May 19: Composting presentation coming to S. White Dickinson Memorial Library
WHATELY — Amy Donovan, program director at the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District, will lead “Home Composting: From Trash to Treasure” on Tuesday, May 19, at 6 p.m. in the S. White Dickinson Memorial Library.
Donovan’s free presentation will cover at-home composting tips, provide a demonstration of indoor worm bin composting, share local resources for cheap compost bins and pails, and offer information on municipal and commercial composting.
Next hearing for proposed Dollar General set for June 3
SUNDERLAND — The discussion on the proposal for a 9,100-square-foot Dollar General on the corner of Route 116 and Clark Mountain Road will continue on Wednesday, June 3, at 7 p.m., when the Zoning Board of Appeals plans to discuss engineering firm Tighe & Bond’s peer review of the applicant’s traffic study.
During the latest hearing on April 29, ZBA Chair Steve Krol expressed frustration with the changes made to the traffic report since it was first submitted. While the original traffic report included an entry point on Route 116 that limited vehicles to only turning right into the store parking lot and right to leave the lot, the current proposal includes a “full access” driveway allowing multiple paths of entry.
During a prior hearing, Michael Wulforst of Bowman Consulting Group said the traffic study projected the change would not impact traffic levels on Route 116, based on data collected during the “peak hours” of 7:45 to 8:45 a.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. over the two weekdays that Bowman Consulting Group studied.
Responding to Krol’s concerns regarding the proposed store’s impact on road safety, Wulforst said it is difficult to predict potential crashes due to the unpredictability of human behavior, but he clarified that the proposed site was designed following Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) standards.
“In terms of assessing safety, there isn’t a finite analysis that we can do, but safety is underlying in all of design,” Wulforst said. “Standards are there for safety.”
Krol said he plans on asking Tighe & Bond peer reviewers to consider road safety and the proposed store’s impact on vehicle collisions.
“Does the traffic study answer the safety question? Because that’s the question that’s before us,” Krol said. “I see this as a real big issue.”
May 26: Pre-Town Meeting Dessert Potluck and Discussion
CONWAY — Ahead of Annual Town Meeting on June 6, residents can stop by the Conway Grammar School on Tuesday, May 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss topics on the Town Meeting warrant, meet candidates for town positions and snack on sweet treats.
“Like past Pre-Town Meeting gatherings, the evening is an opportunity for discussion that is informal, nonpartisan and without the time pressure often felt at Town Meeting,” an announcement for the event reads.
Residents are encouraged to bring a dessert to share that can be served on a napkin, as well as utensils and a reusable cup or spoon. Attendees should also bring questions on the Town Meeting warrant articles, procedures and definitions they would like clarified.
“The intent of the meeting is to help people be well-informed voters and to have some time to think about what is being proposed, as a supplement to the democratic process of Town Meeting,” the event announcement continues.