🏛️ Ashland at a glance

New to how your town works? Start here.

🗳️ NEXT ELECTION
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Massachusetts State Election · 140 days away
Governor and statewide offices on the ballot. Polls open 7 AM–8 PM. Your town's own election (Select Board, School Committee, etc.) is held each spring.

This week in Ashland

Updated June 16, 2026

📅 Coming up

3 meetings

These meetings haven't happened yet — you can still attend, speak, or write to the board.

June 16, 2026
Board of Health
Board of Health
Handles public health rules — food safety inspections, septic system permits, and local health regulations.
June 16 Board of Health covers landfill contract, mosquito spraying schedule, housing cases, and annual public health award.
RAM (Remote Area Medical) Clinic 2027
Discussion of a Remote Area Medical (free pop-up health services) clinic planned for 2027.
Howe Street Landfill — Langdon Environmental 3-Year Contract
Board to discuss a 3-year contract with Langdon Environmental for Howe Street Landfill management.
📍 Howe Street Landfill
Central Mass Mosquito Control Project — July Spraying Dates
Mosquito spraying scheduled for July 6, 13, 20, and 27 throughout town.
Housing Cases: 20 Joanne Drive #22, 99 Warren Road, 274 Union Street, 33 Esty Street
Active housing code/health cases at four addresses will be reviewed.
📍 20 Joanne Drive #22; 99 Warren Road; 274 Union Street; 33 Esty Street
Alpha Gal Syndrome Cases Update
Update on local cases of Alpha Gal Syndrome (tick-bite-triggered red meat allergy) in Ashland.
10 more items on the agenda
Call to Order
Meeting called to order at 6:00 PM via Zoom.
Citizen's Participation
Open public comment period.
Mary Mortensen 9th Annual Public Health Award
Board will discuss nominees and vote on the annual public health award.
MRC Stop the Bleed Training Recap
Recap of the June 10 Medical Reserve Corps Stop the Bleed training held at Town Hall.
📍 Town Hall
Community Baby Shower — June 30, 2026
Update on the Community Baby Shower event scheduled for June 30.
Disease Investigations Update
Board will receive an update on ongoing disease investigations.
Consent Agenda: FY2026 YTD Budget Reports and June 2 Minutes
Routine approval of year-to-date budget reports and prior meeting minutes.
Reorganization of the Board
Board will reorganize, typically involving officer elections for the new term.
Future Agenda Items and Next Meeting Date
Board will discuss future topics and set the next meeting for July 7 or July 21, 2026.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourned.
Open to all residents — you can attend and speak during public comment. View agenda → ·Contact the board →
June 17, 2026
Select Board
Select Board
Ashland's main governing board. Sets town policy, approves major contracts, and makes key appointments.
Coming up June 17: votes on year-end budget transfers, MWRA water supply continuation, $20K economic-development award, and a parking/safety concern on Douglas and Greenhelge Roads.
Discuss and Vote on Year-End Transfers
Vote on year-end budget transfers to close out fiscal year accounts.
💰 Dollar amounts not specified
Vote on MWRA Continuation of Water Supply
Vote to continue Ashland's water supply arrangement through the MWRA (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority).
Accept Conservation Restriction for the Zani Property
Vote to accept a conservation restriction that permanently limits development on the Zani Property.
Parking/Public Safety Issue on Douglas Road and Greenhelge Road
Discussion of a parking or public-safety concern on Douglas Road and Greenhelge Road.
📍 Douglas Road and Greenhelge Road, Ashland
Consent: Economic Development Award — Fitness Together, 12 Pond Street
Award Fitness Together at 12 Pond Street $10,000 in rental reimbursement and a $10,000 interest-free loan per the Economic Development Advisory Group recommendation.
💰 $10,000 rental reimbursement + $10,000 interest-free loan 📍 12 Pond Street, Ashland
Town Manager Report: Downtown Project
Update on the ongoing Downtown Project.
📍 Downtown Ashland
Executive Session — Town Manager Contract Negotiations
Closed session under G.L. c. 30A §21(a)(2) to negotiate contract terms with the Town Manager (non-union personnel).
📍 Town Hall, 101 Main St, Ashland
19 more items on the agenda
Call to Order / Citizens' Participation
Routine opening and public comment period.
Ashland Garden Club & Recognition of Gretchen Bravacos
Garden Club presentation and recognition of Gretchen Bravacos scheduled at 7:10 PM.
Town Counsel Evaluation, Legal Update, and Vote on Reappointment
Board will evaluate Town Counsel's performance, receive a legal update, and vote on reappointment.
Discuss Building and Grounds Department
Discussion of the town's Building and Grounds Department operations or issues.
Update on Regional Collaboration
Update on regional collaboration efforts with neighboring communities.
Announce Recipients of Select Board Scholarships
Announcement of scholarship recipients selected by the Select Board.
Discuss and Vote on Spring 2026 BAA Grants and Select Board Community Grants
Vote on awarding BAA (Boston Athletic Association) grants and Select Board community grants for Spring 2026.
💰 Grant amounts not specified
Liaison Updates — Community Preservation Committee & Sustainability Committee
Board liaisons report on recent activity from the Community Preservation Committee and Sustainability Committee.
Consent: Approve Regular Session Minutes — June 3, 2026
Routine approval of prior meeting minutes.
Consent: Accept Community Center Donations — $2,343.00
Accept $2,343.00 in donations on behalf of the Community Center.
💰 $2,343.00
Consent: One-Day Licenses for Rushford and Sons Brewhouse — Farmer's Market
Approve one-day alcohol licenses for Rushford and Sons Brewhouse to pour at the Farmer's Market on 18 dates, June through October 2026.
Consent: One-Day License for Clover Road Brewing — CultureFest
Approve a one-day alcohol license for Clover Road Brewing at CultureFest, June 20, 2026, 4–7 PM at the Corner Spot.
📍 Corner Spot, Ashland
Consent: Home Rule Petition for Additional Alcohol Licenses
Approve a Home Rule Petition (special state legislative request) to authorize additional alcohol licenses for Ashland.
Consent: Annual Flag Hoisting Ceremony — India's Independence Day
Approve the annual India Independence Day flag ceremony on August 15, 2026, 7:30–8:00 AM at Stone Park.
📍 Stone Park, Ashland
Town Manager Report: Community Center Improvement Project
Update on the status of the Community Center Improvement Project.
Town Manager Report: Ashland Arboretum, Bark Park, and YMCA
Update on the Ashland Arboretum, Bark Park, and YMCA developments or operations.
Adjournment / Next Meeting — July 15, 2026
Meeting adjourns; next Select Board meeting is July 15, 2026.
Call Meeting to Order
Routine call to order.
Adjournment
Meeting adjourns.
Open to all residents — you can attend and speak during public comment. View agenda → ·Contact the board →
June 23, 2026
Zoning Board (ZBA)
Zoning Board (ZBA)
Grants exceptions to local zoning rules — for example, allowing a building that's slightly too close to a property line. Their decisions can be appealed to court within 20 days.
ZBA hears continued 40B hearing for 116-unit rental building at 55 West Union Street on June 23.
Public Hearing – 55 West Union Street; 40B Comprehensive Permit
55 West Union LLC seeks a 40B (affordable-housing law) permit for a 4-story, 116-unit rental building on 4.9 acres — 87 market-rate and 29 income-restricted units — in the Commercial Highway district; hearing has been ongoing since August 2025.
📍 55 West Union Street, Assessors Map 19, Lot 62
Public Hearing – 167-169 Pleasant Street; Variance and Special Permits
James MacDonald requests a Variance and two Special Permits to demolish an existing duplex and replace it with a new duplex with attached one-car garages on a non-conforming lot in the Residential B zone.
📍 167-169 Pleasant Street, Assessors Map 13, Lot 68
5 more items on the agenda
Call to Order
Routine meeting opening.
Public Hearing – 76 Roberts Road; Special Permit
Homeowners seek a Special Permit to build a front porch on a pre-existing non-conforming building and lot at 76 Roberts Road (Map 15, Lot 20, RA zone).
📍 76 Roberts Road, Assessors Map 15, Lot 20
Meeting Minutes: June 9
Approval of prior meeting minutes.
Staff Updates and Administrative Matters
Routine staff updates and administrative business.
Adjournment
Meeting close.
Open to all residents — you can attend and speak during public comment. View agenda → ·Contact the board →

Get this in your inbox

New decisions and upcoming votes, in plain English. Free, no spam. Add your street address and anything within a mile of you is flagged at the top of every digest.

Unsubscribe anytime — every email has a one-click link. Your address is only used to highlight nearby items.

What happened

12 items · last 60 days

Decisions and notable items from recent meetings, most significant first. Routine procedural items (296) are left out.

Nothing matches that filter.
📋 Proposed Conservation Commission · June 15, 2026
Notice of Intent — 90 Waverly Street (Victor Mourao)
Wetlands-related hearing for work at 90 Waverly Street, Map 10 Parcel 70, DEP 95-1003.
📍 90 Waverly Street, Ashland
Why this matters: Proposed work near wetlands on Waverly Street.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Conservation Commission · June 15, 2026
Notice of Intent & Stormwater Management Permit — 55 Tilton Avenue & 60 Pleasant Street (Tilton Sunrise, LLC)
Hearing on proposed development affecting wetlands/stormwater at two linked parcels (Map 14 Parcel 30 and Map 13 Parcel 85), DEP 95-1019.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue / 60 Pleasant Street, Ashland
Why this matters: New development with stormwater impacts near two residential streets.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Conservation Commission · June 15, 2026
Enforcement Order Release — Legacy Farms Phase IV, Waterville Lane (Peter Bemis)
Request to lift enforcement order on multiple Waterville Lane units (1 & 3, 5 & 7, 9 & 11, 27, 29, 69, 71) at Legacy Farms Phase IV.
📍 Waterville Lane, Legacy Farms Phase IV, Ashland
Why this matters: Enforcement release affects multiple Legacy Farms homes near wetlands.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Conservation Commission · June 15, 2026
Acceptance of Land Donation — Beaverdam Brook Conservation Area
Commission to consider accepting donated parcels at 0 Brackett Road Rear (Map 16 Parcel 153) and two 0 Pond Street Rear parcels (Map 22 Parcels 54 & 55) as conservation land.
📍 0 Brackett Road Rear / 0 Pond Street Rear, Ashland
Why this matters: New conservation land added near Beaverdam Brook benefits nearby residents.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
🔄 Postponed Public Hearing – 55 Tilton Ave: Special Permit & Site Plan Review (continued to June 25) Planning Board · June 11, 2026
Tilton Sunrise LLC seeks approval to build a 3-story mixed-use building with 14 apartments and 2 flex contractor bays at 55 Tilton Ave (Map 14, Lot 62) in the Downtown District–C zone; hearing continues June 25.
📍 55 Tilton Avenue, Ashland (Assessors Map 14, Lot 62)
Why this matters: 14-unit residential building proposed in downtown zone.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
💬 Discussed Planning Updates: Ongoing Projects, Housing Production Plan, 40B & SHI Update Planning Board · June 11, 2026
Staff updates on active projects, the Housing Production Plan, and status of 40B (affordable-housing law) developments and the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
Why this matters: 40B pipeline and affordable housing inventory affect future development.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Field Rental Update and Requested Positions — Funding for Additional Positions School Committee · June 10, 2026
Committee will discuss funding sources for new positions tied to field rental operations.
💰 Unspecified; funding details to be presented
Why this matters: New staffing costs could affect school budget and taxes.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Approval of Job Description and Position for Assistant Director of Athletics School Committee · June 10, 2026
Vote to create and approve the Assistant Director of Athletics role.
💰 New position cost unspecified
Why this matters: New district position adds to payroll.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Approval of Job Description and Position for Facilities Maintenance School Committee · June 10, 2026
Vote to create and approve a Facilities Maintenance position, likely linked to field rental revenue.
💰 New position cost unspecified
Why this matters: New district position adds to payroll.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Update on Staffing and Reinstate Special Education Coordinator for Ashland Middle School School Committee · June 10, 2026
Committee to discuss reinstating the Special Education Coordinator position at the middle school.
💰 Position reinstatement cost unspecified
Why this matters: Directly affects special-ed services for middle schoolers.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Middle School Athletics — Removal of Specific Sports for SY2026-27 School Committee · June 10, 2026
Vote to cut certain sports from the middle school athletics program starting school year 2026-27; specific sports not named in agenda.
Why this matters: Sports cuts affect families with middle school kids.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome
📋 Proposed Executive Session — Ashland Educators Association (Teachers) Educator Evaluation Process MOA School Committee · June 10, 2026
Closed session to discuss collective-bargaining strategy on a memorandum of agreement (MOA) regarding the teacher evaluation process.
Why this matters: Teacher contract negotiations can affect school staffing and budget.
View official document → · from an agenda — check minutes for the final outcome

145 older items not shown.

How to get involved

📅
Show up and speak
Every meeting above is open to any resident, and most have a public comment period — usually a few minutes per person, no sign-up needed. Showing up matters more than you'd think; most decisions are made in front of nearly empty rooms.
✉️
Write to the board before the meeting
Often more effective than speaking at the meeting itself — board members read constituent email, and a handful of messages on one topic gets noticed. Each board's contact page is linked from its meetings above.
⚖️
Know the appeal windows
Some decisions aren't final right away — zoning board rulings, for example, can be appealed to Superior Court within 20 days. Items with an open appeal window are flagged above with a countdown.
⚠️ These summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors or omissions. Always check the original source documents for anything important. This site is not affiliated with the Town of Ashland and is not legal advice.

Realtor, builder, or land-use attorney? We're building instant, granular alerts for professionals — get early access.