully Dams.
NIA #: 05-220
Geographical key word: Wendell
Thematic key words: public water supply
Source: Athol Daily News, 17 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: Search goes on for well site in Wendell
Summary: The select board has identified several possible sites for a new town well. A town-owned Cooleyville Road site may once again be in contention after initially being rejected by the conservation commission due to wetlands concern; the DEP has since told the town it may be possible to acquire an exemption from the Wetlands Act for temporary access to investigate the water at the site. Selectman Dan Keller said the 4-acre site is “the best spot for a potential well,” and is also the closest. Andy Hamilton has offered to hook up the town to the Wendell Country Store as a last resort, but the store may not have enough capacity for all six of the town buildings. The town is also considering several other sites, including some on private property.
NIA #: 05-219
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: zoning regulations, Gardner Alliance for Responsible Development, community development plans
Source: Gardner News, 15 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: GARD pushes stronger zoning
Summary: A joint public hearing of the City Council and Planning Board on proposed zoning changes heard feedback from the Gardner Alliance for Responsible Development (GARD) that the proposed changes don’t go far enough. GARD co-chair Alan Rouseau, reading from a prepared statement, said proposed minimum lot sizes in rural areas and in developments where open space is preserved are too small and need to be increased. Other proposed changes to the regulations would create mixed-use developments and ban trailer parks. A related article explained how the process of changing the city’s zoning laws goes back to 2002, when the city began to create community development plans to address issues such as open space and housing. Robert Hubbard, director of community development and planning, said those efforts pointed out the need to overhaul the zoning ordinance, which has only been revised piecemeal since its adoption in 1970.
NIA #: 05-218
Geographical key word: Templeton, Royalston, Hubbardston, Winchendon
Thematic key words: open space, recreational trails
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 15 Dec. 05, p. B3
Headline: Templeton maps out recreational trails
Summary: The Templeton Open Space committee discussed plans for recreational trails with the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission, which is conducting a four-town survey. The north-south Ware River Rail Trail, which is owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, connects with four of the five trails discussed. These include the existing Day Mill Trail, a current town priority; a proposed Templeton State Forest-Birch Hill Dam Trail, which would include parts of Winchendon and Royalston; the proposed Baldwinville Village Trail, and the proposed Cook Pond Trail, which would connect with the Hubbardston trail network that runs on to Barre. The Commission has mapped Templeton’s proposed trails and will do likewise for other nearby towns to create a planning map for internal use.
NIA #: 05-217
Geographical key words: Montague, Turners Falls
Thematic key words: landfill
Source: Recorder, 13 Dec. 05, p. 2
Headline: Landfill applicant identified
Source 2: Recorder, 14 Dec. 05, p. 2
Headline: Scrutiny of landfill proposal under way
Summary: The proposal submitted by Covanta Energy Inc. of Haverhill for development of the town’s Turnpike Road landfill site will be reviewed by the select board. The Covanta proposal to bury ash and soils at the 32-acre site was the only one the board voted to accept for review. The board will use the $10,000 submitted by the company, plus an equal amount approved at town meeting for the review. The town rejected outright a proposal from Montague Resources Inc. because it did not address problems with the town’s burn dump, as required. Because only one proposal is pending a technical review, the town is considering looking at Covanta’s financial offer as well, which it would not normally due if several proposals were under consideration to avoid biasing its technical review. A fact sheet on the landfill, including its history and the current decision-making process, will be available Friday at various locations in town.
NIA #: 05-216
Geographical key word: Orange
Thematic key words: riverfront park, Millers River, low impact development (LID), stormwater management, ecotourism, brownfield
Source: Recorder, 13 Dec. 05, p. 4
Headline: Orange to get tourist destination
Summary: With over $548,000 from the state DEP in hand, construction on Phase I of the town’s Riverfront Park is expected to begin in July. The park will be a regional community model for innovative stormwater management techniques, incorporating pervious paving, drainage swales, rain gardens and other “low impact development“ (LID) methods for trapping and treating pollutants. Another major innovation is the use of a former “brownfield” industrial site as the location for the park.
NIA #: 05-215
Geographical key word: Gardner, Westminster
Thematic key words: landfills, solid waste management
Source: Gardner News, 7 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: Gardner landfill preparing to close
Summary: The Gardner landfill on West Street is expected to close in the next week. The waste drop off area for residents will remain open until January. The city is considering operating a curbside collection program for larger items after that. Because the 85,000 tons of trash the city generates annually will now have to go to the Fitchburg-Westminster Landfill, tipping fees for hauling the waste will nearly triple from the current $27 per ton. The city has signed a new five-year hauling contract for $74 per ton with Waste Management, the company currently operating and closing the existing landfill. The city spent about $1.7 million in 2004 for tipping fees and landfill operation, out of s total city budget of $42 million. City officials are considering various ways to meet the increased financial costs, including higher sticker fees, and hope residents will recycle more to keep costs down. Mayor Gerald St. Hillaire said the Fitchburg-Westminster landfill will close in the next decade, and thinks a regional incinerator that burns trash and generates energy is the way to deal wit the region’s solid waste problems.
NIA #: 05-214
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: Schell Bridge
Source: Recorder, 7 Dec. 05, p. 5
Headline: Schell Bridge demolition plans loom
Summary: The state’s Highway Department says it has found a feasible way to demolish the Schell Bridge by dropping it into the Connecticut River and then picking up the pieces. The department, which has been studying the project for several years, has estimated that renovating the bridge would cost several million dollars more than demolition. A local group, the Friends of Schell Bridge, is still trying to save the Bridge and have it placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The group wants the town to rescind the demolition order, and cannot raise funds until the vote is rescinded.
NIA #: 05-213
Geographical key word: Massachusetts
Thematic key words: single stream recycling, Casella, Inc.
Source: Telegram and Gazette, 6 Dec. 05, p. B6
Headline: Statewide 1-stream recycling plan touted
Summary: A program that eliminates the need of residents to sort recyclable materials was previewed last night. The “single-stream” recycling program will be offered in 2006 in most of the state by FCR, a division of Casella, Inc. Pilot testing of the program showed recycling rates of more than 80 percent, and the program is expected to help reduce the strain on the state’s solid waste landfills. Facilities in Auburn and Charlestown will handle the loads from haulers, though the distance may not be economical for Cape Cod and far Western Mass. Sorting of the different waste streams will be done by RecycleBank LLC, which has a contract with Mountain Recycling LLC of Pennsylvania, a company recently acquired by Casella.
NIA #: 05-212
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: Northfield Mountain power plant, Connecticut River, erosion control
Source: Recorder, 2 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: Northfield Mountain gets OK to pump more water
Summary: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) gave an expedited approval of Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Project’s plans to temporarily increase pumping to generate additional electricity. In response to concerns over the effects of such an increase on the Connecticut River (see NIA #05-203), the amendment to the FERC license requires the plant to monitor water levels in the river for any related environmental effects. The Plant must also expedite its next survey of 20 riverbank erosion reference points and incorporate the results into its erosion control plan. Monthly reporting of any noticeable impacts is also required.
NIA #: 05-211
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: landfill, monitoring, compliance
Source: Gardner News, 2 Dec. 05, p. 1
Headline: DEP orders landfill tests
Summary: Ashburnham was recently informed by DEP officials that it is not in compliance for monitoring its landfill on Route 12, which was closed in 1999. The DEP said ongoing testing is required to ensure there is no groundwater or air pollution occurring. The town stopped monitoring the landfill in 2002, due to tight finances. A town meeting will likely be required to vote on approving the needed funds.
NIA #: 05-210
Geographical key words: Brattleboro (VT), Vernon (VT), New England
Thematic key words: Connecticut River, thermal discharge, Vermont Yankee
Source: Recorder, 2 Dec. 05, p. 2
Headline: River advocates challenge Yankee: concerned over proposal to discharge e=warmer water into Ct. River.
Summary: Plans by Entergy, owner of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant, to discharge water that is 1 degree warmer than currently allowed were the subject of a recent public hearing in Brattleboro. The state Agency of Natural Resources has given the plans preliminary approval. The Connecticut River Watershed Council is opposing the plan. Vermont Law School professor Patrick Parenteau said the company is required by the Clean Water Act to minimize its impact on the river, even if such a plan as proposed would save the company money.
NIA #: 05-209
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: Brush Mountain, land protection, land purchase
Source: Recorder, 1 Dec. 05
Headline: Northfield voters ay yes to library, land buy
Summary: Voters approved financing the purchase of the 46-acre Brush Mountain property through debt exclusion by 186 to 47. See NIA # 05-205 for more details.
NIA #: 05-208
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Cass Meadow, Upland Program, seccessional habitat, wildlife habitat
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 30 Nov. 05
Headline: Cass to be better wildlife habitat
Summary: The Upland Program of the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is currently cutting trees and brush from Cass Meadow to return it to a genuine grasslands meadow. In addition to removing foreign plant species and allowing natives to return, the cutting should also have the effect of attracting a variety of birds who favor the grassy habitat—indigo buntings, Eastern towees and common yellowthroats among them. Cass Meadow is the 29th project of its type since the Upland Program was created in 1997, according to program coordinator Jill Liske-Clark. She said the Cass Meadow site was briefly used as an airfield in the 1920’s.
NIA #: 05-207
Geographical key words: Gardner, Hardwick
Thematic key words: landfill, Dirty Dozen Award, Waste Management, air pollution, groundwater pollution
Source: Gardner News, 30 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Gardner landfill one of twelve recipients of Dirty Dozen Award
Source 2: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 30 Nov. 05
Headline 2: Gardner landfill closing to a hail of abuse
Summary: The Gardner landfill, operated by Waste Management, was selected by the Toxics Action Center as one of the 12 worst polluters in New England. According to Jamie Cerretti of the Center, the landfill emits odors harmful to residents of Gardner and Templeton. She said air testing by citizens detected elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide, and groundwater testing by the state DEP found toluene, though whether levels were exceeded was not made clear. A DEP spokesperson said the hydrogen sulfide levels were not hazardous, but he had no information on the toluene. A Waste Management spokesman called the group’s claims unfounded. The company is currently capping the landfill, but capping will not guarantee that odors will cease. Members of local groups against the landfill were on hand for a recent ceremony at the Wildwood Cemetery, and said the town needs to make sure the landfill is safe. City Health Director Bernard Sullivan referred all concerns to the DEP, because “they regulate the landfill.” The Hardwick landfill also made the list.
NIA #: 05-206
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: Northeast Utilities, erosion control, Connecticut River
Source: Recorder, 30 Nov. 05, p. 2
Headline: COG calls for increased river erosion control
Summary: The Franklin County Regional Council of Governments (COG) filed comments with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission stating they should require Northeast Utilities to perform additional erosion control work if their application to temporarily boost power this winter is approved. The COG’s comments reflect the concerns of the Connecticut River Streambank Erosion Committee that Northeast’s control efforts are not keeping pace with the “moderate to severe” rate of erosion; FERC has agreed with that contention. The company normally installs rocks and vegetation along close to 1,000 feet of bank per year, according to the COG. The COG is requesting the company stabilize an additional 500 feet of bank and/or repair additional areas to offset the impact of the proposed power boosts.
NIA #: 05-205
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: Brush Mountain, land protection, land purchase
Source: Recorder, 29 Nov. 05, p. 4
Headline: Northfield rejects zoning proposal, approves purchase of Brush Mountain property
Summary: At town meeting, the town voted to purchase the 46-acre Brush Mountain Conservation Area from the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust. The town has received a $70,400 grant towards costs, and the Appalachian Mountain Club has committed $5,000. The town’s portion of the purchase price depends on financing by debt exclusion from Proposition 2&1/2. The Land Trust bought the land based on an agreement that the town would buy it back. The property is crossed by the Metacomet-Monadnock trail.
NIA #: 05-204
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: affordable housing, Chapter 40B
Source: Gardner News, 29 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Town seeking volunteers for Affordable Housing Committee
Summary: A 7-member volunteer committee is being formed to study town-owned properties and suggest existing or new sites where affordable housing might be developed. Town planner Eric Smith said currently about 1.5 percent of the town’s housing stock is considered affordable housing. A home qualifying as affordable housing must have a restricted deed, similar to those used by Habitat to Humanity, according to Smith. A town must have 10 percent of its housing stock qualifying before it can exert control over the State’s Chapter 40B law, which allows developers to bypass local zoning restrictions in exchange for offering 25 percent of units as affordable housing.
NIA #: 05-203
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: Northeast Utilities, river access, Connecticut River, streambank erosion, FERC, Bartons Cove,
Source: Recorder, 20 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: While NU may leave, river access will remain
Summary: Northeast Utilities recent decision to sell its Northfield Mountain generating facility (1,080 megawatts) has raised the question of whether the conditions in its permit for allowing recreational access on its lands will be transferred top the new owner. According to William Gabriel, manager of the Northfield Mountain Environmental and Recreation Center, the license conditions issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will be passed on to the future owner—at Northfield Mountain, as well as at two other hydroelectric plants NU is selling, Cabot Station (51 megawatts) and Turners Falls (6 megawatts). The Northfield Mountain site includes over 25 miles of hiking and cross-country ski trails, and employs six people. The Northfield license also includes the Bartons Cove campground, Quinnetuket II interpretive boat rides, Bennett Meadow wildlife management area, and the Munns Ferry and Riverview picnic areas in Northfield. Conditions for NU to conduct ongoing erosion control along a 20-mile stretch of the Connecticut River are also spelled out in its FERC license; concerns about the pace of that work have been expressed by the Connecticut River Streambank Erosion Committee, a multi-agency group overseeing the work.
NIA #: 05-202
Geographical key words: Westminster, Ashburnham
Thematic key words: conservation commissions, conservation agent
Source: Sentinel & Enterprise, 28 Nov. 05
Headline: Conservation Commissions seeking professional agent
Summary: The conservation commissions for the towns of Westminster and Ashburnham are working jointly to hire a full-time professional conservation agent who will work for both towns doing inspections and responding to residents’ concerns. The move comes in the face of increased activity by both commissions and their feeling they cannot fulfill all their duties on weekends. “We feel that administration of the Wetlands Protection Act does require someone during the day,” said Lois Luniewicz, chair of Westminster’s ConComm. Westminster has usually hired a consultant to deal with increasing project case loads, and tried to hire a part-time agent, unsuccessfully. Both towns will use filing fees from projects brought before the commissions to pay the cost of the new agent.
NIA #: 05-201
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Cass Meadow, Millers River, grasslands habitat, flood control
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 28 Nov. 05
Headline: State plans Cass cleanup
Summary: The conversion of Cass Meadow to a traditional grasslands meadow begins tomorrow, when the State Division of Fisheries and Wildlife starts mowing operations. Trees, shrubs and invasive plants that have grown since farming was abandoned decades ago will be cleared. Located along both sides of the Millers River, near the South Main Street Bridge, Cass Meadow was selected by the state as one of several areas to be returned to an early seccessional habitat—which are now quite rare in the state. The cutting is also expected to alleviate the flooding experienced the last two winters along Pequoig Avenue. There are plans to clear paths, and possibly install a footbridge across the river.
NIA #: 05-200
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: Chapter 40B, affordable housing, condominium development, sewer capacity
Source: Gardner News, 27 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Dymek affordable housing proposal could trigger sewer agreement review
Summary: Several projects planned or proposed for Ashburnham have raised the likely prospect that the town will eventually exceed its current agreement with Gardner for sewer capacity. The current agreement allows 200,000 gallons of Ashburnham’s wastewater per day to be processed by Gardner’s wastewater treatment plants. Gardner officials recently told Ashburnham town administrator Kevin Paicos that they think the 104-unit housing development currently proposed by Dymek Builders for South Ashburnham “will greatly exceed” that allowance. The town is reviewing its inter-municipal agreement with Gardner to determine how to deal with the issue of Dymek tying in.
NIA #: 05-199
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: rail trail
Source: Gardner News, 26 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Rail trail committee moving forward on extension
Summary: Ashburnham’s rail trail committee is requesting that the board of selectmen schedule a Special Town Meeting article to fund the acquisition of additional sections of rail trail. The project aims to create a vehicle-free trail running south from the center of town, and then eventually to Whitney Pond in Winchendon, where it would connect with another line joining the Winchendon and Gardner rail trails.
NIA #: 05-198
Geographical key word: Massachusetts
Thematic key words: Smart growth legislation, cluster housing development
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 24 Nov. 05, p. B1
Headline: Smart growth percs get OK
Summary: So far, not even one town in the state has yet to implement new Smart Growth programs designed to encourage towns to designate special districts near town centers and transit lines that feature denser housing clusters. A bill signed into law by the governor yesterday hopes to change that, by allowing the state to compensate towns and cities for higher school costs associated with additional home building. Such costs have outweighed tax revenues from the new homes. Payments to municipalities of up to $13,000 per additional student in the school system could begin by 2008.
NIA #: 05-197
Geographical key word: Vernon (VT), New England, Montpelier (VT)
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee, nuclear power plant, power boost, energy profits
Source: Recorder, 23 Nov. 05, p. 2
Headline: Panel: PSB should change or reject Yankee power boost
Summary: After hearing how much money Entergy Nuclear expects to make from a proposed 20 percent power boost at its Vermont Yankee plant, the Vermont Nuclear Advisory Panel voted 4-3 to recommend the Public Service Board reject the power boost or order changes in the plan. The company projects a $357 million profit between now and the end of 2012 if power is increased from the current 510 megawatts to 612 megawatts. The Panel also learned that problems leading to an early shut down of the plant could cost Vermont ratepayers more than $450 million in higher costs. The private profit and public risk figures are both “much higher” than those projected when the PSB gave conditional approval to the power boost in March, 2004. Under the existing deal Vermont negotiated in 2003, the state would receive about $20 million, copared to Entergy’s expected $357 million.
NIA #: 05-196
Geographical key word: Templeton, Chicopee River Watershed, Belchertown
Thematic key words: livestock grazing
Source: Telegram & gazette, 21 Nov. 05, p. B1
Headline: Livestock can be good for fields
Summary: The New England Small Farms Institute, based in Belchertown, is encouraging environmentally friendly grazing practices in the Chicopee River Watershed, funded by a $100,000 federal grant. The Chicopee is the state’s largest watershed, covering 721 square miles, and is home to 135 rivers and 842 streams. The watershed includes parts of the towns of New Salem, Petersham, Templeton, Orange, Westminster, and many others. At a recent presentation in Templeton, Institute staff cited research showing that grazing improves the nutrient enrichment of soils and the return of water to streams, compared to raising hay.
NIA #: 05-195
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: The Village at Pond View, Chapter 40B, affordable housing, elder community
Source: Gardner News, 19 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: 55-plus community with 66 units could be coming to Templeton
Summary: Last Monday’s select board meeting featured a presentation by Northwest Development on its proposed 66-unit development on 37 acres off Patriots Road. The Village at Pond View would be a Chapter 40b affordable housing project, with 16 of its 2-story units selling in the low $100,000 range, compared to the low $200,000 range for the other units. Plans call for the project to cover 12 acres, with 3,000 feet of waterfront property, with the remaining 25 acres remaining open space.
NIA #: 05-194
Geographical key word: Wendell
Thematic key words: septic system, public water supply
Source: Athol Daily News, 19 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Public forum on Wendell project
Summary: A town forum will be held December 6th to discuss, among other projects, installation of a septic system to serve all town buildings. These projects are expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2007. The town is also seeking a parcel of land near the center of town to provide a public water supply. The well would have to be at least 150 feet away from any structures.
NIA #: 05-193
Geographical key word: Warwick
Thematic key words: condominium development
Source: Recorder, 18 Nov. 05, p. 2
Headline: Developer withdraws condo plans
Summary: As the town’s zoning board of appeals labored over whether to grant a fourth continuance on hearings for Brian Gale’s proposed 40-unit condominium development or deny the special permit Gale applied for, and continued to express doubt over its jurisdiction to assess the project’s suitability, Gale withdrew his application at the board’s meeting Thursday. The town’s planning board has sent Gale a letter informing him of its decision to consider his project if he was to create the lots but not sell them. Gale said he does not want to build a subdivision, and is going ahead with some plans for the project, and he is continuing to discuss the project with his lawyer.
NIA #: 05-192
Geographical key word: Montague
Thematic key words: wetlands, landfill
Source: Recorder, 17 Nov. 05, p. 2
Headline: Wetlands found at proposed site for landfill
Summary: A recent inspection of the proposed 34-acre commercial landfill site off Turnpike Road identified several small wetland areas that might affect whether federal jurisdiction is required. Dwight Dunk, a wetland ecologist for the town’s consulting engineering firm, said he thought they were too small and isolated to be of concern. Dunk said his team found three areas each measuring from 400-500 square feet, and one larger area closer to 10,000 square feet. However, the existence of an intermittent and perennial stream near the site could trigger the involvement of the US Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps uses a distance of 500 foot as a standard in determining whether the applicant needs a federal permit, and could require creation of new wetlands areas elsewhere to offset the wetlands lost to the project. Two of the smaller wetlands are within 500 feet of the waterbody, but the larger one is not.
NIA #: 05-191
Geographical key word: Athol, Petersham Royalston, Phillipston, Worcester, Springfield
Thematic key words: DEP shift
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 17 Nov, 05, p. B1
Headline: DEP may shift regional setup
Summary: The DEP has confirmed that several towns now served by its Central Regional Office in Worcester will be shifted to being served by the Western Regional office in Springfield. The change will affect the handling of wetlands, water quality and other environmental issues in several towns on the border of the two DEP districts. A DEP spokesperson said the agency has not decided precisely which towns will be shifted, and that once their plan is completed a public hearing will be held with affected communities. Athol health agent Phil Leger cited several objections to the switch, including longer response times by emergency response teams.
NIA #: 05-190
Geographical key words: Vernon (VT), New England
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee, Entergy, nuclear power plant, power boost, safety plans
Source: Recorder, 17 Nov. 05, p. 5
Headline: Officials concede power boost could reduce safety margins
Summary: The proposed 20 percent power increase at Vermont Yankee would reduce safety margins at the plant, but keep them within federal standards, according to testimony by Entergy Nuclear officials at a hearing of the Advisory Committee on Reactor Safeguards held Tuesday in Brattleboro. Nearly all of the 50-plus area residents at the hearing from Vermont, Massachusetts and New Hampshire opposed the increase, citing safety concerns and asking for a more extensive independent safety review.
NIA #: 05-189
Geographical key word: Warwick
Thematic key words: zoning bylaws
Source: Athol Daily News, 17 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Zoning task force begins work
Summary: The first meeting of the town’s new Zoning Task Force was held Wednesday. The task force is a result of the recent special town meeting vote to place a moratorium on condominium development so the town could update its zoning laws. Task force member Ted Cady, also the planning board’s chair, repeated his uncertainty as to whether the state’s attorney general will accept that vote as a legal. Brian Gale’s proposed condo project, meanwhile, is still being reviewed by the town’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). The task force will make the issue of condominium development a priority and hopes to have a report by the annual town meeting in May. A subcommittee will study issues concerning low and moderate income development. Task force members will also meet with regional planners and review examples of relevant bylaws from other towns.
NIA #: 05-188
Geographical key word: Gardner, Northern Tier
Thematic key words: wind power, renewable energy, economic development
Source 1: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 15 Nov. 05
Headline: Mount poised to gauge wind energy possibilities
Source 2: Gardner News, 15 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: MWCC gets $1 million to conduct wind energy study
Summary: Mount Wachusett Community College is expecting to receive a $1 million federal grant to study the feasibility of wind power for the region. Congressman John Olver has worked to secure the funds as part of his Northern Tier regional development initiative, which focuses on towns along the Route 2 corridor from Gardner west to the New York Border. Olver’s vision includes construction of a “string of turbines” from Gardner west. “We’re at the highest point of habitable elevation in the Commonwealth,” said MWCC president Daniel Asquino. “I think it’s ideal.”
NIA #: 05-187
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: Lakeview Estates, condominium development
Source: Gardner News, 15 Nov. 05, p. 4
Headline: Conservation panel issues order of conditions for Lakeview Estates
Summary: Responding to concerns from local residents over stormwater runoff and potential water pollution, the Conservation Commission placed an extensive order of conditions on the Lakeview Estates project planned for near Route 101 and Holt Road. 17 house lots are proposed to be built on 18.5 acres of a 45-acre parcel containing hilly terrain. Conditions include documenting erosion after heavy rains, assigning responsibility for regularly cleaning the site, and making the site’s construction foreman responsible for ensuring all erosion control measures are in place. The commission plans to hire an inspector to ensure compliance. An independent consultant’s report called the project a “massive cut and fill” and concluded “there is no doubt there will be failures.”
NIA #: 05-186
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: solid waste, recycling
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 15 Nov. 05, p. B1
Headline: Winchendon to begin pay-as-you-throw
Summary: Following dissatisfaction among residents with the town’s decision in June to double the transfer station’s sticker fee to $200, the select board discussed and adopted the following plan: A $25 annual sticker fee, a $2 fee per 33-gallon bag brought to the station, and a $5 fee per 50-pound barrel of bulky waste. The new arrangement allows residents to pay according to what they dispose of, and encourages recycling.
NIA #: 05-185
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: flooding, drainage
Source: Gardner News, 15 Nov. 05, p. 4
Headline: Back bay residents inform selectmen about drainage, road problems
Summary: Back Bay residents attended a selectboard meeting to complain and present a petition about drainage problems in their neighborhood. One resident said their backyards are “like swamps,” with yards and cellars constantly flooded. Board chair Jerry Skelton told those assembled that the problem was slated to be fixed by an expected community development block grant prepared by Montachusett Regional Planning Council, but the town did not receive the grant. The town will try again for the next such grant.
NIA #: 05-184
Geographical key word: Warwick
Thematic key words: Pond cleanup
Source: Athol Daily News, 14 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Clubhouse Pond area in Warwick cleaned up
Summary: A truckload of trash was removed Sunday from around Clubhouse Pond in Warwick by the Millers River Fishermen’s Association. The haul included roofing shingles considered to be hazardous waste due to their tar content, according to environmental police officer Anthony Brighenti. The MRFA stock the pond with rainbow trout on a regular basis, and the group is offering a reward to identify the illegal dumpers.
NIA #: 05-183
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: Otter River Estates, residential development, subdivision, open space, conservation restriction
Source: Athol Daily News, 11 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Plans for development discussed
Summary: After discussions with builders (Vertical Planning group) and engineers, the planning board signed off on the Otter River Estates project, an 8-lot subdivision on Otter River Road. The project’s open space was found to be a wetland, and will be marked on the estate plan as being covered by a conservation restriction on each of the two applicable lots.
NIA #: 05-182
Geographical key word: Winchendon, North Central Massachusetts, Rindge (NH)
Thematic key words: bike path
Source: Gardner News, 10 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Winchendon bike path now closer to completion
Summary: The Winchendon portion of a planned 16-mile regional bike path will be entering its final phase in the spring, thanks to a recent land purchase. That final phase could take another three years, on top of ten years of previous construction. The entire 16-mile route may take an additional three to four years to finish, and when completed will extend from Heritage State Park in downtown Gardner, through Winchendon, into Rindge, New Hampshire.
NIA #: 05-181
Geographical key word: Franklin County
Thematic key words: affordable housing, green building, energy efficiency
Source: Recorder, 10 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Nonprofit housing program wins “green” award
Summary: The Greenfield-based non-profit group Rural Development Inc. (RDI) has received the first “Award of Excellence for Affordable Housing Built Responsibly” for its Home Ownership Program. The award comes with a $75,000 cash prize from the Home Depot Foundation. Of the more than 80 affordable homes built by RDI since 2000, over 40 have been “affordable green” houses. These units include a variety of green features, varying from high-efficiency insulation and mechanical ventilation to solar power systems, high-efficiency gas boilers and flooring made from fast-growing trees. With the help of various program participants and sponsors, homes that would otherwise cost $150-160,000 have been made available for as little as $100,000.
NIA #: 05-180
Geographical key word: Northern Tier, Franklin County
Thematic key words: Economic development
Source: Athol Daily news, 10 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Funding approved
Summary: The House of Representatives approved $300,000 in funding for the Northern Tier Economic Gardening Project. The project would be administered by the Franklin Regional Council of Governments to provide assistance to small firms and entrepreneurs in the region, which stretches from Gardner west to the New York border. The region contains many of the state’s poorest communities, and the project would build on recommendations from a plan prepared under an earlier grant. The bill must be passed by the Senate and signed by the president before becoming law.
NIA #: 05-179
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: Storm water
Source: Gardner News, 1 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Storm Water Committee surveys storm drains, outfalls
Summary: Members of the Storm Water Committee have begun identifying the location of storm drains and outfalls in sections of town, and placing them on a map provided by Earth Tech. The company will now transfer the information into a geographic information systems (GIS) format, and then test the outfalls for pollutants.
NIA #: 05-178
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: wind power, renewable energy
Source: Gardner News, 9 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Wind study granted for Templeton
Summary: The Narragansett Regional School has received funding to research the use of wind power on site. The award from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Renewable Energy Trust will cover purchase of research equipment, a computer, software, a data logger, and a final study analysis intended to help strengthen Congressional support for wind power. According to Sean Hamilton, general manager of the Templeton Municipal Light and Water Co., the cost of a kilowatt has doubled since January, 2004. “Wind will never go up in price,” he noted.
NIA #: 05-177
Geographical key word: Warwick
Thematic key words: Condominium development
Source: Recorder, 9 Nov. 05, p. 2
Headline: Warwick votes to nix condo developments
Summary: Brian Gale’s proposed 40-unit condominium development appears to be in limbo, after town residents voted to add the prohibition of such a type of development to the town’s zoning bylaws. However, planning board chairman Ted Cady suggested that the decision may be struck down by the state Attorney General, since, according to Cady, state laws don’t allow towns to use zoning bylaws to control the type of ownership of land. Under the article approved by voters, a Zoning Task Force will be created to report on condominium developments by November, 2006.
NIA #: 05-176
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: Lakeview Estates, residential development
Source: Gardner News, 9 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Planning Board approves Lakeview Estates
Summary: The site plan for Lakeview Estates, a 45 acre property that would include 17 house lots on 18.5 acres and two designated open space area, was approved by the planning board. The project will be located along Route 101 off Holt Road, near Winnekeag Lake. In response to concerns of local residents, the board included detailed provisions for ensuring that stormwater and maintenance regulations are obeyed; several residents opposed the project. The open space parcels will be off limits to development.
NIA #: 05-175
Geographical key word: Northfield, Turners Falls, Connecticut River
Thematic key words: Northeast Electric, Turners Falls Dam, hydroelectric power facility,
Source: Recorder, 8 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: NU to sell Northfield Mountain facility, Turners Falls dam
Summary: Northeast Utilities (NU), announced it will sell off its Northfield Mountain and Turners Falls hydroelectric plants, as part of a corporate restructuring. The Berlin, CT-based company is the parent company of Western Massachusetts Electric Co., and built the 1,000 megawatt Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage Project in 1973; NU has been involved with the Turners Falls operation since the early 1900s. The hydro facilities operate under license of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Those licenses are up for renewal in about 10 years, according to Andrea Donlon, Massachusetts Steward for the Connecticut River Watershed Council.
NIA #: 05-174
Geographical key word: Vernon (VT), New England
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee, nuclear power plant, evacuation zone
Source: Recorder, 8 Nov. 05, p. 6
Headline: Vt. Yankee protests lead to arrests of 7
Summary: Seven women were arrested Monday in Brattleboro at the corporate headquarters on Entergy Vermont Yankee, calling attention to safety and health concerns associated with the planned power increase at the Vernon, VT nuclear plant. The women are seeking to have federal officials expand the emergency zone around the plant from 10 to 50 miles, and are calling for an independent safety and health assessments to be performed at the plant. The NRC recently completed a technical health and safety review of the plant and the proposed power increase, and is planning to complete an environmental review shortly.
NIA #: 05-173
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: dam repair, dam removal, small-scale hydro power
Source: Gardner News, 8 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Town may have to fix Factory Pond Dam
Summary: Town officials are considering measures for the Factory Pond Dam off of Route 12, which is deteriorating and in need of repair. The dam, whose private owner is delinquent in taxes and has not been found, was recently reclassified as unsafe and an emergency, but not a high hazard and not a danger to life. Water & Sewer commissioner Leo Collette said the owner originally purchased the dam to install a small hydroelectric power system, but then “utility companies got the state to pass laws charging private owners to generate power, and it became uneconomical.” Collette told selectmen that removal of the dam might also be an option, depending on the cost. Repairs are expected to cost about $300,000, which the town would seek to recover from the owner.
NIA #: 05-172
Geographical key word: Massachusetts
Thematic key words: landfills, solid waste
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 6 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Landfill Exec: Be creative
Summary: Stressing the need for innovation, James Bohlig, president and chief operating officer of Casella Waste Systems, Inc., a company operating in 15 U.S. states and Canada, said in an interview that the waste management industry should find more creative ways to increase waste recycling, and that Massachusetts should rethink its recycling plans. Bohlig believes it is feasible to pay residents and businesses for certain recyclable items in their trash, and that such economic incentives are needed to boost the recycling rate. Rates of up to 90 percent are achievable, according to Bohlig. The DEP estimates that 1.5 million tons of paper, valued at more than $100 million, is thrown out away each year by Massachusetts residents and businesses.
NIA #: 05-171
Geographical key words: Massachusetts, Templeton, Westminster, Hardwick, Central Massachusetts
Thematic key words: solid waste, landfills
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 6 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Waste goal reduced: Opposition puts brakes on landfill growth
Summary: The Mass. Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is being forced to revise its goal of having no solid waste exported out of start by the year 2006. DEP expects the state to export between 1.1 million and 2.5 million tons of solid waste by the year 2010, depending on whether the state’s recycling rate remains at the current 50 percent or increases to 56 percent. At a public hearing held October 20th in Worcester, recycling proponents said a 61 percent recycling rate is achievable, a figure that would enable Massachusetts to handle all its solid waste management needs without increasing landfill capacity; they are concerned by DEP plans to allow substantially increased amounts of waste to be deposited in many of the state’s 21 operating landfills, including Westminster and Hardwick. According to the Worcester T&G, the achievability of the 61 percent figure was not disputed by John Fischer, a DEP official, in an October 25th interview. Of the 13.1 million tons of trash the DEP says the state generated in 2003, 6.2 tons were recycled, 3.1 million tons were burned, and 630,000 tons were “diverted” as demolition and construction debris.
NIA #: 05-170
Geographical key word: New England
Thematic key words: energy conservation, energy efficiency
Source: Worcester telegram & Gazette, 6 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: An efficient use of energy a must
Summary: In the face of high and rising costs for conventional energy fuels nationally and regionally, renewable energy technologies are likely to see increased development and use. A quicker way to reduce energy costs and fossil fuel use is through increased efficiency, which has already saved New Englanders billions of dollars. The “green” building movement is a major development, with buildings consuming two-fifths of energy in America and generating one-third of its carbon dioxide emissions. According to calculations by the Northeast Energy Efficient Partnership, New England’s rising energy demand could actually decrease with sufficient investment in energy efficiency and cuts in demand for natural gas. One area with high potential for New England is “distributed generation”—with local power plants producing smaller amounts of electricity close to or within factories, hospitals, apartment complexes, etc. With their small scale, reliability and potential to adapt to innovative energy sources, they represent “quintessential New England values: distributed, decentralized and democratic.”
NIA #: 05-169
Geographical key word: Vernon (VT), New England
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee, nuclear power
Source: Recorder, 5 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: NRC recommends approving Vermont Yankee power boost
Summary: A technical review by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission has recommended that Entergy Nuclear be allowed to boost power production by 100 megawatts, or 20 percent. According to the NRC’s 330-page report, “The commission has concluded that there is reasonable assurance that the health and safety of the public will not be endangered by operation in the proposed manner.” Completion of an environmental review is expected in a bout a week, followed by public hearings.
NIA #: 05-168
Geographical key words: Athol, Orange Royalston
Thematic key words: Smart Growth, zoning revision
Source: Athol Daily News, 4 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Smart growth grants for area towns
Summary: Athol, Orange and Royalston have received Smart Growth Technical Assistance grants from the Mass. Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). Athol received $25,500, which the town’s Zoning Bylaws Review Committee will use to hire a consultant to work with town agencies on zoning reform. Orange will use most of its $30,000 grant for rezoning the Village Center, and will also update the town’s residential development and open space bylaws. Royalston’s $30,000 will help to complete zoning review and revision, including bylaws for cluster development and accessory dwelling units.
NIA #: 05-167
Geographical key word: Ashburnham
Thematic key words: Residential development, condominiums, Chapter 40B, affordable housing
Source: Gardner News, 4 Nov. 05, p. 1
Headline: Dymek plans project in South Ashburnham
Summary: A 90-unit housing project is being planned off New Road and Whitney Drive by Mark Dymek, owner of Dymek Custom Builders. Plans call for 17 four-unit quadriplex condominiums on a 43-acre parcel, and an additional 22 units on a 31 acre parcel off Center street. Under plans expected to be submitted soon, the project would qualify as a Chapter 40B project, with 25 percent of units being considered affordable housing. The parcel is zoned residential, but Chapter 40B allows local zoning to be disregarded. Dymek also hopes to build an additional 14 homes nearby on Whitney Drive, which would not be considered under Chapter 40B. Currently 1.5 percent of the town’s housing stock is considered as affordable housing—below the 10 percent threshold that activates Chapter 40B.
NIA #: 05-166
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: Smart growth, zoning bylaws
Source: Gardner News, 4 Nov. 05, p. 3
Headline: Templeton to receive smart growth grant
Summary: Templeton will receive a $20,500 Smart Growth Technical Assistance grant from the Mass. Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). The town will use the grant to develop a plan that considers various bylaws, including those for cluster development, dwelling units, village centers, green business zones and major residential development. The town has provided a $4,500 matching grant from the Planning Board account to have Montachusett Regional Planning Commission prepare a grant proposal.
NIA #: 05-165
Geographical key word: Orange
Thematic key words: landfill funds, hazardous waste, water pollution
Source: Recorder, 3 Nov 05, p. 3
Headline: Orange board to consider use of landfill money
Summary: The town of Orange is at least considering the possibility of using funds designated for monitoring and closure of the closed landfill site off Jones Street to cover other municipal expenses. The town puts $10,000 a year into the special account, with other funds coming from sticker fees to residents using the transfer/recycling facility at the site. The select board wants more information on possible risks associated with hazardous wastes stored at the landfill, including impacts to a nearby stream. Town administrator Rick Kwiatkowski said he would discuss the issue with engineers from the firm of DuFresne-Henry, which monitors the site for the town.
NIA #: 05-164
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: Brush Mountain, M&M trail, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Source: Recorder, 2 Nov. 05, p. 2
Headline: Northfield to use state grant to help secure land
Summary: The town of Northfield has received a $70,000 state grant to help with purchase of 46 acres of scenic, forested land along the M&M trail. An additional $59,000 is needed to complete the land protection deal with the Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, which purchased the land from the town earlier this year, with the understanding that the town would work to secure the funds to re-purchase it from the Trust.
NIA #: 05-163
Geographical key words: Orange
Thematic key words: riverfront park, Millers River
Source 1: Athol Daily News, 29 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Orange gets $372,935 for park
Source 2: Telegram & Gazette, 31 Oct. 05, p. B1
Headline: Field, trail, park funded: State aids rec projects
Summary:
Orange has received a self-help grant from the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs in the amount of $372,935. The grant will be used for construction of a riverfront park on the Millers River, on a three-quarter acre lot previously used as a highway barn. Patricia Smith of the town’s Riverfront Committee, said the grant money, which will be combined with another grant as matching funds, will allow project construction to begin. The park will include a small building where canoes and kayaks can be rented. The grant is part of a statewide award of $14 million to help communities acquire or protect land f or natural resource protection (watersheds) or recreational use.
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NIA #: 05-162
Geographical key words: Gardner
Thematic key words: contaminated land, brownfields cleanup
Source: Gardner News, 28 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: City program can help owners clean up contaminated land
Summary:
Gardner has about 100 sites identified by the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as potential brownfields, or polluted sites. The city still has just over $100,000 in funds available from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help property owners determine whether their land is contaminated. The program provides up to $2,500 for a Phase I study and between $20-25,000 for a Phase II study. Many of the sites on the state list were small spills that have been cleaned up.
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NIA #: 05-161
Geographical key words: Templeton
Thematic key words: storm water management
Source 1: Gardner News, 28 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Stormwater Committee and Earth Tech flowing to success
Source 2: Telegram & Gazette, 31 Oct. 05
Headline: Illegal drains targeted
Summary:
To aid in identifying the sources of pollution still entering the town’s streams and ponds, the Conservation Commission will identify all storm water drains and outfalls (runoff collection points) in town, working through the town’s four precincts one by one—the Back Bay area in Baldwinville will be first. Once the outfalls are found, Earth tech will place them on a GIS (geographic information system). Earth Tech will then be able to test the outfalls for pollutants and seek funds to fix existing problems. The town is in the 3rd year of a state 5-year stormwater program created to reduce pollution to town water bodies. Under the program the town must provide action in several ways: public education and participation, illicit discharge defect and elimination, construction situation and post-construction runoff control, and municipal housekeeping.
The town Highway Department will assist in identifying storm drains.Highway Superintendent Bud Chase said the town has about 110 miles of roads, and nobody knows the total number of drains, some of which are obscured by vegetation or otherwise not visible from the road.
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NIA #: 05-160
Geographical key words: Vernon (VT), North Central Massachusetts
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee, nuclear energy plant
Source: Recorder, 28 Oct. 05, p. 5
Headline: Panel puts off power boost advice after raucous meeting
Summary:
After holding a contentious meeting Thursday, the Vermont State Nuclear Advisory Panel put off as decision to support the request by Vermont Yankee to boost its energy output by 20 percent. Panel member Timothy Nulty sought to have the panel reject the request for the power increase. Senator Mark MacDonald (D-Orange) argued for a study of the economic impacts to Vermont of rejecting the request. Panel chairman David O’Brien called the argument a waste of “the taxpayers’ time,” saying there are several other important issues the panel needs to deal with. Under an existing arrangement, Vermont would receive some of the additional energy produced by the plant until the year 2012. The panel is scheduled to vote on the power increase request on November 22.
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NIA #: 05-159
Geographical key words: Gardner
Thematic key words: Open Space & Recreation Plan
Source: Gardner News, 27 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Student volunteers to go door to door for Open Space effort
Summary:
Local high school students will go door to door to distribute 8,000 copies of the Survey prepared by the Open Space and Recreation Committee. The Survey will be used to update the town’s open space and recreation plan. Some students will also be involved in following up with residents by phone to encourage a response. A town official said the response rate for such a survey is between 2-4 percent, but hopefully will be higher due to the personal relationships between students and town residents.
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NIA #: 05-158
Geographical key words: Athol
Thematic key words: Secret Lake, weed control
Source: Athol Daily news, 26 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Approval to draw down Secret Lake is granted
Summary:
The Secret lake Property Owners Association was given approval by the Conservation Commission to draw down the lake’s water level in hopes of reducing the presence of milfoil. The decision will hold for 5 years, and includes several conditions. The water level may only be lowered a maximum of 2 feet from top of spillway. The maximum draw down allowed per day is 3 inches per day. Return to normal water levels is required in spring.
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NIA #: 05-157
Geographical key words: Gardner
Thematic key words: urban renewal plan
Source: Gardner news, 25 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: City moves toward urban renewal plan
Summary:
The city’s Redevelopment Authority scheduled its first meeting for stakeholders to discuss its new urban renewal plan. The November 17 meeting will be attended by property owners, businesses and town officials likely to be affected by the plan; a later meeting will be held for the general public. Defining the precise location of the urban renewal district is one of the first orders of business. The state Department of Housing and Community Development will is expected to be a major funder of what could be a multi-million dollar project.
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NIA #: 05-156
Geographical key words: Templeton
Thematic key words: wetlands destruction, housing construction
Source: Gardner news, 24 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: DEP visits property after appeal
Summary:
Responding to an abutter’s appeal, the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) conducted a site visit on Rice Road and will review plans to destroy just under 5,000 square feet of wetlands to build a single family home with a driveway 600 feet long and 16 feet wide. The abutter, Frank Moschetti, is concerned about getting flooded with silt on his property, but otherwise does not oppose the project. Original plans for the project involved the destruction of over 7,000 acres of wetlands, but were scaled back because the town’s Conservation Commission can only approve projects under 5,000 square feet.
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NIA #: 05-155
Geographical key words: Westminster
Thematic key words: Deer Run Estates, cluster development, open space
Source: Gardner news, 23 Oct. 05, p. 3
Headline: Board approves Deer Run Estates permits
Summary:
The zoning board of appeals approved, with conditions, a 41-house cluster development for people aged 55 and older. Located off Ellis Road, the 107-acre property will have a total of 85 acres of open space, with smaller houses built on smaller lots. The developer received permission to construct 16 units a year, twice the number that subdivision regulations allow. Measures to reduce noise, traffic and pollution impacts from the project are still being developed.
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NIA #: 05-154
Geographical key words: Montague
Thematic key words: landfill
Source: Recorder, 22 Oct. 05, p. 3
Headline: Montague woman to hold meeting about landfill
Summary:
A local woman concerned that town residents do not know enough about the proposed landfill project has organized an informational meeting on the subject. Carol Flandreau thinks the final decision whether to approve a landfill proposal should be made by vote of all town residents, not at town meeting. Town meeting members represent constituents in the town, but Flandreau said the members have not been discussing the issue with residents and that many people in town don’t know much about the project. The town has put out a request for proposals, and if a developer submits a viable proposal, the matter would go to town meeting for a decision, unless the town creates a new mechanism to allow all residents to vote on the issue.
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NIA #: 05-153
Geographical key words: Athol
Thematic key words: Master Plan
Source: 21 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Master Plan Review begins
Summary:
The town’s Master Plan is now being reviewed by the Board of Planning and Community Development. The board began with recommendations from Chapter 1, relating to open space and natural resources. The board, which hopes to complete its review in 2007, will identify the following: the departments and committees responsible for implementing the plan’s recommendations; the status of those recommendations; and outside groups with whom to potentially collaborate. One of the chapter’s recommendations calls for creating a zoning bylaw for a “Ridge Protection Overlay District” that would limit the density and visual impact of residential development to protect their scenic and wildlife value.
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NIA #: 05-152
Geographical key words: Westminster
Thematic key words: affordable housing, Chapter 40B, residential development
Source: Gardner News, 20 Oct. 05, p. 3
Headline: Town planner’ submits affordable housing plan
Summary:
Westminster, with just under 3 percent of its housing stock considered as affordable housing, is putting a plan in place to reach the goal of 10 percent affordable housing. Reaching that goal would allow the town to turn down development plans submitted under the state’s Chapter 40B program that allow developers to bypass local ordinances in return for pricing a percentage of units in a residential development as “affordable”—which in Westminster is based on the lower half of median income. The current plan is being spearheaded by town planner Alicia Altieri. The town has already conducted a housing survey and assessment of housing needs; additional factors being reviewed include the price of home sales and the status of municipal infrastructure. The number of new residential units currently being considered in town is 330, and is expected to increase. The state will have 90 days to review the town’s plan once it is submitted.
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NIA #: 05-151
Geographical key word: North Quabbin Region
Thematic key words: Eco-tourism, North Quabbin Woods Project
Source: Athol Daily News, 20 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Tourism Grant Payment
Summary:
The North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce received the first installment of a $50,000 state grant to promote regional tourism. The 3-year old North Quabbin Woods Project, based in Orange and created to promote economic development based on careful use of the region’s extensive natural resources, will be the main recipient of funds. Various programs and projects by NQW and others will benefit, including the NQW’s website, brochures for area attractions such as for the Tully Trail, and a new regional guide developed by NQW. Two popular annual events, the River Rat Race and the Garlic and Arts Festival, will be expanded to 2-day events. In addition to tourism, the NQW project promotes the region’s forestry and wood products industries.
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NIA #: 05-150
Geographical key word: Vernon (VT), Massachusetts
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee, nuclear energy, nuclear safety, Entergy
Source: Recorder, 19 Oct. 05, p. 5
Headline: Entergy agrees with new operating conditions for boost
Summary:
The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant has agreed to safety conditions set by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission as requirements to a requested 20 percent power boost. These operating conditions include monitoring of critical components, installation of monitoring devices and a gradual increase in power production. The agreement does not guarantee approval of the request. According to the New England Coalition, a nuclear watch dog group, the company had itself proposed most of the conditions cited by the NRC. Of special concern is the effect of increased power output on the plant’s steam dryers.
Two other nuclear reactors with a design similar to Vermont Yankee suffered steam dryer failures when they underwent similar power boosts. According to the Associated Press, steam dryers are not considered a key safety component.
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NIA #: 05-149
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: housing development, trailer park
Source: Gardner News, 19 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Officials, abutters air concerns at trailer park hearing
Summary:
A 172-unit trailer park is being proposed for the intersection of Routes 101 and 140. At a public hearing of the zoning appeals board, residents and city officials expressed concerns over the proposed project. Residents’ concerns included the effect on area property values and traffic. Officials mentioned water and sewer capacity, among other factors. The proposed plan was factually incorrect in several areas, including the type of soil upon which the analysis of drainage was based.
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NIA #: 05-148
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: solid waste disposal, landfill, transfer station, trash, garbage
Source: Gardner News, 18 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Councilors unanimously back permanent city transfer station
Summary:
City councilors voted unanimously to support the creation of a permanent transfer station to handle residents’ garbage, which would be located at the city landfill. Under an existing agreement with the Waste Management company, residents may currently drop off their trash at the landfill until December 31st. Waste Management, the landfill operator, is in the process of capping the landfill, which is expected to reach full capacity shortly and be closed. Under the current proposal, trash dropped of by residents at the transfer station would be shipped to a landfill out of town. Discussion drew attention to the likely costs involved to the town and residents.
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NIA #: 05-147
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: Great Dam
Source: Gardner News, 18 Oct. 05, p. 3
Headline: Great Dam undergoes renovation
Summary:
After years of delay, construction is now underway to renovate and strengthen the Great Dam. It was identified as a large, high-hazard dam in 1996, with potential to cause extensive damage in a collapse. The original dam improvement project’s design would have eliminated the Great Dam and reinforced the nearby Red Dam as the sole structure. However, a serious error by a surveyor hired by the project’s engineering firm concerning use of the Red Dam led to a lengthy delay and legal battle. A financial payment by the engineering firm to the town allowed the project on Great Dam to proceed.
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NIA #: 05-146
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: zoning bylaws, economic growth, open space protection
Source: Gardner News, 15 Oct. 05, p. 3
Headline: Winchendon bylaws revised
Summary:
For more than a year, the Zoning Revision Task Force has been meeting twice a month to revise the town’s bylaws line by line. The task force is seeking to create bylaws that the average person can understand, and that will promote economic growth and preserve open space and agricultural land. In 2007, the town’s current building cap –50 building permits a year—will expire. Task force member Mark Shea said that by taking a responsible approach to growth, the town hopes to avoid a flurry of building projects maintain the town’s overall character. A completed first draft of the new bylaws should be available for the Special Town Meeting.
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NIA #: 05- 145
Geographical key word: Orange
Thematic key words: Millers River, riverfront park
Source: Athol Daily News, 7 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Riverfront park plans 75 percent completed
Summary:
A public hearing on the proposed Orange Riverfront Park was held Thursday night to review detailed project plans and discuss related matters. A 1600-square foot concession building with bathrooms and bike space will handle boat and kayak rentals, and hopefully bicycles as well when the Greenway between Orange and Athol is completed. Docks will be installed, and there will be handicapped access to the river. Several permits from a variety of agencies are pending on the project, after which the design phase will be complete and construction may begin. The cost of the total project is almost $1 million. Phase 1, estimated at $548,438, will not cost the town any money: A $175,000 grant has been approved from the state DEP and a $372,935 Urban Self-Help grant request for the remainder is pending. Funding is being sought for Phase 2, which includes a sidewalk on East River Street, the docks, and some vegetation.
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NIA #: 05-144
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key words: Mountain View Estates, affordable housing development, Chapter 40B
Source: Gardner News, 7 Oct. 05, p. 3
Headline: Mountain View Estates may shrink to 136 housing units
Summary:
Responding to the board of zoning appeals’ request to see a down-sized project proposal, revised plans for the proposed Mountain View Estates have eliminated all 28 units intended for people aged 55 and older. The applicant’s attorney said the “landscape” for such units has changed since originally proposed two years ago. The board continued to discuss the proposed project’s likely impacts on town services. The town’s sewer and water pump stations currently operate at nearly full capacity. Town Counsel Alan Seewald said the problem is not with the project, but with the town’s limited capacity. Questions remain about how the project’s filing process should be routed through the town’s various committees.
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NIA #: 05-143
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Millers River, flooding, Cass Meadow
Source: Athol Daily News, 6 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Steps to avoid flooding detailed
Summary:
Fire Chief Jim Wright discussed plans to prevent future flooding of the Millers River by Cass Meadow from damaging homes on adjacent Pequoig Avenue and Shore Drive. Existing plans by the state Division of Fisheries & Wildlife to remove trees and vegetation from the meadow will, by returning the area to now-rare grass and shrub habitats, also help to alleviate the buildup of ice. Wright added $16,000 is being sought from town funds to replace the check valves in selected storm water pipes. Training to monitor river conditions, and improved communications among responding agencies are also expected to help, but Wright also stated local homeowners need to have flood insurance and move valuables to upper floors.
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NIA #: 05-142
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: Mount Wachusett Community College, State Sustainability Program, alternative energy, renewable energy
Source: Gardner News, 6 Oct. 05, p. 1
Headline: Mount receives state conservation award
Summary:
Mount Wachusett Community College received an award from the State Sustainability Program for its innovative environmental efforts. Since converting its heating system to operate from a wood-fueled biomass plant in 2002, the College is estimated to have lowered its greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent and saved over $600,000. The biomass plant also supports the region’s forest industry and economy. The school is currently experimenting with burning wood chips to produce gas that could be used to make electricity, and has also been active in utilizing solar and wind power.
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NIA #: 05-141
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Millers River, flooding, frazil, Cass Meadow
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 4 Oct. 05
Headline: Tree removal might solve Millers River flooding
Summary:
Plans to remove trees from Cass Meadow later this year are expected to reduce flooding problems associated with buildup of frazil, a slushy ice formation caused by unusual weather conditions of alternating cold and warm periods. Such weather conditions resulted in flooding along the Millers River the past two winters; last winter the river flooded both banks, affecting homes along Pequoig Avenue and Shore Drive. Existing plans by the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to return a large portion of the meadow to grassland and shrubland by clearing stands of birch trees close to the river are expected to allow any flooding to spread out through the meadow and hopefully avoid damage to homes. The state selected Cass Meadow as one of several project for restoring increasingly rare early successional habitats.
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NIA Database #: 05-140
Geographical key words: Westminster, Ashburnham
Thematic key words: Open Space & Recreation Committee, land trusts, Forest Legacy, Mid-State Trail
Source: Gardner News, 4 Oct. 05, p. 4
Headline: Town planner asks selectmen to appoint open space committee
Summary:
The selectboard will consider a request by town planner Alicia Altieri to organize an Open Space & Recreation Committee to update the town’s Open Space Plan. Altieri told the board an updated plan is needed for inclusion in a Forest Legacy grant application that would protect 11 parcels in town. Altieri also briefed the board on the Mid-State Trail project, under which 590 acres in Westminster would be protected. The North County Land Trust would combine the town’s grant application with one from the Bush Hill property in Ashburnham. The select board had questions about the role of the proposed Open Space committee.
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NIA Database #: 05-139
Geographical key word: Leominster
Thematic key words: Doyle Conservation Center, energy conservation, sustainable building materials
Source: Telegram & Gazette, 2 Oct. 05, p. B3
Headline: Doyle Center computes savings: Building is a paradigm of energy conservation
Summary:
The Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster is a state of the art environmental building. It is owned and operated by The Trustees of Reservations, the state’s oldest and largest conservation group. The 14,000 square-foot contains a wealth of innovative building practices and materials, including: solar energy panels, computer-controlled geothermal heating and cooling systems, passive heating utilizing triple-pane windows, bamboo and cork flooring, and desks made from Dakota burl, a sunflower seed byproduct. The Center is available for community events. For more information contact the Center at 978-840-4446; www.thetrustees.org.
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NIA Database #: 05-138
Geographical key word: Northfield
Thematic key words: gravel pit, groundwater, water monitoring
Source: Recorder, 1 Oct. 05, p. 2
Headline: Northfield gravel pit ordered to stop operations
Summary:
Mitchell Aggregate LLC, A company supplying sand and gravel to area towns, has been ordered to halt excavating by the town of Northfield. The company waited five years instead of the required three to apply for renewal of a special permit allowing excavation on land owned by the Boston and Maine Railroad in West Northfield Near Route 142 and Mount Hermon Road. The company has not ceased operations and is engaged in legal proceedings with the town. According to the town’s attorney, B&M has not done water monitoring at the site as required by the state DEP.
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NIA #: 05-137
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Open Space and Recreation Plan
Source: Athol Daily News, 30 Sept. 05, p. 1
Headline: Open Space Plan being updated
Summary:
The town’s Open Space and Recreation Committee had its first meeting Wednesday to start updating the 2005 Open Space and Recreation Plan, last updated in 2000. The Committee will distribute a Survey to town residents, and reviewed the Survey used in 2000, making several revisions. 5,256 residents received the 2000 Survey, and 832 responded—a 15.8 percent response rate. The Committee meets again on Oct. 13 and Oct. 27 at 7 pm at town hall.
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NIA #: 05-136
Geographical key words: Orange, Leominster, Hardwick, Central Massachusetts
Thematic key words: green building, alternative energy, solar energy, Seeds of Solidarity Farm
Source: Worcester T&G, 30 Sept. 05, p. B3
Headline: ‘Green Buildings’ tour to feature 6 properties
Summary:
Several buildings in the region will participate in a “Green Buildings” open house tour taking place this weekend as part of the National Solar Tour. In Orange, Seeds of Solidarity Farm, owned by Deb Habib and Ricky Baruc, operates with many sustainable features, including: off-grid photo-voltaic power cells, passive solar energy, solar hot water and cooling, and alternative fuel vehicles using biodiesel and grease. Other buildings on the tour include the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster and private homes in Hardwick and New Braintree. The website of the American Solar Energy Society has more info on the solar tour: ases.org.
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NIA #: 05-135
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: Open Space and Recreation Plan
Source: Gardner News, 28 Sept. 05, p. 1
Headline: City searches for a way to relax, recreate
Summary:
The city is updating its Open Space and Recreation Plan and seeking input from all residents; it plans to deliver a survey to approximately 8,000 households. The survey asks questions about important natural resources, recreation opportunities, land protection options (including tax assessments), and visions of the city in 20 years. The non-binding Plan will be used by city officials to prioritize future projects and resources.
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NIA #: 05-134
Geographical key word: Wendell
Thematic key words: dump, landfill, Millers River, water pollution
Source:Greenfield Recorder, 28 Sept. 05, p. 1
Headline: Court: Wendell dump owners must pay state $3M for repairs
Summary:
A state court has ordered DB enterprises and its owners to pay $3 million to the state for costs the state incurred repairing the Mormon Hollow landfill. The landfill received construction and demolition materials in the 1990s. The court ruling cited violations at the site regarding use of required storm water and erosion controls, steep slopes, and migration of liquid. The state hired crews in 2000 to clean up and stabilize the site before it could collapse into the Millers River and nearby Lyons Brook. The closed landfill is 550 feet high —40 feet taller than permitted.
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NIA #: 05-133
Geographical key words: Hubbardston, Barre
Thematic key words: forest reserve, biodiversity, Burnshirt River, Rutland State Park
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 28 Sept. 05, p. B1
Headline: Ware River reserve proposed
Summary:
The state has proposed a Ware River Reserve on existing state land in Hubbardston and Barre as one of eight sites to protect large-scale forest land and promote biodiversity. The reserve’s proposed size is 4,150 acres, including portions in both towns in Rutland State Park and along the Burnshirt River (a tributary to the Ware River). An expert panel developed the statewide plan, with the eight sites selected by state agencies from a list of 32 large, contiguous forest areas developed by the Nature Conservancy. Reserve selection was based on 10 extensive ecological and environmental criteria. The Ware River Reserve was noted for its excellent wetlands habitat. The state is seeking local feedback on the project.
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NIA #: 05-132
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key word: landfill
Source: Gardner News, 27 Sept. 05, p. 3
Headline: Board proposes reopening, expanding landfill
Summary:
A proposal for reopening the town landfill was discussed and debated at an open forum held by the Board of Selectmen. The board presented two options, one for accepting demolition and construction waste materials, and the second that would also include accepting municipal waste. Financially, the board favored the latter option, and presented figures, based on current disposal costs of $65 a ton, that expanding the landfill would cost the town $15.4 million and would generate $24.9 million over 20 years. Engineers discussed a wide range of environmental concerns and possible mitigation measures. Residents were most concerned about noise, pollution, traffic—and the impact to tourism. The state recently approved using 25.5 acres of land to expand the current site.
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NIA #: 05-131
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key words: Proposed housing developments, Chapter 40B, affordable housing, grassroots opposition
Source: Gardner News, 26 Sept. 05, p. 1
Headline: In a mushrooming housing market, residents want to step back
Summary:
Proposals for more than 538 housing units are currently before town officials. These include duplexes and condominiums designed for single parent families or the elderly, and conventional single family homes. Local officials have sought to scale down several of these projects, which continue to be opposed by several local citizens groups concerned with what they see as excessive and inappropriate development. According to the 2000 US Census, Westminster’s population exceeded 11 percent during the decade, and is one of the fastest growing towns in the state.
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NIA #: 05-130
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key words: Proposed housing development, Chapter 40B, affordable housing, grassroots opposition
Source: Gardner News, 26 Sept. 05, p. 5
Headline: Zoning board to discuss Kingsbury Arms
Summary:
The hearing on Castle Partners LLC’s Chapter 40B application for the proposed Kingsbury Arms housing development by will be continued by the Zoning Board of Appeals next Tuesday. Under Chapter 40B, a developer may apply for a state building permit by designating 10 percent of the total number of units to be affordable by low-income buyers. Plans for Kingsbury Arms, which would be located on 34 acres on Livermore Road, call for 14 of 56 units to be so designated. Recently, several citizens’ groups, including Stop These Oversized Projects (STOP), Concerned Residents for Orderly Westminster Development (CROWD) and Watchdogs for an Environmentally Safe Town, have formed to oppose several proposed large housing development projects in close proximity. In addition to Kingsbury Arms, these include Pheasant Ridge, another 40B proposal, and Dee Run; both of the latter are targeted to people over age 55.
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NIA #: 05-129
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key words: multiple housing developments
Source: Gardner News, 21 Sept. 05, p. 3
Headline: Neighbors ask the zoning board to look beyond Deer Run borders
Summary:
Deer Run Estates, a proposed 41-lot cluster development for people over 55 years old, was discussed at a recent zoning board of appeals meeting. The project would be located on 107 acres owned by the Ellis Road Development Trust. Neighbors of the proposed project were present to point out that other projects proposed nearby, including Pheasant Ridge Estates and Castle Partners’ Kingsbury Arms—both if which would abut Deer Run Estates. That could mean a total of 166 homes in what Janice Leclair called “one very small area of town.” Edwin Kaarela of the ZBA reminded those present the board can only consider the proposal before it. The board continued the hearing to Oct. 18.
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NIA #: 05-128
Geographical key word: Massachusetts
Thematic key words: beaver management, trapping
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 20 Sept. 05, p. 1
Headline: State Legislature reconsiders beaver trapping restrictions
Summary:
The legislature’s Joint Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture reviewed over a dozen proposals to loosen restrictions on beaver trapping passed by the 1996 Wildlife Protection Act. That Act, approved by 64 percent of a voter referendum, prohibits use of body-gripping traps. A 2000 revision allows a local Board of Health to issue a permit for a trap when a non-lethal approach has been attempted and a safety or public health issue has been demonstrated. The state’s beaver population is estimated by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to have increased from 22,500 in 1995 to 70,000 today, though the latter figure is not firm.
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NIA #: 05-127
Geographical key word: Northfield, Warwick, Monadnock Highlands
Thematic key words: Quabbin to Cardigan Initiative, Mount Hermon School, forest protection
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 19 Sept. 05, p. 3
Headline: Quabbin to Mount Cardigan meeting postponed until October
Summary:
A meeting to inform Northfield and Warwick residents about the Quabbin to Mount Cardigan Conservation Initiative has been postponed. The project concerns over 3,000 square miles of continuous forest in the Monadnock Highlands stretching from the Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts to Mount Cardigan in New Hampshire. With the consolidation of the Northfield Mount Hermon School to its Gill campus, the fate of more than 2,000 acres of land owned by the school on “the ridge” in Northfield hangs in the balance.
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NIA #: 05-126
Geographical key word: Warwick
Thematic key words: Hidden Valley Estates, condominium development
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 19 Sept. 05, p. 2
Headline: Condos caught between ZBA, Planning Board
Summary:
The towns Zoning Board of Appeals and its Planning Board are considering proper jurisdiction for review of the proposed Hidden Valley Estates, a 40-unit condominium project that would be the town’s first development. The ZBA continued the hearing for a special permit until November 17th. An article requesting a moratorium on approving condominium developments was placed on the Oct. 24 special town meeting warrant by the Planning Board. ZBA chairman J. David Engman said the special permit sought was not intended for “mother in law” apartments, nit a large project. A moratorium would not affect the existing proposal, but could have force if the proposal is withdrawn or rejected and a modified proposal was submitted in the future
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NIA #: 05-125
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Millers River Recreation Park, ecotourism
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 17 Sept. 05, p. 2
Headline: Millers River project gets boost from state grant
Summary:
The state awarded a $185,171 grant to the town to design and construct walking trails along the Millers River, and provide canoe access and a parking area. Design work is being done by TerraSphere in Worcester, and local and state officials. Three sites along the river are in the works—on North Orange Road, Shore Drive, and the intersection of Main and Canal Streets. The town will put out construction bids after selectmen vote to approve a contract with the state, with work possibly beginning in the spring.
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NIA #: 05-124
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: Cass Meadow, invasive plant management
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 16 Sept. 05, p. B1
Headline: Nature club targets natural invaders
Summary:
Work crews from the Division of Fish & Wildlife and the Athol Bird and Nature Club will be at Cass Meadow October 8th to remove buckthorn, a non-native plant. Other invasive plants targeted for removal at Cass Meadow include purple loosestrife and Japanese knotweed. These invasive species are non-native, aggressively colonize habitats and crowd out native vegetation. This coming weekend about 300 people will attend the New England Invasive Plant Summit in Framingham to address successful methods of halting the spread of invasive plants—including early detection.
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NIA #: 05-123
Geographical key word: Turners Falls, Montague
Thematic key word: landfill
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 15 Sept. 05, p. 1
Headline: Potential developers tour Montague landfill site.
Summary:
About 25 representatives of various waste management firms toured the proposed site of a town landfill with local officials, in response to the town’s request for proposals to lease the 34 acre site on Turnpike Road and develop and operate a landfill. Final approval by town voters would be required for any plan submitted, and the RFP’s conditions are considered strict. Only a few companies are expected to submit a proposal, which can cost $100,000 to prepare; there is also a $10,000 submission fee and no guarantee the town will decide to approve a landfill operation. The site is generally considered a good one for a landfill.
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NIA #: 05-122
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: open space plan, Otter River stream team, Ware River rail trail
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 15 Sept. 05
Headline: Templeton panel trying to open up conservation land
Summary:
Several groups, including the town’s Open Space Committee, are working to move forward on Open Space Plan that includes trails and recreational fields. The developers of the Ware River Heights project have given open land to the town that connects the Ware River Rail Trail with land parcels near Birch Hill Dam, Day Mill Pond and Narragansett Regional Middle-High School. An October 4th town meeting will vote to accept the gift of the Ware River Heights property. Before the area can be opened to the public, several issues need to be addressed, including: liability issues, development of plans, and permission from the State Department of Conservation and Recreation to use the Ware River Rail Trail. In addition, more work on the Americans with Disabilities Act section is needed before the Plan can be submitted to state authorities.
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NIA #: 05-121
Geographical key word: Warwick
Thematic key words: condominium, development, moratorium, zoning bylaws
Source: Athol Daily News, 14 Sept. 05, p. 1
Headline: Moratorium on Condos is Sought
Summary:
A moratorium on condominium development in town is being sought by the Planning Board. A soon-to-be-formed zoning task force will study the town’s zoning bylaws, and will decide what conditions are applicable to that kind of development.. The moratorium would not apply to Brian Gale’s current application for Hidden Valley Estates to the ZBA. A public hearing on the subject will be held September 29th.
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NIA #: 05-120
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key word: storm water management, water pollution, solid waste management
Source: 12 Sept. 05, p. B6
Headline: Templeton panel chooses a consultant
Summary: The town will choose low bidder Earth Tech to provide the third year of storm water management services. The town is required to complete a 5-year storm water management program to address pollution of several local water bodies. The pollution is thought to be the result of discharges from the storm drain system and outfalls from water sources. As part of the project, the town will inventory and map the storm drain system and outfalls or water sources and the water bodies that receive the drainage. The project also includes the promotion of recycling and other solid waste management efforts.
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NIA #: 05-119
Geographical key word: Gardner, Massachusetts
Thematic key word: forestry, Forest Viability Grant Program
Source: Barre Gazette, 8 Sept. 05, p. 16
Headline: Information meetings to be held on Forest Viability Grant Program
Summary: The Forest and Wood Products Institute at Mount Wachusett Community College is holding meetings to familiarize landowners, organizations and professionals with the state’s Forest Viability Grant Program. The program aims to protect and enhance the ecological and economic health of privately owned forest land by offering business planning assistance and plan implementation grants to landowners with forest-based businesses. Up to $5,000 in technical assistance is available to landowners to develop a Forest Viability Business Plan; landowners with such a plan may be eligible for up to $20,000 in implementation funds. For info on the program call 978-630-9360 or email Joe smith at jsmith@mwcc.mass.edu.
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NIA #: 05-118
Geographical key word: Westminster
Thematic key word: Mountain View Estates, development, subdivision, affordable housing, Chapter 40B
Source: Gardner News, 8 Sept. 05, p. 3
Headline: Mountain View Estates could run afoul of water, sewer capacity
Summary: According to consultants for the town, the proposed 164-unit Mountain View Estates Project may bring the town to capacity on its water and sewer delivery volumes. Consultants discussed flow rates for water and sewer based on 40B affordable housing guidelines, as well as the town’s infrastructure, pump stations and agreements with the City of Fitchburg for water use and sewer discharge. The projects water use is expected to be 59,000 gallons per day. There are other development projects in the works that together raise questions about the town’s ability to deliver adequate services. The pumping stations are limited in their capacity, the consultants said. A public workshop on the project was set for Sept. 21st, and the public hearing will be continued Oct. 6th.
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NIA #: 05-117
Geographical key word: Athol, Millers River
Thematic key word: flooding, Cass Meadow
Source #1: Athol Daily News, 8 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: Steps to prevent river flooding are in progress
Source #2: Greenfield Recorder, 9 Sept. 05, p. 2
Headline: Fire chief more comfortable with flood issues
Summary: Fire chief James Wright updated the selectboard regarding efforts to prevent future winter flooding. The removal of vegetation overgrowth at Cass Meadow currently underway is expected to help reduce the potential for flooding significantly. Valves are also being considered for three storm drains. A report by the Army Corps of Engineers also recommends training of firefighters and installing monitoring equipment along the river, which may cost up to $20,000 if not available from ACE. Use of existing temporary and permanent diversion channels is also under consideration.
NIA #: 05-116
Geographical key words: Pioneer Valley, Franklin County, China
Thematic key words: post-carbon future, peak oil, alternative energy, sustainability, self-sufficiency
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 7 Sept. 05, p. 01
Headline: Grassroots group takes on soaring energy prices
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: A new group, the Pioneer Valley Post-Carbon Council has formed to explore ways in which the region might become more self-sufficient in the event of reduced and/or more expensive prices for petroleum-based prices. The concept of peak oil is now being hotly debated, suggesting that rising global oil demands, driven mostly by China and the United States, will exceed available supplies and disrupt the global economy. Group member Don Campbell, a solar energy specialist, said the region has a history of self-reliance and inventiveness, and cited as current examples the planned bio-diesel plant in Greenfield, the Pioneer Valley Photovoltaic Cooperative, and Community Involved in Sustainable Agriculture (CISA) movement. The Council plans a series of fall programs that will focus on making communities more self-sufficient in their resource use.
NIA #: 05-115
Geographical key words: New England, Vernon (VT)
Thematic key words: Vermont Yankee nuclear power plant, complaint, terrorism, cooling towers
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 6 Sept. 05, p. 4
Headline: Nuclear board dismisses complaint about cooling towers at Vt. Yankee
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: A complaint about the safety of Vermont Yankee’s cooling tower was dismissed by the Atomic Safety and Licensing Board. The ability of the 33-year old wooden cooling towers to withstand a terrorist attack has been questioned by the New England Coalition, an anti-nuclear watchdog group. The board based its decision on a new analysis of the cooling towers’ integrity conducted by owner Entergy Nuclear. The board is currently reviewing complaints by the coalition and the state of Vermont concerning safety issues from Entergy’s plans to increase power production at the Vernon reactor.
NIA #: 05-114
Geographical key word: Templeton
Thematic key words: beaver management
Source: Gardner News, 2 Sept. 05, p. 3
Headline: Only the beavers are baffled by the device
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: A series of beaver baffles installed to prevent flooding at several locations in town have been effective. The devices, consisting of wire fencing and poles, are placed around culverts, and are cleaned in the spring and fall to ensure good water flow. Beavers, hearing flowing water in the culverts, would naturally attempt to plug the “leaks,” leading to flooding. The humanitarian baffle devices, which allow the beaver to stay safe in their environmental, are becoming increasingly popular, and are being considered by several other towns.
NIA #: 05-113
Geographical key words: Templeton, Baldwinville
Thematic key words: hazardous waste, brownfields, Baldwinville Products, Temple Stuart Furniture Factory
Source: Gardner News, 2 Sept. 05, p. 4
Headline: Stevens pushing for $100k grant to clean up site
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: The board of health is investigating alleged claims that drums containing chemicals and ink were buried at the Baldwinville Products site, a former paper mill. The board is sending a letter to the company’s owner, Medi Gabayzadeh, and to Erving Paper Mill asking for information. The board is also considering applying for a “brownfields” grant of up to $100,000 to clean up the 23-acre Temple Stuart Furniture Factory site, including the landfill behind it. The USEPA has been excavation PCB-contaminated soils from homes near the former furniture factory.
NIA #: 05-112
Geographical key word: Wendell
Thematic key words: septic system
Source: Montague Reporter, 1 Sept. 05, p. 7
Headline: Town Center Septic
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: A contract for the final design of the septic system for town center is almost ready to be signed, but some issues still remain. Those include the number of private homes, if any, allowed to connect to the system, and the fate of failing and marginal systems in the whole central area. The capacity of the system as designed is 1900 gallons per day, short of the 2000 gpd threshold above which costs can rise substantially. The town’s septic study committee will meet Sept. 13.
NIA #: 05-111
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: cluster development, open space, affordable housing
Source: Gardner News, 27 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: Firm submits plan for mobile home park
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: Plans for a 177-unit mobile home park were submitted to the zoning board of appeals last week. The plan shows that 31 of the plot’s 88.7 acres would be developed cluster style, with much of the remaining land left for open space and passive recreation. Under the city’s current zoning ordinance, a special permit is required for mobile home parks. A new zoning ordinance currently in preparation would eliminate the opportunity for mobile parks, but the current plan would be grand-fathered in if the new ordinance is approved. Gardner officials have said recently that there is plenty of affordable housing stock in the city, and they consider mobile homes to return too little in taxes; they also acknowledged, however, that elderly people seeking affordable housing have few choices to find single-floor units.
NIA #: 05-110
Geographical key words: Templeton, Baldwinville
Thematic key words: PCBs, contaminated soils, EPA, cleanup, Temple Stuart factory,
Source #1: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 26 Aug. 05, p. B1
Headline: 48 baldwinville homes involved in EPA cleanup
Source #2: Gardner News, 27 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: EPA cleanup of soil contaminated by PCB ends, sampling to continue
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: As part of a phased cleanup of residential properties surrounding the former Temple Stuart furniture factory on Holman Street in Baldwinville, the USEPA recently completed the removal of contaminated soils from 22 properties found to be contaminated with PCBs. PCBs are a mixture of chemicals of very similar structure that have a wide variety of industrial uses, and do not degrade easily; because they have been found to cause cancer in animals, they are considered potentially dangerous to humans, and have not been produced since 1977. The total number of houses that have had contaminated soils removed now stands at 48. All houses have now been backfilled and had fresh material restored, and will have plantings installed in the fall. Later this fal the EPA will sample an additional 30 houses to see if they require cleanup.
NIA #: 05-109
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: open space and recreation plan
Source: Athol Daily News, 26 Aug. 05, p. 3
Headline: Committee being formed
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: A committee has been appointed by town manager David Ames to update the town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan. The committee will be overseen by the Conservation Committee, and will include members of several town departments, as well as high school students and other at-large members. Ames expects the group to work over the next six months to carry out a variety of tasks. Interested persons can contact Ames at 978-249-2496.
NIA #: 05-108
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: zoning, cluster development, subdivision, open space
Source: Gardner News, 26 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: Zoning overhaul plan gets tough public scrutiny
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: At an open meeting Thursday, various issues were raised by community members about the proposed zoning overhaul. Consultants hired by the city gave a presentation on the differences between the new proposal and the existing ordinance. Most of the residents in the audience were members of town government. Among other concerns, they questioned the size of the density “bonus” given to cluster style developments that conserve a high amount of open space. The consultants responded that while, on the surface, the bonus is high, it disappears when changes in lot size and open space requirements are figured in. Discussion of the rate of the city’s scheduled housing development highlighted the need to justify any limits to the number of structures built with legitimate planning concerns, such as ability to provide adequate infrastructure.
NIA #: 05-107
Geographical key word: Athol
Thematic key words: beaver dams
Source: Athol Daily News, 26 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: Beaver dam work will be demolished
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: An 8-foot high beaver dam containing several hundred thousand gallons of water, located within the Templeton Road industrial zone, will be removed by the town. Officials visiting the site determined the dam to be a hazard that requires immediate attention. The method used will be similar to the one used recently in Gardner. After siphoning off some water, a portion of the dam will be removed. During this process, the beaver population (estimated at eight) will be trapped. [Note: The fate of the beavers was not mentioned.]
NIA #: 05-106
Geographical key word: Montague
Thematic key words: landfill, RFP
Source: Montague Reporter, 25 Aug. 05, p. 5
Headline: Selectboard responds on landfill concerns
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: A guest editorial by three members of the selectboard responded at length to a previous guest editorial from August 11 that suggested the board had moved ahead to quickly with plans for an RFP (request for proposal) to develop the landfill, and was insensitive to environmental issues and educating and involving the public in the process. Selectboard members detailed their extensive efforts to involve the public in every stage of a process going back 18 months, and likely to continue into 2006 and beyond should a satisfactory RFP be submitted by a developer. The board also elaborated on their efforts to ensure that environmental concerns receive a high priority, while also ensuring that any project proposal be economically attractive to the town. A public meeting on Sept. 7th will focus on the RFP document.
NIA #: 05-105
Geographical key word: Deerfield
Thematic key words: Japanese knotweed, invasive plant management
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 24 Aug. 05, p. 4
Headline: Watershed group gets money to manage Japanese knotweed
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: The Massachusetts Environmental Trust has granted $15,000 to the Deerfield River Watershed Association to manage Japanese knotweed, an invasive plant found in rivers and streams throughout the watershed. The fast-growing perennial plant originated in Asia, and forms dense thickets along roads and stream banks, as well as in yards and disturbed areas. The group will use the funds to remove the plant from selected areas of rivers and streams and create an educational program for the community, including practical information on managing the plant.
NIA #: 05-104
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: landfill closure, capping
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 23 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: Gardner landfill being capped
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: Waste Management, Inc. has begun capping the city’s landfill, and expects two of the landfill’s three cells to be capped and closed by the end of the year. According to health director Bernard Sullivan, the portion now being capped has led to elimination of many odor problems. It is uncertain whether capping of the third cell will occur before this winter. An odor-free torch will be used to burn off excess methane for the next 20 years. The town has no plans to build another landfill to handle wastes, and will have to ship them out. At a recent planning board meeting, options for using the closed 120-foot high landfill were discussed, including bird watching and star gazing.
NIA #: 05-103
Geographical key word: Connecticut River watershed
Thematic key words: river cleanup
Source: Greenfield Recorder, 22 Aug. 05, p. 2
Headline: Volunteers needed for Conn. River watershed cleanup
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: On October 1st, the Connecticut River Watershed Council is sponsoring the 9th annual Source to the Sea Watershed Cleanup. Over 1,200 volunteers, from more than 40 civic groups, participated last year, hauling in about 30 tons of trash. Despite years of improvement, according to CRWC’s Andrea Donlon, “our rivers are unfortunately still treated like dumping groun ds in some places. To join the cleanup in Massachusetts, contact Donlon at 413-772-2020 or go to www.ctriver.org.
NIA #: 05-102
Geographical key word: Winchendon
Thematic key words: open space plan
Source #1: Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 23 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: Winchendon open space plan begun
Source #2: Gardner News, 23 Aug. 05, p. 3
Headline: Open Space task force seeks town volunteers
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: The town is working to revise its open space plan, which expired last year. Since 1990, when the state set the goal of protecting 200,000 acres of land, towns have been required to prepare a new plan every five years. By 2000, the state was halfway to its goal. The new planning effort will be led by Judith Briggs, newly appointed community planning and development agent, with assistance from the planning board and volunteers. With a current plan the town will be eligible to apply for grants for protection of recreational areas, growth management and historic preservation.
NIA #: 05-101
Geographical key word: Gardner
Thematic key words: development, wetlands, Vertical Building Group, smart growth.
Source: Gardner news, 23 Aug. 05, p. 1
Headline: 120-acre plot brought before ConCom
Submitted by: Ivan Ussach
Prepared by: Ivan Ussach
Summary: The president of Hubbardston-based Vertical Building Group, Martin Wolons, came before the ConCom to discuss wetlands concerns related to his intended development project on a 120-acre plot of land near the intersection of Route 140 and Matthews Street. Wolons brought a map with wetlands locations flagged, and asked the ConCom to confirm his information. The ConCom will schedule a walk-through of the site by the full panel. No details on the building plan were presented by Wolons, who may wait until after he has conformed flagging before deciding on a plan; however, he did say he was thinking in smart growth terms. Wolons met earlier this year with city planner Robert Hubbard to discuss a possible 40R project, which, as part of Governor Romney’s smart growth initiative, would allow building at a higher density in exchange for the community receiving cash payments from the state for each housing unit built; no town has successfully applied for such a projects as of yet.
NIA #: 05-100
Geographical key word: Orange
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