 |
|
An Important Message from Ashland Town Manager, Michael Herbert
Dear Ashland Residents & Friends:
Over the next several months leading up to the Special Town Meeting in the fall, the community will have the opportunity to learn more about and ask questions about two very important building projects for Ashland: A new David Mindess School and a new Public Safety Building.
Both the Mindess Elementary School and Public Safety Building have been desperately needed for some time. The Mindess School has served the community for almost 70 years, functioning as an elementary school, middle school, and high school during its decades of service.
Regarding the Public Safety Building, Building Committee Chair, Joe Magnani, stated it best to open the August 4th forum: "For nearly 30 years, Ashland has discussed the need for a new public safety building complex, only to see the prior efforts placed on the back burner to allow for other needed projects in town to occur," The Main Street Fire Station, built in 1927, and the Police Station built in 1978 are completely inadequate for departments of the nineties, much less those in 2020.
Moving the departments into a new building will also open up two key parcels downtown for redevelopment. For anyone that would like to see the Fire Station turned into a brewery or a restaurant, one can easily find great examples on the internet for inspiration. More information for the project can be found here.
The Mindess Building Committee has held numerous forums and information sessions to gather input from the community and communicate the steps of the process. It is a highly regimented process, because the project is part of the Massachusetts School Building Authority which provides significant reimbursement for school building projects. You can find more information about the Mindess here.
I hope all are staying well and healthy during this unprecedented time. In both town and personal affairs, I have noticed that peoples' fuses are a little shorter and patience is a little thinner, and can certainly say i have not been immune to this. Everybody is doing the best they can, none more so than the stakeholders in our public school system. Parents, teachers, administrators, and the kids themselves are doing a rermarkable job navigating this challenge and I want to commend them all for the work they have done.
|
|
|
COVID-19 Cases and Information
|
|
The following information as of August 5th, 2020
Local Confirmed Cases in Ashland = 262
Ashland has 262 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 256 cleared cases, 55 probable cases, and 41 cleared probable cases. The Ashland Board of Health team and volunteer nurses are diligently working to keep our community safe at this time.
|
|
The following is a new chart incorporating new data of "Probable Cases". The Massachusetts COVID-19 report has included this data for the past few weeks. The "Probable Cases" are the individuals that have completed serology (serum) testing to test for antibodies. Our Board of Health is required to trace these "probable cases" the same as a "confirmed" or "recovered case." Our Board of Health recommends individuals undergoing serology also take a PCR test also to make sure the individual is currently not infectious.
Serology Testing: Learn more from the CDC hereAntigen Testing: Learn more from the FDA here |
|
|
The following information as of August 4th
| |
Confirmed Cases Reported in MA
Total Confirmed Cases: 111,033
Total Antibody Tests: 98, 298
Total Molecular Tests: 1,611,827
Access MA COVID-19 Dashboard Here
|
|
 |
|
Confirmed Cases Reported in US
Total cases:4,748,806
Total deaths: 156,311
|
|
|---|
|
|
|
Get tested for COVID-19
If you display symptoms for COVID-19, or have been in close contact with an individual that tested positive.
Serology, PCR, and Antigen tests are also available.
|
|
|
|
Public Safety Building Committee Public Forum Recap
Tuesday, August 4th, the Committee presented the community with the proposed site plans and updates to the facility proposed for East Union Street.
The community heard from Select Board Member & Building Committee Chair, Joe Magnani, Town Manager, Michael Herbert, Assistant Town Manager, Jenn Ball, Architect, Janet Slemenda, and consultant, Amy Archer.
The presentation began with Police Chief Alfano and Fire Chief Robie voicing ongoing concerns with the current buildings, and that the current buildings prohibit us from qualifying for accreditation. It's important to note, the conditions of each of these current facilities, are inadequate, costly, and negatively impact health and safety for our first responders and the public . For example, most of our Fire Department apparatus are custom built to physically fit in both the Main Street and Cedar Street locations. In our Police Department, the booking station is incredibly unsafe for both the detainee and the officers. Neither building is safe for our Fire Fighters nor our Police Officers. The buildings each are incredibly energy inefficient with old ventilation and heating systems.
The new proposed building addresses these concerns. The new public safety building has enough room in the bays for each fire apparatus, and the police vehicles. The building has a gym and training room for the departments to share. There are plenty of rooms for the appropriate storage of equipment. More importantly, the new facility offers amenities to safely house our employees.
After fifty years of continuous conversation, the community decided it was time to invest in a new public safety building last year. The investment is beneficial for the long term, as our departments will be able to cohabit-ally use one facility and share resources. Having one updated facility will cut additional expenses like the Town's rented space for our Police Auxiliary Office in the Shaws Plaza.
If you have not already viewed this presentation, please watch the forum on WACA TV's YouTube Channel here.
|
|
New Traffic Pattern-
Eliot & Fruit Street 2-Way Stop
Earlier this week, Ashland DPW installed a 2-Way-Stop at the intersection of Eliot and Fruit Street. Please be cautious when driving in this area. Watch the video presented by DPW regarding this intersection here
For the latest Town of Ashland construction updates, head over to the DPW Webpage
|
|
Stage One Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
The Hopkinton Reservoir level dropped to 295.85 feet, so we are now in Stage One Outdoor Water Use Restrictions.
The restrictions are as follows according to the Town Bylaw. If you have any questions, please email DPW- dpw@ashlandmass.com
Conditional Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
a.) STAGE 1 - Hopkinton Reservoir below 295.85 feet between the days of June 1 through August 31 each year.
i. Unattended watering using municipally-supplied water is prohibited
ii. Car washing: Car or vehicle washing using municipally-supplied water is prohibited.
iii. Washing of structures: Washing of structures including but not limited to buildings, houses, sheds, driveways, sidewalks, decks, fences, or patios using municipally supplied water is prohibited.
iv. Swimming Pools: Filling and topping off of swimming pools larger than 300 gallons, using municipally-supplied water is prohibited.
|
|
Board of Health- Mosquitoes and Ticks
As we spend more time outdoors, please review the information provided by our local health department and the Department of Public Health. Our Health Department Web page is regularly updated to provide you with new information.
|
|
Welcome Back Ashland Public Library!
Monday - Thursday 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday 11:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m.
Everyone entering the library will be required to properly wear a mask and sanitize their hands upon entering. Masks will be available if you need one. Staff will gladly pull items to be picked up curbside for anyone who cannot wear a mask for medical reasons.
While in the library:
- 30 minutes for browsing or 45 minutes for computer use per day.
- Masks/face coverings must be worn.
- Please use hand sanitizer - dispensers are throughout the building.
- Practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet apart from others.
- Please do not consume any food or drink.
Please continue to return your items outside in the available bookdrop. Curbside pickup is still available. Learn More
|
|
|
Senior Center Bus Transportation Returns
Monday & Tuesday 8:00 am- 1:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 11:00 am
Call 508-881-0140 to schedule a ride
The transportation services are now available at a reduced capacity. There are several new protocols for staff and riders to minimize the transmission of the COVID 19 virus. The driver cannot go inside homes to assist or go inside a provider's office or store to meet a rider. They cannot provide a ride to anyone with any mobility device (walkers or wheelchair). They will only transport one passenger at a time.
There are new requirements for riding the vehicle and the Senior Center requests additional information when scheduling a ride. Read the full document here
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact staff by phone,
508-881-0140 ext.1 or email the Senior Center Director, Joanne.
|
|
|
Voting Information for 2020 State Primary and Presidential Election Now Available
We established a designated website to help you keep track of 2020 Election Information. View here
All registered voters qualify but are not required to vote by mail in the fall 2020 elections. There will still be early voting hours in the town hall prior to both elections and the polls will be open at the High School on election day.
The legislation required the Secretary of State to mail an application, in advance of both fall elections, to all registered voters who have not already applied for a vote by mail ballot (see additional information on dates applications will be mailed). The application is pre-addressed and postage paid to be returned to the Ashland Town Clerk's Office as is the ballot return envelope. All registered voters were mailed an application around July 15th. If you did not receive a postcard, you may download the application here
Application Deadline to be received at Town Clerk's Office:
September 1st- State Primary Election
Must be received before 5 PM on Wednesday, August 26th
(If you are an unenrolled/independent voter, you must choose your ballot)
November 3rd- Presidential Election
Must be received before 5 PM on Wednesday, October 28th.
With questions, contact Town Clerk's Office by phone, 508-881-0100 x 7127 or by email, townclerkoffice@ashlandmass.com
|
|
Ashland COVID-19 Home Assistance Program
|
| | click image to enlarge |
I am pleased to announce that in response to the loss of income to households due to Covid-19, Ashland has established a program to provide housing assistance for those in need. This program has been created and funded by the CARES Act funds granted to the Town of Ashland and the Affordable Housing Trust utilizing their Community Preservation Act funds. Although the program is temporary in nature, I hope it serves as a way to help people get through these times. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis starting on July 7, 2020.
Applicants are eligible for- up to three months rental or mortgage assistance (Assistance can be used to pay current and future rent, or pay rent that is past due since 4/1/2020).
Download your application here. Paper applications are available by request, contact Emma by phone or email. Submit applications by emailing Emma, dropping off the application by appointment at Town Hall, or by mailing them in.
Please contact Emma Snellings, Assistant Town Planner, by email,
|
|
|
| |
The Ledges at One Robert Hill Way
Mixed- Income Apartment Community for ages 62+
The Town of Ashland, EA Fish, and Peabody Properties introduces, The Ledges, a new mixed-income housing community of 64 apartment homes designed for those 62 and older and offers a comprehensive array of resident services. Watch a presentation about the property here.
The Town of Ashland has received local preference standing, within this development, which will reserve 34 units at the 50% and 60% AMI level (Area Median Income) for curren t Ashland residents and Ashland municipal employees. Lottery applications are available June 15th, 2020, through August 15th, 2020.
Applicants are encouraged to apply online at LedgesAshland.com, by phone, 781-664-4029 or by email, ledges@peabodyproperties.com.
Paper applications may be picked up at Ashland Senior Center located 162 W Union St, Ashland, MA 01721. To request paper applications contact, Candi Wilson, Senior Center Outreach Coordinator, 508-532-7945.
Mail completed application to: Peabody Properties c/o The Ledges Lottery, 536 Granite Street, Braintree, MA 02184 or email, ledges@peabodyproperties.com. The last day for paper application distribution is August 13th, 2020, with a postmark date for August 15th, 2020. Lottery to be scheduled for early September.
|
|
|
Upcoming Virtual Meetings
|
|
Mark your calendars for these upcoming meetings!
Visit Town of Ashland's website for meeting links and agendas here.
Thursday, August 6th at 7:00 pm
Monday, August 10th at 7:00 pm
Tuesday, August 11th at 7:00 pm
Tuesday, August 11th at 7:30 pm
|
|
01721 Circle of Love
We are getting ready to assemble our art installation with all the circles we've collected thus far!
There is still time to participate! Join this initiative to use art as the engine that brings us all together and envelopes Ashland in a Circle Of Love! Anyone considering Ashland their home is invited to participate, business owners too!
Here's how you can be a part of this initiative!
- Print out the template on thick card stock
- Get super creative and paint, draw, collage, and make the circles come alive.
- Neatly cut out the circle
- Make sure you put in your name and address on the back of the circle.
- Once your circles are done:
- Mail to Ashland Town Hall, Attn: Economic Development Office
101 Main Street Ashland, MA 01721 - Drop Off Location at The Corner Spot on the side of the shed, 6 Cherry Street, Parking in Town Hall parking lot
|
|
|
This week's market:
Saturday, August 8th, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
125 Front Street - across from the Library
A message from Florence, AFM's Board of Director:
This week is National Farmers Market Week!
In this year of COVID-19 we are celebrating the success of Ashland Farmers Market to open our 9th full season, early implementing innovative strategies, working with Ashland's Board of Health and Town Administration to adhere to public health protocols to keep customers and vendors safe. The pandemic has made it clear that our local food system (from farm to market to table) is resilient and essential during a crisis. And our customers have shown confidence that our outdoor market is a safe market. A huge shout out to our 16 sponsors, local businesses who have stood by us through this pandemic, and made the market possible! Our rules have changed this season for everyone's safety: wear a face covering, leave your dog at home, maintain social distancing of 6 feet or more, and follow the one-way traffic pattern at the market. SNAP is matched up to $20 each market day. H.I.P.'s free produce is available for SNAP recipients. Click here to see which vendors are coming this week and for pre-ordering information - and for info about our new delivery option for those 60 and up. |
|
|
| | click to enlarge image |
10 DAYS LEFT!
Library's Annual Summer Reading Program
June 18th- August 15th
This year, participate in engaging quests to "Escape the Enchanted Forest." Register and Participate here. View the promotional videos below and/or download an optional paper log ( Children, Teens & Adults) to coincide with your online activities. For more information click here
Donate to the Friends of the Ashland Public Library's summer reading program fund |
|
Introducing APL's Make & Take Kits
Make & Take Cradt Kits are now available for Curbside Pick-up at the Ashland Public Library.
Reserve your kit(s) for children, teens, and adults today!
Call the children's room, 508-881-0134 x 5.
|
|
Virtual Memory Cafe
Stay connected, join a virtual Memory Cafe! Learn MoreMemory Cafe is a wonderfully welcoming place for individuals with Alzheimer's Disease or any other form of dementia, or other brain disorders. Additionally, it is helpful for people with all forms of mild cognitive impairment.
Follow communications from Ashland Senior Center and the Ashland is Dementia Friendly group for information regarding the resumption of Ashland's Clocktown Cafe.
|
|
Ashland Human Services Hosts Ongoing In-Person Caregiver's Support Group!
Caregiver support groups provide an opportunity for respite, to meet other caregivers in similar situations, and share your experience. These groups offer practical tips and resources in a relaxed and safe environment.
Being able to talk with others who truly understand your point of view reduces stress, validates your experience, and provides connection and support.
Call 508-532-7946 to RSVP for this program!
|
|
Walk with Kim at Ashland Senior Center
Kim is walking (virtually) across Massachusetts for a cause. Help her reach my goal by scheduling a one on one (socially distant) walk. You both can meet and walk anywhere that is convenient!
Call 508-532-7955 to set up a time to get her moving.
|
|
|
Send us more Good News!
If you know of other individuals who deserve recognition for the work they are doing on behalf of the community, please contact Ashley Place, by email: aplace@ashlandmass.com or by phone: 508-532-7935.
|
|
Business Resources from our Economic Development Office
Business Recovery Toolkit makes it as easy as possible to identify resources such as summarized state guidelines, highlighted vendors for PPE supplies, printable signage, located helpful apps, and more!
|
|
Town of Ashland Department Updates
Find updates and more information for our departments on their respective website and on their Facebook page.
|
|
Here are ways you an follow the Town's Communications
Hotline: 508-532-7900
Email: COVID19@ashlandmass.com
|
|
|
The mission of the Economic Development department is to encourage, promote, and support growth and development within the town.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
