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Public Safety Building Update
Since March, the community has watched the construction of the Public Safety Building and participated in various discussions regarding the facility’s features. One of the many conversations is whether the Public Safety Building will have solar power.
Previously, the new facility only had plans to be "solar ready," with the possibility of new solar panels a few years down the road. We are pleased to announce that this is no longer the case, and solar panels will be installed in the new facility.
Assistant Town Manager Jenn Ball and the Public Safety Building Committee’s successful project management allows the financial ability to make this important change to the scope of the project.
The solar panels will be installed after the building opens at the end of the year, giving priority to wrapping up the existing construction and moving the Police and Fire Departments into the building. The installation of solar panels will not have an impact on the daily operations of the facility.
In a previous article published in the September Issue of Local Town Pages, the new facility is discussed and mentions the practical advancements such as a functioning apparatus bay, proper equipment, and gear storage, as well its intricate features of a Green Roof System and Geothermal technology.
If you have not had a chance to read that article, you can access it digitally here.
Photo Credit: Public Safety Building Committee
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Valentine Barn Update
During the September 21st Select Board Meeting, we presented a proposal to the Select Board to renovate the historic barn as opposed to implementing a number of temporary fixes. Afterward, the Board voted in favor of this new plan for the Valentine Estate Barn with a 5-0 vote.
The barn will undergo a complete renovation. First, they will build a new foundation, which will encompass the existing foundation pieces in concrete, with the exterior section being poured below the exterior grade. A new concrete floor will be poured into the crawlspace along with new footings for new column posts. The heavily rotted back rear corner of the barn will be rebuilt using new timbers.
Inside the barn, the horse stalls will be removed, but one will be put back into place to keep the historic aesthetics of the barn. The rotted floor joists will be replaced with new timbers, and the entire first floor will be replaced with new lumber.
On the exterior, the roof will be stripped, and approximately 30 rafters will be replaced. The existing siding and trim will be completely removed. Windows that have been boarded up will be replaced with new replica windows. New siding and gutters will be installed.
The entire exterior will be stained, including the trim, with a color selected by the Select Board.
It is a significant investment, but at this project plan’s completion, the town will have a functional barn that is safe for the community to use.
The total right now, including a contingency, is around $950,000. $100,000 in CPA Funds and $750,000 in ARPA Funds are set aside for this project, but the current plan exceeds the previously set aside funds. The Select Board has asked us to determine how to make up the difference in funding.
Many thanks to our Building Commissioner, Doug Scott, who is a timber-frame expert, for sharing his expertise and guidance in overseeing this project.
Read the detailed write-up from Building Commissioner Doug Scott.
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Sewer Moratorium
As many residents know, our local Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals have several private development project applications before them, primarily larger apartment complexes. While we have sewer capacity for those projects, I am concerned about the impacts that any additional private development projects will have on our sewer system.
As a result, we are enacting a sewer moratorium prohibiting new connections to the sewer system for the next six months. This moratorium does not apply to any of the current projects before the Planning or Zoning Board, nor does it apply to single-family homes or commercial properties. It does apply to any future applications to the Planning Board and Zoning Board.
Both the Select Board and Board of Health ratified this moratorium at their meetings this past week.
Read the full press release here
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Pond Street/ Route 126 Construction Update
What to expect:
Drainage work is ongoing in the Market Basket end of Route 126. That work will be completed by the end of the week and the water bypass will be connected and running.
Crews will continue work on light pole bases and conduit at the Market Basket section of town. Crews will continue with topsoil and hydroseeding along the corridor. Concrete stamping at the roundabout will happen by Tuesday 10/11. Crews will work on finishing up all paving driveways in the next three weeks. Sidewalk work is almost complete for the year. Crews still have full depth construction to complete at the Framingham end of Pond Street, dates for this have not been solidified.
Please expect lane closures to continue throughout the project. Please bring your patience when traveling through the construction. Give yourself extra time or find alternative routes if you need to.
Downtown Construction
What to expect:
Crews continue sidewalk and curbing work on Main Street. This work includes removing existing curbing, installing new curbing, and building new sidewalks. Crews are working in the Myrtle St./Water St. area currently and will continue work down Main Street towards the railroad tracks.
Ashland Town Hall parking lot exits will be affected. The entrance off of Main Street will be closed Thursday 10/6 and the exit will be closed Tuesday 10/11. Please use the Cherry Street entrance.
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For more information, visit our website here. | |
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Reminder, all municipal buildings, and offices will be closed next
Monday, October 10th, for Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day.
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Fall Clean up
Mondays Now through November 21st
Waste Management will be collecting yard waste curbside on Mondays for 8 weeks, Now- until November 21st.
This collection includes rakeable materials such as grass clippings, pine needles, pine cones, leaves, etc. Do not leave brush or tree limbs.
Yard waste should be within brown paper leaf bags or trash barrels clearly marked as "YARD WASTE" and should not exceed 50lbs. each in weight, per OSHA regulation.
Please be sure to have your yard waste at curbside by 7 am on the collection day. This service is provided only to residents that are enrolled in the Town's contracted curbside rubbish & recycling collection program.
Questions? Call 508-532-7943 or email dmiller@ashlandmass.com
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Moderna Booster Clinic
Saturday, October 8th from 11:00- 12:30 pm
Town Hall, Lower Level | 101 Main Street
Anyone over 18 years of age and who had their last Primary series/Booster dose at least 2 months ago is eligible for this booster. Please use the back door, or to use the elevator, please use the side door when visiting Town Hall for this Booster Clinic.
Please register for your vaccination appointment here.
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Election Workers and Volunteers
We are so grateful to the Election workers and volunteers who helped us make the September Primary Election run smoothly. As our Town Clerk's Office prepares for the State Election this November, we can use some more help.
If you are interested in helping our Town Clerk's office with the upcoming election, please send an email to the department, here.
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Announcement from Senate President Karen Spilka
We are pleased to tell you that the annual Senior Fair returns this year on October 22nd at Keefe Technical School in Framingham from 9 am - 1 pm!
Attend workshops, visit exhibitors, and participate in activities such as exercise, art and music therapy. At 11:30 am, participants will gather for lunch, prize drawings, and a short program.
Don't miss this year's "55+ Fair!"
Learn More
Register for this event
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Ashland Cultural Council Grant deadline is October 17th!
Our local cultural council, under the guidance of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, opens its grant cycle on September 1st. All applications to request funding from the ACC must be filled out through the online system by October 17, 2022, at 11:59:59 pm ET.
These grants support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Ashland, including exhibits, festivals, field trips, performances in schools, workshops, and lectures. In recent years, ACC sponsored the Dragonfly Festival, the Mystery Book Festival, events organized by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library, the Ashland High School Robotics Club, and items for the art room at the Warren School and the Ashland Middle School.
Learn more about the ACC or apply for their grant here
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B.A.A Grant Now Open
Submit your application by October 21st
The Boston Athletic Association provides the Town of Ashland Invitational Entries each year. Entry recipients' are selected and each runner does fundraising in exchange for their entry. The funds raised are given back to the community via a grant program. Grant rounds are offered twice a year in the spring and fall.
Grants are limited to $2,500.00 and grants for this round must be submitted by October 21st.
Please feel free to contact Susan Robie by phone, 508-532- 7921, or email, srobie@ashlandmass.com with any questions you may have.
Apply Here
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Great Job, Ashland Girl Scout Troop 76017!
This past week, Girl Scout Troop 76017 teamed up with Weston Nurseries Design Department and our DPW team to construct a rain garden at the Henry Warren School. The troop designed and planted this garden to fulfill their silver award project. The girls prepared for this project by visiting the rain garden at the Ashland Town Forest Oak Street entrance, touring the Howe Street Water Treatment Facility, and independently researching native plants. They then met with Weston Nurseries to establish a final plant list and design the garden. With the plan and design, the girls met with the DPW team, who helped excavate and prepare for planting. Troop 76017 also designed educational signage to be installed on the site.
Thank you for helping our town's stormwater initiative and your hard work!
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Town Meetings, Community Programs, & Events | |
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Upcoming Meetings
Select Board
October 12th
Planning Board
October 13th and 27th
Board of Health
October 20th
Visit the Town of Ashland Website Calendar for all committee meetings and agendas.
Note that all agendas are posted according to Open Meeting Law up to 48 hours in advance.
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Stone Park Classical Music Festival
Rescheduled to THIS SATURDAY, October 8th at 3 pm
Stone Park | 73 Summer Street
Bring the family and your chairs to enjoy a classical music concert at Stone Park!
This is a new event with the goal to serve our community with music, promote the benefits of classical music in society, and make a better world through music.
Learn more
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Ashland Hometown Parade
Saturday, October 15th at 2 pm
Pleasant Street to Stone Park
The last few years have been very challenging and difficult for all. Let's have some wacky, weird, and wonderful fun to celebrate the unity that strengthens our community in good times and bad. Let us set aside the things that divide us, and that make us anxious, uncertain, and afraid, and for one precious October afternoon, join together in good humor and light-hearted spirit.
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FallFest
Saturday, October 15th from 3- 6 pm
The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry Street
FallFest is a signature event to wrap up the season at the #bestspotintown. All are welcome to enjoy the fall festivities!! Games, food, beverages, and music! Enjoy the beauty of Autumn in New England.
Vendors include Joey D’s Wingz & Things, Kith and Kin, Mama O’s Bakery for dessert, fresh lemonade, and The Coffee Cabin. Hit the Bus Band will be playing some tunes and Wine Empire will be serving up some seasonal beers and wine. Stop by Imagine that Face Painting and United Home Experts craft table along with games and fun!
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Festival of Lights
Sunday, October 16th
The Corner Spot | 6 Cherry Street
Participate in Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with the community organization, Ashland Indians! Diwali symbolizes the spiritual, "victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance."
From 12-2 pm participate or watch the Rangoli contest
From 3:30- 6 pm enjoy cultural programs, Dandiya, food, fun, and more
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MetroWest Climate Conservations Survey Information Session
Wednesday, October 19th from 6- 8 pm
Virtually with Zoom
Over the last year the towns of Ashland and Natick, along with the City of Framingham conducted a survey focused on climate change and equity. Join the Ashland Library, Metropolitan Area Planning Council, and the Ashland Planning Department to discuss the results of the survey and have a community-based conversation about the results.
Register for this event to receive the meeting link
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Ashland Community Theater
Stream the film Tommy & Michael and support ACT!
This film was nominated for best Long Short Film at the NY Short Film Festival (The Sofies), and our own, Larry Loring, was nominated for Best Actor.
In Honor of their acknowledgment, they have decided to re-release the film
BUY TICKETS TO STREAM NOW
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Please note that the library program originally scheduled for Saturday, October 1st has been rescheduled!
The Pineapple Project
Saturday, October 22nd at 10:30 am
Ashland Public Library | 66 Front Street
Children ages 3- 8 years old and their caregivers are invited to this special theater production that empowers kids to "be who you are!"
For more information, contact the children's room at our local library, 508-881-0134 ext 7503.
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Save the Date for the Holiday Stroll!!
Saturday, December 3rd from 11 am - 5 pm
From 11 am - 3 pm stroll around downtown visiting various businesses and pop-up shops to complete your holiday shopping. Stop by The Corner Spot to meet Santa and participate in activities.
From 3:30- 5 pm, gather at the tree downtown to sip on some hot cocoa, munch on a cookie, and listen to caroling before the annual tree lighting. The evening will conclude with Santa driving by, giving everyone a big wave!
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