Bridge Serving Turnpike & Wheeler Rds is Closed

As of March 31st the Wheeler Road bridge that connects Ashby and Townsend via Turnpike Road is closed.

Statement by Townsend Town Administrator, Greg Barnes,

Based on a recent inspection by the State's District Bridge Inspection Unit, the Wheeler Road Bridge has been determined to be unsafe for vehicular traffic. Hence, residents should make immediate plans to use alternative routes oftravel. The bridge is likely to be officially blocked off to all vehicular traffic as early as March 31, 2009. I am well aware of the inconvenience that shutting down the bridge will cause many of Ashby's residents. On behalf of Townsend, I truly apologize for this. However, in light of the strong recommendation of the State, I think that we have no other option at this time than to shut it down or otherwise incur potential severe liability should anything go wrong. I will be discussing this issue with the Board of Selectmen tomorrow night.

Cemetery Clean Up

Cemetery Commission - Request for volunteers to clean up debris from ice storm on April 18th.

Hearing for Amendments to Zoning Bylaw

Planning Board Zoning Bylaw Hearings, Rate of Development & Small Wind Energy Systems, April 8, 2009

Annual Town Election

Annual Town Election, Monday, April 27, 2009, 12:00-7:30 pm, Ballot

Volunteers Wanted to Help Seniors

Council on Aging - Volunteers needed to help a senior with yard clean from the ice storm.

Transfer Station Accepting Electronics

Ashby Recycle Center & Transfer Station

Now accepting electronics ( computers, tv's, microwaves, etc.)

Roadside Clean Up

Roadside Clean Up Day, Saturday, April 25th, Pick up trash along the roadside & dispose of it free!

Brush Disposal

Free Brush and Wood Disposal Every Saturday in April!

ARCTS (Ashby Recycle Center & Transfer Station) and Ashby's Dept. of Emergency Management are providing free brush & wood disposal throughout April. ARTCS will be open every Saturday in April from 9:00am - 1:00pm for brush and wood disposal (no construction materials please). Drop off at the Greenville Road facility.
Trash and recycling will still be accepted on the second & fourth Saturdays

Results of Special Town Meeting

SPECIAL TOWN MEETING ARTICLES

Article 1. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds and/or borrow the sum of $265,300 for the purpose of paying for architectural, engineering and related services to complete the design, initial project management, geotechnical engineering and construction bid documents for a new police station provided that the amount authorized to be borrowed shall be contingent upon the vote at the Town election to exempt from Proposition 2½, so called, the amount required to satisfy the obligations, including principal and interest under the bonds, or take any action thereon.

Yes 84
No 93

article defeated

Abandoned Checks

Notice of Abandoned Checks on 3/10/2009

Rabies Clinic

Rabies Clinics, to be held in the area in March. $10.00 per immunization.

Community Calendar

The Community Calendar is back!

Special Town Meeting, March 14th

Special Town Meeting, Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 9:30 am. Warrant pdf. The single article on the Special Town Meeting would appropriate $265,300 for the design of a new police station.
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Natural Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan

View the recently adopted Natural Hazard Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan

NMRS schedule following ice storm

North Middlesex Regional School schedule for remainder of year. (pdf)

Census Jobs

U. S. Census Bureau seeking applicants for 2010 census in this area.

DPU hearing on Unitil

Dept. of Public Utilities local hearing scheduled regarding efforts by Unitil to prepare for and restore power following the ice storm

Selectmen's Agenda 1/21/2009

Selectmen's Agenda for Wed. 1/21/2009 at 7:00

Nomination Papers Available

Nomination Papers are available for elected Town offices.

Community Development Strategy

Draft of Community Development Strategy, Hearing at Selectmen's Meeting, Wed. 1/21/09 at 7:30 pm (MSWord)

Ashby Trail information sought

The Conservation Commission is seeking information on Ashby's trails.

Board of Health Position

Board of Health position open to fill a vacancy. If interested contact the Selectmen's office by 1/19/2009.

North Middlesex Reg. School Budget

North Middlesex Reg. School budget process timeline

Selectmen's Agenda 1/7/2008

Selectmen's Agenda for 1/7/2008 (pdf)

Dog License

Dog License is due in January. Save time, print the applicationand mail it in!

Brush Burning Permit

Open Air Burn Permit 2009
fee: $25.00
January 1, 2009

The Town of Ashby has been granted permission by MASSDEP to begin the 2009 "Open Air Burning Season before the January 15th, 2009 start date due to the December 11th, 2008 Ice Storm.

Permits can be obtained at either the Ashby Police/Dispatch Center, 893 Main St. or the Ashby Fire Station, 1093 Main St. The usual fee for the burn permits will be in effect and the permit is valid until the end of the usual burn season on May 1st at 4:00 pm.

All Mass General Laws pertaining to Open Air Burning must be followed.

Notice of Abandoned Checks

Notice of Abandoned Checks

"Notice of names of persons appearing to be owners of checks issued by the Town of Ashby, which have not been cashed and are deemed abandoned."

Checks issued to the following parties have been deemed abandoned:

Robert Dickhault
294 Simonds Road
Ashby, MA

Information about each check may be obtained by a person expressing an interest in the check by addressing an inquiry to the Town Treasurer.

Mail: 895 Main St.,Ashby, MA 01431

Phone: 978-386-2424 x23

posted 12/26/2008

Community Development Strategy Public Forum

You are invited to an evening of looking toward Ashby’s future and helping to select its priorities in the 2009 Community Development Strategy. After your dinner at home, come to the Library for coffee and desert while we share our ideas about the community we want to build together.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
The Moulton Meeting Room at the Ashby Free Public Library

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. 4:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 7th, on the Common

Ashby Housing Rehabilitation Program

The program is to assist low and moderate income residents to improve their housing situation. Eligible improvements include:

• Chimney or foundation repair,
• Lead paint/asbestos removal,
• Septic system repair/replacement,
• Roof repair/replacement,
• Storm window installation.

Grant regulations require that certain items be addressed first (i.e. building and sanitary code compliance, serious maintenance problems, etc.) The maximum funding per project is generally up to $35,000.00. As long as you own your home, this is a payment and interest free loan, based on a 15 year forgiveness schedule. It decreases 5% per year up to 15 years, and then you owe nothing. More information.