Brief thoughts on some of the events making news from around Franklin County and the North Quabbin area:
We found it interesting that on the Leyden town meeting warrant there was an article concerning drones and privacy and airspace above one’s property. While one might question whether Leyden residents have to worry about such things, the issue has arisen elsewhere. Leyden is trying to get ahead of the issue before it becomes a problem, and that’s smart thinking.
Perhaps in the future there will be a heating source that everyone can agree upon. But right now that’s clearly not the case as seen with the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. Sanderson Academy in Ashfield is replacing its gas-fueled furnace with a wood-pellet boiler system while Mohawk Trail Regional School will be swapping out its propane system for another propane-fueled one. As one might expect, money plays a role in what’s happening. Sanderson has help from a state grant to make the change, while Mohawk doesn’t. But it’s also true that the Mohawk plan for a wood-pellet boiler was opposed by people concerned about air quality issues. While the air we breathe and public health take priority, it’s also clear there are differences of opinion when it comes to interpretation of the data and guidelines that state and federal agencies establish. We suspect that this issue will come up again.
We’re glad to see that two neighborhoods in Greenfield are in line to have trees planted in their respective areas. With a grant through the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Hope and Washington streets neighborhood and Oak Courts will get a total of 30 trees to help replace trees that have been lost over the years. But it’s not enough to simply have these trees planted. Residents in the neighborhood have to be willing to help ensure the trees are cared for. Left on their own, without enough water, there’s a chance these new trees won’t survive. It’s good to know that in this instance, those behind the effort are planning to educate residents about care.
The Greenfield Board of Health has been taking a very measured and thorough approach when it comes to supporting a needle exchange program. It has sought out health information and has included the public via a series of hearings.
Should the board back a needle exchange program in Greenfield, it will then go to the Town Council, whose members we would like to think have been following along.