Greetings Ashland Residents
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer, especially as the world starts opening up. I am hopeful that even though we are seeing a slight uptick in COVID cases, we can take actions that help prevent a return to some of the more drastic life changes that had to be made throughout 2020 and early 2021.
I want to express my continued appreciation for your patience as we continue the transformative projects that we currently have underway. There are many, and while there is a certain excitement around such positive things like our downtown revitalization project, the reconstruction and revitalization of Pond Street, the Public Safety Building, and Trolley Brook trail construction, the construction phase always brings its challenges. I would encourage you to stay up to date on the horizontal construction projects (Pond Street and Downtown) through the links below.
I wanted to provide a couple of updates regarding private development in Ashland. First, the Zoning Board of Appeals granted a comprehensive permit to UGC to create 180 units of 62+ housing on a portion of Lot 2 at the Rail Transit District. 25% of these units will be "affordable" units based on income. Of the 38 acres on Lot 2, approximately 24 of those acres will be kept as open space. From my perspective, this is a dramatic improvement over what was allowed under the zoning before, which was 254 units of 55+ housing (which would have allowed for school age kids), and acreage for open space in the single digits.
Second, Baystone Development (who built a portion of Legacy Farms, as well as the Buckley at Mt. Wayte Plaza in Framingham), submitted an application to build 200 units and 4,000 square feet of commercial space at 100 Chestnut Street at the Village of Americas. The Village of Americas project has multiple phases and a long and complicated history., and there are many questions that need to be answered. I would encourage those who are interested to attend the relevant Planning Board meetings.
Looking forward to seeing many of you at future events around town!
Michael
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According to DPH as of July 27th 2021 they feel that the DELTA Variant is the most prevalent at this time in Massachusetts at around 55% and to note it is twice as contagious as the original virus.
Please remind people if anyone is sick in their homes regardless of vaccine status and/or test status they and everyone in their household should remain home.
We also need to encourage testing for anyone who feels they were exposed or has any symptoms at all.
Please also note if you are vaccinated you are protected at a minimum of 90% so you still have a small chance of getting Covid-19 if exposed to a positive person.
For any concerns or questions contact Sgt. Ed Burman at 508-532-7988 or the Covid-19 hotline at 508-532-7900
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Vaccination FAQs
Click each question for more information
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Vaccinated Individuals within the Town of Ashland |
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At the last Select Board Meeting, community members recognized long-time volunteer, Ed Bates, with his family at his side.
During the meeting, Select Board Chair, Joe Magnani, presented Ed Bates with a proclamation, and the Board dedicated the new roundabout on Route 126/ Pond Street to Ed Bates for his years of service to the Town of Ashland and its residents.
Ed Bates was an active volunteer during crucial moments of change. Ed was a member of the Charter Review Committee when our local government changed to a Town Manager form of government. He was involved with the first renovation of the Town Hall as well as the renovation of the current police station on Main Street. Ed also represented Ashland in the region becoming a member of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
Our town's history owes a lot to Ed Bates. Thank you, Ed!
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Please Help Us Build a Path for a More Equitable Future in Ashland
New Focus Group Date:
Saturday, July 31st
9:30 am- 10:30 am in-person at the Corner Spot
As part of the Ashland racial equity initiative (REI), Suffolk University’s Institute for Public Service is asking community members to share their lived experiences and reflections surrounding race, diversity, and equity. The past year has revealed heightened concerns over racial inequality throughout the United States, and the current COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated these worries. The REI will aid in local government efforts to better understand how these issues are impacting Ashland’s multicultural community, with the goal of fostering and supporting a greater sense of inclusion and belonging for all who work and reside here. Your participation in the project is crucial for moving Ashland toward this goal.
If you are unable to participate in a focus group, please complete THIS SURVEY.
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The first section of Ashland’s Upper Charles Trail is now under construction.
Trolley Brook trail is a section that spans from Megunko Road to Memorial Drive. When completed, it will be a 10 foot wide paved path that runs through the beautiful Eastern wetlands and other wooded parts of the Rail Transit District and next to the planned regional YMCA. Funding for the project comes through several sources, including state grants, CPC, and general capital funds.
Many thanks to the Upper Charles Trail Committee and Friends of the Upper Charles trail for their work and vision. While there are a number of boards and committees involved, a special thanks to the Select Board and Conservation Commission for their support. Assistant Town Manager Jenn Ball and now Town Planner Peter Matchak are overseeing the implementation of this project and deserve our thanks as well.
This trail was an important part of the revisioning of the Rail Transit District. Back in 2000, it was zoned for almost 1000 units of housing, with a small area for commercial. Almost two years of planning and negotiations resulted in a new plan that reduced the housing count to 578 units (with 180 being age-restricted, 44 of which are classified as affordable units), a new regional YMCA on the site, and the protection of 100 acres as open space with a section for the Upper Charles Trail. All of this was triggered by a Town Meeting vote in the fall of 2019 to purchase a majority of the property for a net of $4.4 million.
Thank you to the residents of Ashland for seeing the potential of this great resource!
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Ashland Day Committee Snack Shack
OPEN Daily from 11 am to 1 pm
Stone Park Pavillion | 85 Summer Street
Nothing says summer like grabbing a treat from the Snack Shack at the Stone Park Pavilion, next to Kidspot!
All proceeds benefit the Ashland Day Committee and help raise funds for their annual events such as the Summer Concert Series and Ashland Day.
Their menu includes:
Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese, Nachos/ Cheese, Chicken Nuggets, Pizza, Goldfish, Chips, Pretzel, Soda, Water, Juice Box, Iced Tea, and Ice Cream- popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, fudgesicles, creamsicles, BombPops, and Chocolate or Strawberry Eclairs.
Please go see Donna and Liz for lunch this week. Each item is under $3.00!
Click the photo above on the right to enlarge the menu, print it, or save it to your device.
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Street Sweeping Work
DPW crews will complete street sweeping work around town. Please note this upcoming week we will be in Sections 1 & 2 of the map CLICK HERE as well as West Union Street.
Streets swept this past week are: W Union Street Edgewood Drive Olive Street Woodland Road Laurelton Drive Cary Drive Lafollette Drive Clinton Street Spring Street Cheryl Lane Denice Drive Morey Drive Allard Circle Lakeview Terrace Loring Drive South Street Chestnut Street Rosebay Drive Mount View Drive Larcridge Lane Newcastle Road Stagecoach Drive Lands End Way Tower Road Gray Birch Road Royal Colony Circle Sunset Road Old Connecticut Path
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Construction is underway!
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A note from the Building Department
Please remember ANY structure that holds 24" or more of water requires a building permit. For the safety of all be sure to follow procedure and have it checked to make sure it's safe for all.
For questions, please contact the building department at rporter@ashlandmass.com, 508-881-0100 x 7123
To complete a permit please visit Ashland Town Hall, 2nd floor.
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A note from the Health Department
With the large amounts of rain we are having it is important to remove any standing water around your house. Here are some tips for reducing the number of mosquitoes around your home and neighborhood?
To reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood, get rid of any standing water that is available for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days. Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Dispose of or regularly empty any metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, and other water-holding containers (including trash cans) on your property.
- Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have collected on your property. Tires are a common place for mosquitoes to breed.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors, to let water drain out.
- Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
- Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
If you have any questions or concerns contact Ashland Board of Health at lclifford@ashlandmass.com or 508-532-7128.
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Central Mass Mosquito Control Project - Tentative Spray Dates
Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project (CMMCP) personnel will be in Ashland to respond to residents' concerns about mosquitos in their neighborhoods on the following dates in August: August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. Dates are tentative and subject to change. Find out more HERE.
Residents may request service for spraying by calling the CMMCP office at
(508) 393-3055, or on the Central Mass. Mosquito Control Project website, click here for the website. Residents may also wish to request exclusion from wide area pesticide spraying, this may be done using the State online exclusion form www.mass.gov/forms, or by mail. Find additional information regarding pesticide exclusion requests here.
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Upcoming Meetings & Community Events
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Check out what's happening at the #bestspotintown!
The Corner Spot is open for tons of fun this summer! There is a lot happening at this spot all summer so don't miss a thing!
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Ashland Business Association
Annual Regional Members' BBQ
MetroWest YMCA Family Outdoor Center
Tuesday, August 3rd
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Enjoy the company of friends in a casual setting with food and beverages provided. Invited associations are Ashland Business Association and the MetroWest, Marlborough, and Hopkinton Chambers of Commerce.
Menu: Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Veggie Burgers, Gluten-free Rolls (optional), and Chips. Drinks: Water, Seltzer, Beer/Wine, and ice cream from Refreshin' Concessions sponsored by Paul Netopski, Critical Prism Defense LLC. Free to members.
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Ashland Farmers Market
Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm!
Every week listen to lively entertainment, shop from vendors and artisans, and stop by the Community Tent to learn about a local organization!
Visit their website for weekly updates for themes and a list of vendors! CLICK HERE to see what you can look forward to!
Remember: The Ashland Farmers Market continues to offer a SNAP match of $25 per shopper each week! In addition, free fruits and vegetables for SNAP users are available at 2 farm vendors under the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP).
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Ashland Day Committee Stone Park Summer Concert Series
Bring your chair or a blanket and enjoy the sounds of summer!
August 10th - Middlesex Concert Band Sponsored by the Ashland Cultural Council starting at 6:30 pm
August 24th - Groove-A-Saurus Rex rock n' roll band at 6:30 pm
Refreshin' Concessions Ice Cream Truck will be at each event!
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