NORTHFIELD — The Northfield Board of Selectmen reviewed potential articles to include on the special town meeting warrant during a meeting Tuesday. The plan is to have them ready by November.
Potential articles focus on whether to: establish a fund for the maintenance of Town Hall; give the Board of Selectmen authority to change the speed limit on side streets; and appropriate funds to replace a town plow truck, renovate the town clerk’s office, maintain the town’s historical markers and replace the playground equipment at Northfield Elementary School.
Various town committees will weigh in on the articles before the warrant is drafted and Town Administrator Brian Noble expects the warrant will be released the first week of November. The special town meeting is scheduled for Dec. 5.
NORTHFIELD — The Northfield Board of Selectmen expressed interest in hiring a regional housing officer during a meeting Tuesday.
According to Megan Rhodes, transportation and land use planner with the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, who spoke to the board, a regional housing officer would identify plots of land where new housing could be built, and recruit developers and investors to address the need for housing felt across Franklin County. He or she would also consider where it would be possible to remodel old dwellings.
Rhodes said that in models in eastern Massachusetts, a full-time regional housing officer works for five towns at once and is paid a $100,000 salary. However, she said, towns could receive grant help to put up their share, and depending on the number of towns that express interest, it may not require a full-time position.
In addition to Northfield, Rhodes said, Conway and Leverett have expressed interest. She encouraged the towns to look into grant funding, but emphasized the position is still in the pre-planning phase through the Franklin Regional Council of Governments.
NORTHFIELD — The Northfield Board of Selectmen declined its right of first refusal on Joyce A. Roberts’ 30-acre property during a meeting Tuesday.
The land is being sold for $300,000 to Lane Construction Corp. to expand its gravel mining operations, after the Zoning Board of Appeals granted the company a permit in August.
WARWICK — Joyful Productions is sponsoring a dine-in or take-out Mexican dinner in the Warwick Community School cafeteria from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14.
WARWICK — The Warwick Recreation Committee is hosting its first eco-tourism hike on Mount Grace Saturday, Oct. 15, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Hikers should arrive at the base of Mount Grace by Olsen Field, located at 78 Winchester Road, according to the event’s Facebook page.
Guides will lead the hikers up the mountain at an easy pace. Fire hazard levels permitting, there will be a bonfire at the top, as well as live music, mulled cider and GORP trail mix.
The event is free, though the Recreation Committee and performers will accept donations. Reservations are required. To reserve a spot, email Denyse Abruzzise Dar at denyse@denysedar.com.