WEEKLY NEWS UPDATE – 08/12/26

SELECT BOARD 

At its last meeting, the Select Board voted 4-0 to approve a “robust” common victualer license policy, after months of focus on the matter. The new policy specifies conditions under which applications can be denied, subjects owners and managers to both CORI and SORI checks, and establishes certain thresholds which would warrant the engagement of town counsel. The new online permitting process is expected to start on September 1. The application fee has been increased from $50 to $100. 

The board also voted 4-0 to hold a Special Town Meeting on Monday, October 26th at 7pm. Primary issues expected to be voted on include town charter revisions and town financial articles. Some board members expressed concern over the speed at which the charter review process is moving. The Charter Review Committee chair noted that the STM date creates an “aggressive timeline.” The board also discussed the Charter Review Committee’s proposed change in making the two at-large CPC positions elected rather than appointed by the Select Board, with members expressing a lack of support for this change. 

In other business, the board voted to change the HPD work detail cruiser fee from a $50 flat rate to a $16.10 per hour rate, in line with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement rate; voted to disband five inactive committees; and voted to reaffirm its rules of procedure. 

Select Board approves CV license policy, increases application fee (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 08/06/26)

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

At its Tuesday meeting, the Conservation Commission reviewed two construction projects where recent heavy rain caused stormwater and erosion-control issues. At the new Baypath Humane Society facility site, a poorly secured silt fence failed, resulting in sediment-filled runoff to enter the wetland resource area. The contractor was criticized for not responding promptly to the town’s warnings, and the commission emphasized that heavy rain storms do not excuse inadequate planning. A similar problem occurred at the Loop Road paving project site; however, the contractor promptly notified the town and quickly repaired the damage and strengthened erosion controls, earning praise from the commission. 

In other business, the commission addressed drivers ignoring construction-area restrictions near the baseball fields, and promoted a residential rain-barrel program to help conserve water during the drought. 

Stormwater management violations frustrate Conservation Commission (Article by Mary Ellen Gambon, 08/12/26)

MAIN STREET CORRIDOR PROJECT

The latest Main Street Corridor Project Update provided the following traffic information with upcoming paving: 

Project Status/Anticipated Work

Paving on the east side of the project from the Fire Station to Ray Street is scheduled for the week of August 17th. Paving preparation is in progress.

• Driveway work is scheduled for the Fire Station and 77 Main Street on Friday, 8/14 and Monday, 8/17. One side of the driveway will remain open at all times.
• Driveway work is scheduled for the west driveway at Town Hall and BoMain Pizza on Monday, 8/17. The east driveway will be available for 2 way traffic.
• Milling for transitions (side roads) will be done on Monday, 8/17.
• Road paving is scheduled for Tuesday, 8/19 and Wednesday, 8/20 from the Fire Station to the east end of the project, including side streets within the project area, and Grove Street and Cedar Street within the project area.

This schedule is subject to change due to weather and contractor availability.

The Pleasant Street detour will continue to be used through 8/21.

Detour Schedule

Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Monday-Friday, August 10-14
• Monday-Friday, August 17-21

Eastbound Detour Route

Pleasant Street → Maple Street → Hayden Rowe Street

Additional detours and lane closures will be used as needed.

Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow posted detour signs. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as work continues to improve Main Street.