Summary

Housing trust bylaw approved

BelchertownApr 6, 20262 min read

At a glance

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The Select Board approved a Housing Trust bylaw in a 3-0-1 vote. The bylaw is intended to preserve, rehabilitate, and support existing owner-occupied housing; it does not use taxes or create new housing.

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Select Board

Topics discussed

LaborTransportationHealthcareEnvironmentalHousing

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What this means

The approved bylaw establishes a framework focused on maintaining and improving existing owner-occupied homes. The Board also formally laid out Pepper Ridge Road as a public town way, while clarifying that this action does not change the lot’s development potential. Members approved a May 11, 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant and endorsed a health-insurance agreement that includes a one-time premium reduction and distribution of 25% of anticipated savings to employees.

Key decisions

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Approved the Housing Trust bylaw as presented, 3-0-1; Chair Lessard-Pearson abstained because she was part of the MVP 2.0 team.
Accepted, adopted, and endorsed the order laying out Pepper Ridge Road as a public town way, 4-0-0.
Approved the appointment of Rosa Marchese to the Belchertown Housing Authority tenant seat, effective immediately through June 30, 2027, 4-0-0.
Approved Ezekiel Baskin as the town’s representative to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Advisory Board, effective immediately through June 30, 2027, 4-0-0.
Ratified Dustin Ruby as Veterans’ Agent and Zachary Bombard as Director of Assessments, each by a 4-0-0 vote.
Approved the May 11, 2026 Special Town Meeting warrant and use of the Belchertown High School Auditorium for the Special and Annual Town Meetings, 4-0-0.
Endorsed the health-insurance Memorandum of Agreement, including a one-time premium reduction and distribution of 25% of anticipated savings to employees, 4-0-0.
Approved a proclamation concerning the Quabbin watershed, 4-0-0.
Agreed to seek more information before revisiting a proposed Board of Health revolving fund because members questioned its focus on tobacco enforcement and exclusion of alcohol- and food-related violations.

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