Ashland meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Ashland boards to weigh 116-unit housing, town manager search; recent meetings yield no decisions

Over the past two weeks, Ashland's boards and committees met on a range of items, but none of those meetings have published minutes, so no decisions are recorded. The most consequential items are on the agenda for the coming week: a 116-unit housing proposal and the search for a town manager.

Recent meetings: agenda only, no decisions recorded

Meetings held between Aug. 10 and Aug. 20 were agenda-only, with minutes not yet published. Key items discussed:

• The Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 11) continued a hearing on a 40B comprehensive permit for 55 West Union Street — a proposed 116-unit rental development (87 market-rate, 29 income-restricted) on 4.9 acres.
• The Planning Board (Aug. 13) reviewed three site plans: a new duplex at 167-169 Pleasant Street, an expansion of Middlesex Savings Bank at 2 West Union Street, and a mixed-use building with 14 apartments at 55 Tilton Avenue.
• The Conservation Commission (Aug. 10 and Aug. 17) heard wetland and stormwater permit applications for properties on Oak Street, Pleasant Street, Tilton Avenue, West Union Street, and 10-60 Main Street, plus a stormwater violation at 181 East Union Street.
• The Board of Health (Aug. 18) reviewed a food inspection for Cherry Blossom, discussed a septic abandonment fee, and listed housing cases at five addresses.
• The Library Trustees (Aug. 18) discussed the FY27 budget, an employee handbook, and the discontinuation of Hoopla.
• The Roadway Traffic Safety Committee (Aug. 11) discussed a crosswalk request at Cordaville and Ponderosa roads and parking issues at 12 Pond Street.
• The Historical Commission (Aug. 11) discussed the Village Burial Ground, the Local Historic District, and mill buildings.
• The Open Space & Recreation Committee (Aug. 11) discussed the second draft of the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
• The Sustainability Committee (Aug. 20) discussed Town Hall changes and five-year plan priorities.
• The Upper Charles River Trail Committee (Aug. 20) discussed a meeting with consultants Fuss & O'Neill.
• The Town Clerk (Aug. 19) conducted a public test of voting equipment for the Sept. 1 state primary.

Upcoming meetings

Select Board (Aug. 26)

The board will discuss and potentially vote on an interim town manager and the search process for a permanent one. It will also review a letter to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council regarding the Open Space and Recreation Plan, approve night work for road milling and paving on Union, Fountain, and Prospect Streets (Sept. 2-15), and note a DCR land acquisition of 1.7 acres for Hopkinton State Park. The consent agenda includes a $5,200 Banner Program donation and $2,699.46 in Food Pantry/Memory Cafe donations.

Zoning Board of Appeals (Aug. 25)

Two public hearings: a special permit modification for roadway improvements at Captain Eames Circle and Algonquin Trail (repaving, sidewalks, curbing, traffic medians, access gates), and a continued 40B comprehensive permit for 55 West Union Street — 116 rental units (87 market, 29 income-restricted at ≤80% AMI) on 4.9 acres.

Planning Board (Aug. 27)

Public hearing on 167-169 Pleasant Street: demolish existing duplex, build a new duplex with attached one-car garages, expand parking, add second curb-cut. Also discuss data center zoning and organization of the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 24)

Five hearings on wetlands permits, including vegetation management at Mill Pond boat ramp (0 Pine Hill Road and 0 Myrtle Street), a request for a porch at 9 Thomas Road, and stormwater permits for Oak Street, Pleasant Street, and Tilton Avenue.

Coming up

• Aug. 24, 7:00 pm — Conservation Commission (remote)
• Aug. 25 — Zoning Board of Appeals
• Aug. 26 — Select Board
• Aug. 27 — Planning Board

Ashland boards review housing projects, traffic safety, and budget items; decisions pending

Over the past two weeks, Ashland's boards and committees met to consider a range of items, from a 116-unit housing proposal to a new mixed-use building and a special town meeting warrant. No final decisions have been reported, as minutes from these meetings have not yet been published.

Housing and development

The Zoning Board of Appeals continued its public hearing on a Comprehensive Permit application for a 116-unit rental development at 55 West Union Street. The project calls for a four-story building on 4.9 acres, with 87 market-rate and 29 income-restricted units. The board also reviewed minutes from its July 28 meeting.

The Planning Board held public hearings on three site plans: a new duplex at 167-169 Pleasant Street (including demolition of the existing duplex, attached garages, expanded parking, and a second curb-cut); an expansion of the Middlesex Savings Bank at 2 West Union Street; and a three-floor mixed-use building at 55 Tilton Avenue with 14 apartments and two flex-space contractor bays. The board also discussed data center zoning and reviewed minutes from July 9 and July 23.

Select Board

The Select Board's agenda included a vote to open the 2026 Special Town Meeting Warrant for November 10, a transfer of $1,343.59 from the Telechron Clock Project to the Select Board Gift Account, acceptance of a $5,994.00 Green Communities Competitive Grant for Community Center attic insulation, a $250.00 sponsorship for the Kidde-Fenwal Car Show, and approval of a $50.00 Permit Reactivation Fee for Inspection Services. The board also held an executive session for Town Manager contract negotiations and a budget workshop presentation by the Finance Team.

Traffic and safety

The Roadway Traffic Safety Committee received updates on 40B projects at 61 Waverly St, 55 W. Union St, and 10-60 Main St., followed up on no-littering signs and school zone flashing warning signs, and discussed parking issues at 12 Pond St. New business included a crosswalk request with flashing lights at Cordaville Rd. and Ponderosa Rd. and a resident's safety complaint about Olive St. No votes or decisions were scheduled.

Conservation and environment

The Conservation Commission held public hearings on five permit applications, including Notices of Intent and Stormwater Management Permits for properties on Oak Street, Pleasant Street, Tilton Avenue, and West Union Street, and a Request for Determination for a porch at 9 Thomas Road. General business included a minor modification request for the MetroWest YMCA, a stormwater violation at 181 East Union Street, and wetlands violation updates at 114 High Street.

Other boards

The Council on Aging discussed a proposed patio naming and began setting FY27 goals, including a possible mission statement revision. The Open Space & Recreation Committee discussed the second draft of the Open Space and Recreation Plan and rescheduled an event to October 10 (rain date October 11). The Historical Commission discussed updates on the Village Burial Ground, the Local Historic District, and mill buildings, as well as changes to the National Historic Preservation Act.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission** – Aug. 17, hearing on a Notice of Intent for 10-60 Main Street (SLV Ashland, LLC).
• **Board of Library Trustees** – Aug. 18, FY27 budget, employee handbook vote, and discontinuation of Hoopla.
• **Board of Health** – Aug. 18, food inspection report for Cherry Blossom, septic abandonment fee, and housing cases.
• **Town Clerk** – Aug. 19, public test of voting equipment for the Sept. 1 state primary at Town Hall.
• **Upper Charles River Trail Committee** – Aug. 20, discussion of consultant meeting and minutes approval.

ZBA to continue hearing on 116-unit rental project; Select Board reviews budget

The Zoning Board of Appeals is set to continue a public hearing on a proposed 116-unit rental development at 55 West Union Street, the most consequential item on Ashland's municipal agenda this week. The project, filed under the state's 40B comprehensive permit law, would place a four-story elevator building on 4.9 acres, with 87 market-rate and 29 income-restricted units. The board first heard the application on July 28 and will take it up again on August 11. No decisions have been reported, as minutes from recent meetings have not yet been published.

Zoning Board of Appeals: 116-unit rental project

The 55 West Union Street application by 55 West Union LLC is a 40B Comprehensive Permit request. The August 11 continued hearing will also include review of minutes from the July 28 session and administrative matters. The project has drawn attention from other town boards: the Roadway Traffic Safety Committee, meeting August 11, will receive updates on traffic impacts from this and other 40B projects at 61 Waverly Street and 10-60 Main Street.

Select Board: budget and town meeting warrant

The Select Board met August 5 for a budget workshop featuring a presentation by the Finance Team, followed by a question-and-answer period. In a separate session that same day, the board discussed opening the 2026 Special Town Meeting Warrant for November 10, 2026. The agenda also included a transfer of $1,343.59 from the Telechron Clock Project to the Select Board Gift Account, acceptance of a $5,994.00 Green Communities Competitive Grant for Community Center attic insulation, a $250.00 sponsorship for the Kidde-Fenwal Car Show, and approval of a $50.00 Permit Reactivation Fee for Inspection Services. The board also held an executive session for contract negotiations with the Town Manager.

Conservation Commission: wetland permits

The Conservation Commission held public hearings on July 27 for three Notices of Intent (257 Oak Street, 167-171 Pleasant Street, and 90 Waverly Street) and discussed enforcement order updates for five properties. The commission also discussed proposed streamlining changes to the Wetlands Protection Act. On August 10, the commission will hold hearings on five additional permits, including Notices of Intent and Stormwater Management Permits for properties on Oak Street, Pleasant Street, Tilton Avenue, and West Union Street, plus a Request for Determination for a porch at 9 Thomas Road. General business includes a stormwater violation at 181 East Union Street and wetlands violation updates at 114 High Street.

Other recent meetings

Several other boards met over the past two weeks, all with agendas but no published minutes:

• **School Committee** (July 27): summer retreat to review FY27 and FY28 financial forecasts, community use of school facilities policy, and the 2027-2028 religious observances calendar.
• **Ashland Housing Authority** (July 27): approval of June and July 2026 payables, review of the Emergency Management Policy, and an Annual Plan hearing.
• **Sustainability Committee** (July 30): plastic cap project updates, five-year plan brainstorming, and Farmers Market event planning.
• **Council on Aging** (August 6): 2026 Community Hero Award presentation, patio naming discussion, and FY27 goal-setting.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission** – August 10, 7:00 PM: public hearings on five wetland/stormwater permits.
• **Open Space & Recreation Committee** – August 11, via Zoom: discussion of the second draft of the Open Space and Recreation Plan, plus subcommittee updates.
• **Roadway Traffic Safety Committee** – August 11: updates on 40B projects, crosswalk request at Cordaville Road and Ponderosa Road, and a safety complaint about Olive Street.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** – August 11: continued hearing on the 55 West Union Street 40B project.
• **Historical Commission** – August 11: Village Burial Ground and Local Historic District updates, plus discussion of a homeowner preservation certificate program.

Ashland boards weigh major housing proposals; Select Board to open Special Town Meeting warrant Aug. 5

Ashland's boards and committees turned their attention to housing, land use, and town finances over the past two weeks. Because meeting minutes have not yet been published for the July sessions, this roundup reflects what each body was scheduled to take up; outcomes and vote tallies are not yet available in the public record.

Zoning Board of Appeals: 116-unit rental hearing

On July 28, the Zoning Board of Appeals was scheduled to hold a public hearing on a Chapter 40B Comprehensive Permit request for 55 West Union Street. The proposal, filed by 55 West Union LLC, calls for a four-story elevator building on 4.9 acres with 116 rental units — 87 market-rate and 29 income-restricted. The board was also set to review minutes from June 23 and July 14.

Planning Board: mixed-use building and bank expansion

The Planning Board on July 23 had two public hearings on its agenda. The first was a site-plan and design-plan review for a bank expansion at 2 West Union Street, including parking modifications, a bike rack, and a patio area. The second was a special permit and site-plan review for a three-floor mixed-use building at 55 Tilton Avenue with 14 apartment units and two flex-space contractor bays. The board also planned to take up its task list, the organization of the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, and the Design Review Committee.

Select Board: Town Manager contract and delegation vote

The Select Board met twice on July 23. One session was a closed executive session under G.L. c. 30A sec. 21(a)(2) for contract negotiations with the Town Manager. A second agenda listed discussion of a potential posting and Open Meeting Law violation related to the delegation of authority to the Town Manager, followed by a vote on that delegation. No vote tallies are available.

Conservation Commission: hearings and enforcement orders

The Conservation Commission met on July 20 and July 27. The July 20 agenda included a Notice of Intent hearing for 10-60 Main Street (Map 14 Parcel 128; applicant SLV Ashland, LLC; representative Lucas Environmental, LLC; DEP 95-1018). The July 27 agenda listed three additional Notices of Intent — for 257 Oak Street, 167-171 Pleasant Street, and 90 Waverly Street — plus enforcement order updates for 0 Pond Street, 66 West Union Street, 22 Nickerson Road, 54 High Street, and 220 Oregon Road. The commission also planned to discuss proposed Ecological Restoration Streamlining Changes to the Wetlands Protection Act.

Board of Health: Kratom regulation and septic variances

On July 21, the Board of Health was scheduled to review a draft Kratom regulation and possibly vote to refer it to legal counsel. The board also planned to vote on septic variances for 257 Oak Street under CMR 15.00. The Health Director's agenda included updates on the 2027 RAM Clinic and housing cases at 9 Cirrus Drive, 37 Presidents Row, 20 Joanne Drive #22, and 99 Warren Road.

School and vocational committees

The South Middlesex Regional Vocational Technical School Committee on July 20 had a non-salary financial expenditure report (Appendix 2026-60), a budget transfer (Appendix 2026-61), a hiring update (Appendix 2026-55), and an out-of-state field trip request (Appendix 2026-57) on its agenda. The Keefe Tech Building Committee was set to review the Massachusetts School Building Authority process and consider a request for services for an Owner's Project Manager. The Ashland School Committee met July 27 for a summer retreat covering financial forecasts for FY'27 and FY'28, a community-use-of-facilities policy review, and the 2027-2028 religious observances calendar.

Other boards

The Finance Committee on July 20 was scheduled to discuss an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Stephen Morgan on July 4, 2026. The Library Board of Trustees on July 21 planned to discuss the FY27 budget, vote on an employee handbook, and review a new-computers proposal. The Upper Charles River Trail Committee on July 23 was set to receive a presentation from Fuss and O'Neil on engineering contract specifications. The Ashland Housing Authority on July 27 had its Annual Plan hearing, approval of June and July 2026 payables, and a review of its Emergency Management Policy. The Sustainability Committee on July 30 planned to brainstorm a five-year plan and review its plastic cap project.

Coming up

The Select Board meets Aug. 5 with several consequential items: a vote to open the 2026 Special Town Meeting Warrant for Nov. 10, 2026; acceptance of a $5,994.00 Green Communities Competitive Grant for Community Center attic insulation; a transfer of $1,343.59 from the Telechron Clock Project to the Select Board Gift Account; a vote on a $250.00 sponsorship for the Kidde-Fenwal Car Show; and approval of a $50.00 Permit Reactivation Fee for Inspection Services. A separate Select Board budget workshop with a presentation by the Finance Team is also scheduled for Aug. 5.

Ashland Boards Tackle Housing, Zoning, and Budget Items in Mid-July Meetings

Ashland's boards and committees covered a wide range of topics in the week of July 7–16, from a proposed 116-unit apartment building to data center zoning and Town Manager contract negotiations. Minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, so the items below reflect what was on each agenda — not confirmed outcomes.

Select Board: Town Manager Talks, State Primary Warrant, and Funding Awards

The Select Board met twice during the period. On July 8, the board convened in executive session under G.L. c. 30A sec. 21(a)(2) for contract negotiations with the Town Manager, a nonunion employee. No public business was listed for open session.

On July 15, the board's agenda included a discussion of an Inspection Surcharge Fee, an update on the MassDOT Cordaville Road Bridge Replacement Project, and a vote to sign and post the warrant for the 2026 State Primary. The agenda also listed a $23,000.00 award to Musicologie at 90 Chestnut Street and $1,095.00 in Ashland Food Pantry donations.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Duplex Demolition and 116-Unit Complex

The ZBA's July 14 agenda featured two significant housing items. The board was scheduled to consider a request to demolish an existing duplex and build a new duplex with attached garages at 167-169 Pleasant Street. A second item proposed a four-story, 116-unit elevator building at 55 West Union Street, including 29 income-restricted rental units.

Conservation Commission: Stormwater Permits and Public Hearings

On July 13, the Conservation Commission was set to hold public hearings on six Notices of Intent and a Request for Determination. Key items included a stormwater management permit for 55 Tilton Avenue and 60 Pleasant Street (Tilton Sunrise, LLC), intersection improvements at Fountain and Union Streets (Ashland DPW), and filings for 2 Myrtle Street, 257 Oak Street, and 167-171 Pleasant Street.

Planning Board: Data Center Zoning and Housing Updates

The Planning Board's July 9 agenda included a discussion of potential zoning changes for data centers, an update on 40B developments and the Subsidized Housing Inventory, and a Housing Production Plan update. The board also planned to review the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and Design Review Committee.

Board of Health: Housing Cases and 2027 Clinic Planning

The Board of Health's July 7 agenda listed housing cases at 9 Cirrus Drive, 37 Presidents Row, 20 Joanne Drive, 99 Warren Road, and 33 Esty Street. The board also planned to discuss the 2027 Remote Area Medical (RAM) Clinic, approve FY2026 year-to-date budget reports, review a MassDEP grant for air sensors, and receive the DPH Arbovirus Surveillance Report for June 21–27, 2026.

Town Forest Committee: Land Addition and Acquisition

The committee's July 8 agenda included a discussion and possible vote on officially adding the "Old Mill Road" land to the Town Forest. An executive session was scheduled for land protection and acquisition of abutting parcels. Other items included a Tree of Heaven treatment discussion with the Conservation Commission, bog bridge repairs near the cave loop trail, and an update on the Boy Scout Walter C. parking lot project.

Other Committees

The Open Space & Recreation Committee discussed the second draft of the Open Space and Recreation Plan and planned a September 26 event. The Historical Commission reviewed updates on the Village Burial Ground, Mill Buildings, and the Homeowner Preservation Certificate. The Sustainability Committee discussed the Bottle Cap project and Net Zero planning, with no votes anticipated.

Coming Up

• **July 20, Conservation Commission**: Public hearing on a Notice of Intent for 10-60 Main Street (SLV Ashland, LLC; DEP 95-1018).
• **July 20, Finance Committee**: Discussion of an Open Meeting Law complaint filed by Stephen Morgan on July 4, 2026.
• **July 21, Board of Health**: Draft Kratom regulation discussion and possible vote to refer to legal counsel; vote on septic variances for 257 Oak Street under CMR 15.00.
• **July 21, Board of Library Trustees**: FY27 budget, employee handbook vote, and new computers proposal.
• **July 23, Planning Board**: Public hearings on a bank expansion at 2 West Union Street and a three-floor mixed-use building with 14 apartments at 55 Tilton Avenue.
• **July 23, Upper Charles River Trail Committee**: Presentation from Fuss and O'Neil on engineering contract specifications.

Ashland boards cover contract talks, zoning, and housing; minutes pending for recent meetings

Ashland boards and committees addressed a broad agenda in late June and early July — from Town Manager contract negotiations to potential data center zoning rules — but minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes cannot be confirmed from the available agendas. The most consequential item on the horizon is a July 14 Zoning Board of Appeals hearing on a proposed 116-unit apartment building at 55 West Union Street.

Town Manager contract negotiations

The Select Board met in executive session on June 29 and again on July 8 to conduct contract negotiations with the Town Manager, a nonunion position. The July 8 session was held under G.L. c. 30A sec 21(a)(2). No public business or decisions were expected in open session at either meeting.

School Committee administrator appointments

The School Committee's June 29 agenda called for interviews and votes on two positions: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (candidate Denny Conklin) and Director of Student Services (candidate Justin Cameron). Outcomes are not yet confirmed.

Conservation Commission

The June 29 agenda included a Notice of Intent for 90 Waverly Street (DEP 95-1003) and three Requests for Determination of Applicability: a patio at 5 Grover Road, a soil test pit at 0/175 Oak Street, and an accessory dwelling unit and driveway at 62 Fountain Street. The commission was also scheduled to ratify emergency certifications for tree removals at 201 Winter Street, 6 Pond View Lane, and 25 Brimstone Way, and beaver dam removal at the Main Street Bridge.

Planning Board — data center zoning

On July 9, the Planning Board was set to discuss potential zoning changes for data centers. The agenda also included updates on 40B developments and the Subsidized Housing Inventory, a Housing Production Plan update, and reports from the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee and Design Review Committee.

Finance Committee

The July 1 agenda listed a vote on fiscal year 2026 year-end transfers, discussion to fill an open Finance Committee position, and election of fiscal year 2027 officers.

Other recent meetings

• **Board of Library Trustees** (June 30): FY26 budget review, summer staffing, new computer purchase, and a vote on a de-accession policy.
• **Board of Health** (July 7): Housing cases at 9 Cirrus Drive, 37 Presidents Row, 20 Joanne Drive, 99 Warren Road, and 33 Esty Street; planning for the 2027 Remote Area Medical Clinic; a MassDEP grant for air sensors; and the DPH Arbovirus Surveillance Report for June 21–27, 2026.
• **Economic Development Advisory Group** (July 2): Vote scheduled on a Business Incentive Grant application from Musicologie.
• **Town Forest Committee** (July 8): Discussion on adding the "Old Mill Road" land to the Town Forest, bog bridge repairs near the cave loop trail, and an executive session for land protection and acquisition of abutting parcels.
• **Housing Authority** (June 29): Annual plan review, annual recertifications discussion, and project status update.
• **MetroWest Regional Emergency Planning Committee** (July 2): Presentation on critical water infrastructure by US EPA representative Mark Sceery.

Coming up

• **July 13 — Conservation Commission:** Public hearings include a stormwater management permit and Notice of Intent for 55 Tilton Avenue and 60 Pleasant Street (Tilton Sunrise, LLC), plus intersection improvements at Fountain and Union Streets (Ashland DPW).
• **July 14 — Zoning Board of Appeals:** A proposed four-story, 116-unit elevator building at 55 West Union Street, including 29 income-restricted rental units; and a request to demolish and rebuild a duplex with attached garages at 167-169 Pleasant Street.
• **July 14 — Open Space & Recreation Committee:** Discussion of the OSRP second draft and planning for a September 26 event.
• **July 15 — Select Board:** Discussion of an inspection surcharge fee, a MassDOT Cordaville Road Bridge Replacement Project update, a vote to sign and post the 2026 State Primary warrant, a $23,000.00 award to Musicologie at 90 Chestnut Street, and $1,095.00 in Ashland Food Pantry donations.
• **July 23 — Upper Charles River Trail Committee:** Presentation of engineering contract specifications by Fuss and O'Neil.

Ashland boards weigh 116-unit rental project, FY27 transit budget, and school administrator appointments

Ashland's boards and committees tackled a packed agenda over the past two weeks, with the Zoning Board of Appeals continuing a public hearing on a 116-unit rental development at 55 West Union Street and several bodies taking up budget, housing, and staffing matters. Minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent meetings, so outcomes listed below reflect what was on each agenda rather than confirmed decisions.

Zoning Board: 116-unit 40B project continued to July 14

The Zoning Board of Appeals held a continued public hearing June 23 on a 40B comprehensive permit for a 116-unit rental building at 55 West Union Street, with 29 affordable units proposed. The hearing was continued to July 14. The same meeting included a special permit request for a front porch at 76 Roberts Road and variance/special permit requests to demolish and rebuild a duplex at 167-169 Pleasant Street with one-car garages. The board also planned to approve minutes from June 9.

MetroWest Regional Transit Authority: FY27 budget and route redesign

The MWRTA Advisory Board was scheduled June 23 to discuss and potentially approve the FY27 final budget and a fixed route network redesign. The agenda also included an executive session for litigation strategy, an annual performance evaluation and optional bonus for the administrator, and a discussion of FY27 goals for the administrator and authority.

School Committee: Two administrator appointments

The School Committee planned June 29 to interview and vote on appointments for two positions: Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (candidate Denny Conklin) and Director of Student Services (candidate Justin Cameron). No minutes have been published confirming the votes.

Conservation Commission: Two hearings on wetlands filings

The Conservation Commission met June 22 to hold a public hearing on a Notice of Intent (DEP 95-1018) for 10-60 Main Street, submitted by SLV Ashland, LLC via Lucas Environmental. A second meeting on June 29 included a Notice of Intent for 90 Waverly Street (DEP 95-1003) and three Requests for Determination of Applicability: a patio at 5 Grover Road, a soil test pit at 0/175 Oak Street, and an ADU and driveway at 62 Fountain Street. The commission also planned to ratify emergency certifications for tree removals at 201 Winter Street, 6 Pond View Lane, and 25 Brimstone Way, plus beaver dam removal at Main Street Bridge.

Finance Committee: Year-end transfers and FY27 officers

The Finance Committee met June 25 and again July 1 to vote on FY2026 year-end budget transfers. Both agendas included elections for FY2027 officers and discussion of filling an open committee position.

Affordable Housing Trust: Olive Street RFP

The Affordable Housing Trust Fund met June 24 to discuss the Request for Proposals for the Olive Street housing project with Assistant Town Manager Beth Reynolds and Conservation Commission Agent Becca Solomon. The agenda also included interviewing potential new Trust members and approving minutes.

Other meetings

• **Economic Development Advisory Group** (June 24 and July 2): Reviewed and voted on a Business Incentive Grant application from Musicologie; also planned to approve January 12, 2026 minutes.
• **Planning Board** (June 25): Public hearing on a Scenic Road Special Permit to move a section of stone wall at 2 Myrtle Street for driveway access; also discussed Homer Avenue bond modifications and a Housing Production Plan update.
• **Sustainability Committee** (June 25): Reviewed high school project progress, summer farmer's market, recruitment, and committee priorities.
• **Ashland Housing Authority** (June 29): Reviewed annual plan, annual recertifications, project status, and May-June 2026 payables.
• **Select Board** (June 29): Executive session for contract negotiations with the Town Manager; no public discussion or votes expected.
• **Board of Library Trustees** (June 30): FY26 budget review, summer staffing, new computer purchase, and a vote on a de-accession policy.
• **MetroWest Regional Emergency Planning Committee** (July 2): Heard a presentation on critical water infrastructure from US EPA representative Mark Sceery; set next meeting for October 1, 2026.

Coming up

• **Board of Health** — July 7: Housing cases at five addresses, planning for the 2027 Remote Area Medical Clinic, FY2026 year-to-date budget reports, a MassDEP grant for air sensors, and a DPH arbovirus surveillance report.
• **Planning Board** — July 9: Discussion of potential zoning changes for data centers, plus updates on the Housing Production Plan and 40B developments.
• **Zoning Board of Appeals** — July 14: Continued hearing on the 116-unit rental building at 55 West Union Street and the duplex demolition/rebuild at 167-169 Pleasant Street.

Ashland Boards Eye 116-Unit Housing Project, Year-End Budgets, and Data Center Zoning

Ashland’s town boards tackled a busy slate of housing proposals, fiscal year-end business, and policy discussions over the past two weeks. The Zoning Board of Appeals extended a hearing on a 116-unit affordable housing development, while the regional transit authority weighed a budget vote and the Finance Committee met to close out FY2026. Upcoming meetings will take up data center zoning, public health housing cases, and the continued apartment project.

Housing and Land Use

The Zoning Board of Appeals on June 23 continued a public hearing on a comprehensive permit for 55 West Union Street to July 14. The proposal, filed under the state’s 40B affordable housing law, calls for a four-story, 116-unit rental building with 29 income-restricted units.

The Affordable Housing Trust on June 24 discussed the request for proposals for the Olive Street housing project with Assistant Town Manager Beth Reynolds and Conservation Commission Agent Becca Solomon. The trust also interviewed potential new members.

At the Planning Board on June 25, a public hearing reviewed a Scenic Road special permit to move a section of stone wall at 2 Myrtle Street for driveway access. The board also discussed bond modifications for 9-49 Homer Avenue and received updates on the town’s housing production plan and 40B developments.

The Conservation Commission on June 29 held hearings on four wetland-related filings: a Notice of Intent for 90 Waverly Street, and Requests for Determination of Applicability for projects at 5 Grover Road (patio), 0/175 Oak Street (soil test pit), and 62 Fountain Street (accessory dwelling unit and driveway). The commission also ratified emergency certifications for tree removals at three addresses and a beaver dam removal at the Main Street Bridge.

Budget and Finance

The Finance Committee met twice, on June 25 and July 1, to address FY2026 year-end budget transfers. Agendas included elections for FY2027 officers and discussion of an open committee seat. The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority Advisory Board on June 23 was scheduled to vote on the FY27 final budget and a fixed route network redesign, then enter executive session for litigation strategy and the administrator’s performance review.

School and Administration

The School Committee on June 29 interviewed Denny Conklin for Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment and Justin Cameron for Director of Student Services, with appointments expected to follow. That same evening, the Select Board met in executive session for Town Manager contract negotiations.

Other Business

The Economic Development Advisory Group met on June 24 and July 2 to review and vote on a Business Incentive Grant application from Musicologie. The Sustainability Committee discussed high school project updates, the summer farmer’s market, and committee priorities. The Metrowest Regional Emergency Planning Committee on July 2 heard a presentation on critical water infrastructure from Mark Sceery of the U.S. EPA. The Board of Library Trustees on June 30 reviewed the FY26 budget, summer staffing, and a purchase of new computers, and scheduled a vote on a de-accession policy.

Coming Up

The Board of Health on July 7 will review housing cases at five addresses, plan for the 2027 Remote Area Medical Clinic, and receive a mosquito-borne disease surveillance report. The Planning Board on July 9 turns to a discussion of data center zoning, along with updates from the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee, Design Review Committee, and 40B inventory. On July 14, the Zoning Board of Appeals will resume the 116-unit hearing for 55 West Union Street and consider a variance and special permits to demolish and rebuild a duplex at 167-169 Pleasant Street.