Dave Watkins

GLOUCESTER -- May 14, 2026, Gloucester Zoning Board approves eight applications and splits 4-1 on a contested Washington Street variance at its May meeting. The board's most debated item pitted architect Joseph Taramina, representing 970 Washington Street owners Josh and Ann Marie Palmer, against attorney Bill Heaney of

Whittier Tech School Committee approves $1.19M budget adjustment with no increase to town assessments.

NORTH ANDOVER -- May 13, 2026, North Andover Conservation Commission voids a conflict-of-interest vote and denies a Salem Street homeowner's retaining wall waiver on a 4-to-3 margin. The commission at its May 13 meeting unanimously rescinded a January 14 waiver approval after Chairman Al Manzi,

NEWBURYPORT -- May 13, 2026, Whittier Tech School Committee unanimously approved a $1,188,512 increase to the district's fiscal year 2026 operating budget, with no additional cost to member municipalities. Business Manager Ms. Cosmos told the committee that $950,000 will move from the excess and deficiency account

NEWBURY -- May 13, 2026, Newbury's Library Board restarted its director search after its only applicant lacked required librarian certification. The three-member board, trustees Terry Livers, Alexander Burke, and Richard Vasari, met in special session May 13 and agreed to decline the sole response to the town'

GROVELAND -- May 13, 2026, Groveland Conservation Commission continued two hearings, issued two negative wetland determinations, and raised concerns over town road-paving work already underway near wetlands without proper public notice. The May 13 meeting opened with a continuance of a Notice of Intent for an 8-by-16-foot

GLOUCESTER -- May 13, 2026, Gloucester school supporters pack committee meeting to oppose a $1.35 million funding gap threatening 22.5 positions. More than two dozen speakers testified during a formal public hearing Tuesday as Superintendent Ben Lummis presented a $56.8 million level-service budget request, a $2.6

WENHAM -- May 12, 2026, Wenham Select Board authorizes Cherry Street boundary survey and approves landmark $2.425 million conservation deal. The board voted 4-0 at its May 12 meeting to commission a survey of abutting properties at 24 and 26 Cherry Street, not to exceed $5,000, after member

NEWBURYPORT -- May 12, 2026, Newburyport City Council voted 9-2 to extend the city's historic demolition delay from 12 to 18 months, advancing Ordinance 217 on first reading at the May 12 meeting. The vote came after the council approved 8-3 a floor amendment by Councillor Kathleen

MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA, May 12, 2026, Manchester Conservation Commission fines 7 Central Street operator $900 for unpermitted wetland excavation and continues Boardman Avenue seawall debate. The commission voted 6-0 to ratify an April 15 enforcement order against the commercial property and 5-1 to levy $300 per day