Westford has a packed fall schedule: preparing for a leadership transition, Special Town Meeting, continued discussion over the future of elementary schools, and several infrastructure and sustainability projects.
Assistant Town Manager Mike Edwards will become Interim Town Manager on Oct. 1 following an appointment by the Select Board, according to the September Town Manager’s Newsletter.
The Select Board began the search for Westford’s next permanent Town Manager in August, moving to form a search committee and seek an executive search firm to assist with the process.
The town also announced that Jeremy Downs has been appointed permanent town engineer.
Residents are also preparing for Special Town Meeting, scheduled for Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Westford Academy.
The Select Board, Planning Board and Finance Committee are expected to review warrant articles during public meetings in September and October. The warrant is scheduled to be finalized Sept. 22, followed by Finance Committee review Sept. 24 and the League of Women Voters warrant review Oct. 15. The voter registration deadline is Oct. 16 at 5 p.m.
The continuing study of the future of Robinson School.
The Robinson School Building Committee is considering seven remaining options, largely divided between repairing Robinson and maintaining the town’s current elementary school structure or closing Robinson, consolidating students into a larger school and transitioning elementary schools to a K-5 model.
A larger school could be built near Stony Brook Middle School or created by expanding Abbot School. Town officials have said Robinson, Abbot and Day schools are expected to face significant repair costs within the next five to 10 years. The Massachusetts School Building Authority is participating in the process and could reimburse the town for a portion of eligible project costs.
A community forum was held on September 9 at the Stony Brook Middle School auditorium (see detailed report elsewhere in this edition) with additional forums planned for Oct. 14 and Nov. 17.
Several infrastructure and sustainability initiatives also move ahead.
The Select Board accepted a $150,000 Massachusetts Department of Transportation grant for the Old Homestead Road Bridge and a $125,000 Green Communities grant for energy upgrades at the Cameron Senior Center.
The newsletter also reported that Westford’s POP Program has generated more than $12.5 million in community savings. The town is pursuing a Climate Leader designation that could make Westford eligible for up to $1 million in state grants for energy efficiency, clean energy and emissions-reduction projects.
Finally, Westford will also recognize its birthday on Sept. 23 as preparations continue for its 300th anniversary in 2029.
