Many communities scrambled to leave state mosquito spraying program
A mosquito PHOTO BY PROVIDENCE JOURNAL/TNS
Published: 6/1/2021 7:57:30 PM
During the past few months, several western Massachusetts communities have scrambled to meet a May 28 deadline to opt out of the state’s mosquito control spraying program.
Northampton became the latest municipality to opt out of the program under the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) following in the footsteps of other towns like Amherst, Pelham, Williamsburg, Westhampton, Whately, Goshen and Greenfield.
“The Board of Health voted unanimously, recommending that the city opt out,” Northampton Public Health Director Merrideth O’Leary said.
Two dozen articles sail through Westhampton Town Meeting
Westhampton Town Hall GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 5/11/2021 10:36:43 AM
WESTHAMPTON All articles brought to a vote passed at a Town Meeting on Saturday morning, while an additional two articles were placed on hold as the town awaits more information from the state.
The 26 articles on the Town Meeting warrant asked voters whether the town should approve certain budgetary measures and line items, in addition to an article that lays out steps for the town to become a pollinator-friendly community.
The town’s proposed total operating budget for fiscal 2022, $6.32 million, presented an increase of 3.65%, or $222,264, over the current year’s budget.
Westhampton OKs $4.3M safety complex by 350-186 vote
Westhampton Town Hall STAFF PHOTO/GRETA JOCHEM
Published: 3/13/2021 4:59:32 PM
WESTHAMPTON Voters approved a $4.3 million facility for the police and fire department in a special election Saturday.
Residents voted 350 to 186 in favor of a Proposition 2½ debt-exclusion override to finance the new safety complex. About 40% of the town’s registered voters cast ballots, according to figures from the town clerk s office.
On Saturday morning, a steady flow of people cast their vote at Town Hall.
Molly Butler voted for the facility. “We need to support our fire heroes and police force,” she said as she left the polls. “What they have to work with is not great down there.”
Westhampton voters to decide fate of public safety complex on Saturday
Steve Holt, the assistant fire chief for the Westhampton Fire Department, and Select Board Chairman Phil Dowling stand outside the Public safety building in Westhampton. Gazette file photo
Steve Holt, the assistant fire chief in Westhampton, explains how little room there is in the current public safety building for the equipment and protective gear. The current building is 4,000 square feet, while the new one would be 10,000 square feet. Gazette file photo
Published: 3/11/2021 2:41:32 PM
WESTHAMPTON Voters will decide on Saturday whether the town should move forward with plans to construct a new $4.3 million public safety complex for police and fire personnel.
Westhampton voters advance public safety complex
Westhampton Select Board member Maureen Dempsey checks a long line of residents in for a special drive-thru town meeting at the Hampshire Regional High School parking lot to approve a new multimillion-dollar public safety complex Saturday in Westhampton. FOR THE GAZETTE/Sabato Visconti
With the floor open for public comment, Westhampton resident Matt Murphy asks questions about the bidding process for a new public safety complex during a special socially distanced Saturday Town Meeting at Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton. FOR THE GAZETTE/Sabato Visconti
A special Town Meeting to approve a new public safety complex drew a large turnout, creating an unexpected traffic jam outside the Hampshire Regional High School Saturday in Westhampton. FOR THE GAZETTE/Sabato Visconti