Ashland, Massachusetts Development News
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Select Board Meeting (July 15th, 2026)
Published: Jul 15, 2026
Parking Solutions for Douglas Road and Green Hall Underway
Joe Manayani reported on the Douglas Road and Green Hall parking situation. Chel Zambudo has agreed to create 4-5 additional parking spaces at 12 Pond Street by converting landscape area, alleviating street parking pressure. The roadway traffic safety committee will discuss painting curbs yellow for no-parking zones and potentially implementing odd/even parking on one side of the streets in August. Resident James Bazazz expressed concerns about parking bottlenecks and offered to participate in solutions. Chel Zambudo has communicated with residents and ensured builders' vehicles are no longer obstructing the road. The parking solution aims to improve safety and access for residents and emergency vehicles.
Little Free Library and Garden Donated to Kids Spot in Memory of Nancy Axelrod
The Select Board accepted the donation of a little free library and a self-sustaining garden at Kids Spot, donated by Howie Axelrod in memory of his wife Nancy. The library will be child-friendly height and located outside the Kids Spot gate. Howie Axelrod will oversee the construction, using a professional contractor and durable materials, and will also maintain the garden. The library will be stocked with books through contact with Betsy Emberly. The donation aims to enhance the community and provide resources for children.
Upper Charles Trail Project Progresses with Engineering Firm Onboard
Yolanda provided an update on the Upper Charles Trail project, stating that Fuss and O'Neal have been hired as engineers to determine next steps and scope the project. The project, funded by a state grant, must be completed by year-end. A meeting is scheduled for July 23rd with the consultants to finalize the scope. The trail has been a long-term project, with Holliston's similar initiative taking 20 years. The goal is to move the project forward efficiently.
Town Considers New Permit Reactivation Fee to Address Backlog of Open Permits
The Select Board discussed the creation of a permit reactivation fee to be added to the inspection fee schedule. This fee would address thousands of open permits where final inspections may not have been completed, aiming to improve accountability and encourage timely closure of permits. The proposed fee is $50, which aims to cover some of the town's additional costs associated with these inspections. Neighboring communities were researched, and the fee is intended as a middle ground to avoid being overly burdensome. Discussions also touched upon the potential cost to homeowners versus contractors and whether the fee should be adjusted, with suggestions ranging from $50 to $100 or $75 to better deter prolonged open permits and cover direct costs of inspections. The Board also reviewed the town's existing fee schedule and the operational aspects of the Open Gov permitting platform, noting that the software cannot automatically send reminders for permit closures.
Ashland Day and Kidden Wall Bar Show Sponsorship to be Considered
The Select Board discussed the upcoming Ashland Day event on September 12th, 2026 (rain date September 19th) and the associated Kidden Wall Bar Show. While no formal vote was scheduled for tonight, the Board indicated support for the event and plans to approve a $250 sponsorship from the Select Board gift account on the consent agenda at the next meeting. The event benefits the American Cancer Society, with a goal to raise $30,000 this year, surpassing last year's $27,000. Peter and his team are organizing the show, which draws significant participation.
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The Ashland News archive
Select Board & Planning Board (July 23rd, 2026)
Board of Health (July 21st, 2026)
Zoning Board of (July 14th, 2026)
Planning Board (July 9th, 2026)
Board of Health (July 7th, 2026)
School Committee (June 29th, 2026)
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