10-50 Main Street Mill Building Property
Community Forum Recap
The Mill Building property located on 10-50 Main Street is being proposed for redevelopment by the property owner, Rich Gordon. Recently, Gordon and his development team put together two forums to present the latest project plans and gather resident input and ask questions about the project.
At the last forum on June 8th, Rich Gordon's development team began the presentation by addressing questions from the forum on May 24th such as the parking space to retail and residential spaces ratio, the traffic impact, and the fiscal impacts among others. The presentation continued with updated renderings since the May forum. Community members voiced concerns about the size, scale, and aesthetic character perceived by the updated drawings. After these sessions, it is anticipated that Gordon will submit an official application to the Planning Board soon.
Even though an official application has not been filed, because of community interest we created a web page dedicated to this project on our town website. The page shows different design iterations and videos of the previous forums. This webpage does not have the June 8th forum posted at this time. It will be posted shortly.
Access this webpage here.
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Valentine Property Community Forum (Hybrid)
Wednesday, June 29th at 7 pm
Participate in person at Town Hall or remotely to discuss the Valentine Property.
The Valentine Property was purchased in 2018 as both a way to stave off the development on the property, as well as capture the opportunity to make the property a useful asset for the Town of Ashland.
The forum will begin with a presentation and follow with your community feedback. Discuss creative ways to enhance the property while keeping the following important details in mind. 1) The property must adhere to conservation and historic preservation restrictions. 2) The barn also needs significant repair work.
Learn more about the Valentine Estate here.
Access the meeting virtually here.
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Downtown Zoning Information Session
Wednesday, June 22 from 5:30- 6:30 pm
Join the Planning Department's informational session as they walk through a presentation discussing zoning in our downtown. This is a wonderful opportunity to understand the regulations for land, buildings, and structures in this area of town.
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Mary Mortensen Public Health Award
This past Tuesday, the Board of Health presented the COVID-19 Response Team with the Mary Mortensen Public Health Award.
The award was presented to the COVID-19 Response Team comprised of the Ashland Police Department, Fire Department, and School and Community Nurses for, "handling the complex and unprecedented issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic; despite the incredible challenges they faced, together they coordinated services, and devised a forceful response to the complexities of COVID-19."
As the Proclamation states, "Ashland’s COVID-19 Response Team personifies professionalism and Public Service and demonstrates that when working together, a community can navigate through an issue as unforeseen as a pandemic to keep our community safe, we thank them for their selflessness and dedication."
At the meeting, Fire Chief Robie, Fire Captain Moraghan, Acting Police Chief Briggs, and Head nurse of public schools Audrey LaCroix were in attendance to accept the award.
I can't think of a better group of people who deserve this award. The Mary Mortensen Public Health Award is an honor given by the Board of Health in honor of the late Mary Mortensen, a tireless advocate for public health. She was incredibly driven to improve the quality of life for the community. She selflessly accomplished so many initiatives and programs, many of which exist today.
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Construction updates!
It feels like construction is everywhere; please be patient for the final product! Businesses are still very much open for business and need your support. Please give yourself extra time, be creative on ways to navigate around construction, and keep up to date on what is happening, so you are informed.
Visit the Department of Public Works webpage here for weekly construction updates.
Please, enroll in our e-mail notifications (links below) for urgent messages such as traffic impacts and related updates.
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Ashland Public Library Goes Fine Free
I am pleased to announce that the Library Board of Trustees, Library Director Meena Jain, and I have agreed to go "fine free" at the Library. During the month of June, bring your food pantry donations and help reach the community goal to gather at least 100 lbs of goods. Once the community reaches the goal, all late fines will be forgiven leading up to going fine-free in July!
Please note, that this only applies to late fines on Ashland materials, not neighbors in the Minuteman Network. The library cannot forgive replacement fees if materials are lost or damaged; now and in the future, you must return it or replace it.
Our local food pantry seeks the following items:
- Mayonnaise
- Jars of pasta sauce
- Instant coffee
- Instant oatmeal
- Pancake mix
- Ashland trash bags
- Ritz Crackers
- Snacks
- Toothbrushes
- Shampoo
- Body wash
- Diapers size 6
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Town Meetings, Community Programs, & Events |
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Select Board
Wednesday, June 15th at 7:15 pm*
At this meeting, the Select Board will take a few minutes to publicly recognize our Auxillary Police Officers and introduce new Police Chief Rossi. In old and new business, the Select Board will discuss some items such as the Town Counsel Evaluation and Town Managers' Evaluation process. Future projects will also be discussed with the Town-owned Olive Street Property and Public Safety Facilities. Scholarship Awards to graduating Seniors will be announced. The Select Board will also hear a recommendation from the Roadway Traffic Safety Committee for a stop sign at the end of Acton Road.
Read the full meeting agenda and access the details to join this meeting by visiting our Meetings Calendar on our website here.
*Note: meetings are posted up to 48 hours prior to the meeting.
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Shop on the Spot & Celebrating PRIDE Month
TONIGHT, June 10th from 5 pm - 7 pm.
The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry Street
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Ashland Farmers Market Returns!
Saturday, June 11th from 9 am - 1 pm
Please join me at the Farmer's Market from 9 am - 1 pm and enjoy live music from Railroad House Band and welcome back your favorite vendors! Shop from several farms for fresh produce, stock up on seafood and meat, and bring home tasty sweets and prepared foods. Enjoy the day with your neighbors! AFM is back this weekend until October 15th.
Take a look at their calendar, so you don't miss your favorite artisan or vendor!
Visit the Farmers Market website here.
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Summer Movie Night with WACA TV.
Saturday, June 11th from 5 pm - 10 pm*
The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry Street
Celebrate the beginning of summer with MOVIE NIGHT as we watch the 80’s classic, E.T the Extra-Terrestrial. The film begins at dusk, but don’t miss out on the fun beforehand! Before the movie, enjoy activities, grab a bite to eat from Joey D’s Wingz N’ Thingz, ice cream from Refreshin’ Concessions, candy from the Sweeties Candy Bus, and a beverage from Wine Empire!
*Check The Corner Spot on social media and their website for updates on this event.
Thank you WACA TV and the BAA Grant for sponsoring this event!
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Friends of the Ashland Public Library Book Sale
TONIGHT, June 10th from 6- 8 pm
Saturday, June 11th from 10 am - 4 pm
Join the Friends of the Ashland Public Library for a Big 2-day Book Sale! FAPL members can preview the sale on Friday, June 10, from 6 pm to 8 pm. You can become a member by joining at the door that night so you can browse early for the best selection. On Saturday, we’ll be open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm with a half-price sale (new!) from 3 pm to 4 pm.
Shoppers can start the day at the first Farmers’ Market of the season, then head over to the library to browse and buy from the huge collection of books and AV items, all generously donated by Ashland residents.
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Wait!!! There is more!
There are so many events coming up in our community that we've created a separate newsletter. Sign up for our Community Events Newsletter with the button below!
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