Weeks Ahead October 6-19th

Hello there cool cats (well not so cool this week with the heat!)

As we head into the next couple of weeks, it’s worth remembering that the most meaningful change often starts close to home. While the national (and international) conversations can feel overwhelming, our towns and neighborhoods remain places where voices matter, where ideas take root, where conversations and connections are made, and where small actions ripple outward.

In the coming days, local boards and committees will be meeting to discuss issues that shape daily life — from housing and public works to sustainability, budgets, and community events. These decisions will not make national headlines, and some of the meetings are really not too exciting, but they definitely define the place we call home.

Now is the perfect time to get involved: check the meeting calendar, read an agenda, or attend a session (in person, online, or on Willinet). Ask a question. Share a thought. Thank someone who’s volunteered to serve and is showing up. Each of these simple acts strengthens our community. Because in the next two weeks — and every week after — the work of democracy is happening right here, and it needs all of us.

Monday, October 6th

READI Committee (formerly DIRE)
5:30 – 7:30pm in person at Town Hall or streaming live on Willinet.org and Spectrum TV Channel 1303

This is the Racial Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion Committee and they meet monthly on the first Monday. You can read the full agenda for this meeting here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zYZdPzaoBgO8GvohaZSvDQUnMjOBlokk/view

Wednesday, October 8th

Board of Health
9:00 – 10:00am hybrid meeting in person at Town Hall, streaming live on willinet.org & broadcast live on Spectrum cable TV channel 1303and via zoom here

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86490689117
Webinar ID: 864 9068 9117

The agenda is pretty light but there will be an update on the smoke ban article voted on at the last town meeting. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-b5eIBWmKLkVbqXXmo4vhrWbYNhvoEWu/view

Milne Public Library Trustees
5:30 – 6:30pm in person meeting at 1095 Main St (the Library)

Thursday, October 9th

Conservation Commission
7:00 – 9:00pm Hybrid Meeting in person at Town Hall, Streaming Live on willinet.org & Willinet TV Channel 1303, and via zoom here https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83854158734
Webinar ID: 838 5415 8734

This is the commission that is responsible responsible for the management of Town owned conservation lands and for the administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands and Rivers Protection Act. There are 3 RDA (Request for Dtermination of Applicability) requests to be heard at this meeting. Agenda here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wE6RA3TLpRiZPzjcf3CXoKLY58-9YpbGBVyn9f0qeyU/edit?tab=t.0

Tuesday, October 14

Planning Board
7:00 – 9:00pm Meeting in person at Town Hall, Streaming Live willinet.org & Spectrum TV Channel 1303 and via zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87391113366
Webinar ID: 873 9111 3366

Wednesday, October 15

Affordable Housing Trust
This committee is responsible for creating, preserving, and enhancing affordable housing in Williamstown and they meet monthly on the third Wednesday.

6:00 – 7:30pm Meeting in person at Town Hall, Streaming Live willinet.org & Spectrum TV Channel 1303. At the time of this posting, the zoom link information was not yet available.

Thursday, October 16

Fire District Finance Committee
4:30 – 5:30pm

Zoning Board of Appeals- Public Hearing
7:00 – 9:00pm Meeting in person at Town Hall, Streaming Live willinet.org & Spectrum TV Channel 1303 and via zoom here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85895540813

This hearing is to address the petition of Donald Toumey for the work needed to build a new single family home at 843 Oblong Road.