Meetings

AUG 26, '26

Members reviewed the draft Community Preservation Plan and proposed a public engagement session (proposed Sept. 9) to solicit public feedback, with requested edits to terminology, representative listings, images, and housing data.

AUG 26, '26

The committee will review the 2026 Annual Appeal status and vote on the final appeal letter, discuss other fundraising opportunities, and consider the fund expenditure procedure under old business.

AUG 26, '26

The City will conduct advanced removal (opening) of early voted ballots at City Hall on August 24 and August 26, 2026, beginning at 9:00 AM; results will not be determined or announced until after polls close on September 1, 2026.

AUG 25, '26

Agenda includes review of gallery rentals and amounts due for specific events (C-10 event, Paula Estey exhibit), discussion of upcoming projects including social media marketing and an October community art exhibit, facility maintenance focusing on gallery lighting and hanging systems, and review of the Cultural Center Handbook.

AUG 25, '26

The Board of Registrars will conduct ballot testing in preparation for the State Primary Election.

AUG 24, '26

Board approved a storefront sign for The Fruitful Fig at 57 Main St, endorsed an ANR dividing 135-145 Main St, approved a Definitive Subdivision for 14 Maple St with conditions tying it to prior site plan/special permit approvals, and addressed covenant/erosion-bond matters for 29 Water St and 102 Kimball Rd; the Rocky Hill Development site plan and subdivision were discussed and continued to Sept. 14.

AUG 24, '26

The School Committee approved the 2026–27 school handbooks (noting they are living documents) and adopted the district and school committee goals for 2026–27. The committee also received an update on the Whittier regional agreement amendment work related to an MSBA school project and accepted a $1,000 donation for eighth grade social studies.

AUG 24, '26

The committee will review the Q4 budget and multiple facilities matters including the Amesbury High School diamond field, FY27 capital projects, and the AMS Performance Center. The sub-committee will also hold a goals workshop for 2026–2027.

AUG 24, '26

The City of Amesbury will conduct advanced removal of early voted ballots at City Hall on August 24 and August 26, 2026; results will not be determined or announced until after polls close on September 1, 2026.

AUG 21, '26

The subcommittee will review its 2026-27 goals and priorities, meeting schedule, working norms, the online policy manual, and ongoing work. The agenda also allows time for other business not anticipated by the Chair.

AUG 21, '26

The commission will review a request from the Amesbury Carriage Museum to hold a walking tour at Mt. Prospect Cemetery and discuss a found gravestone that appears to belong to Mt. Prospect Lot 205. Other business includes a request to apply fertilizer to a shrub by the Lower Gate, an ESRI update, and setting the next meeting date.

AUG 20, '26

Project updates on 18 Merrimac Street (Washington Landing Maritime Facility) and Rocky Hill Development, plus CMMP reviews for 2-4 Elmwood Street, 102 Kimball Road, and 5 and 13 School Street.

AUG 18, '26

The board will hear advocacy from Holly Trouville regarding a proposed kratom ban and will vote on a regulation prohibiting the sale or distribution of kratom products.

AUG 18, '26

The sub-committee will set 2026–2027 goals, plan community engagement priorities and an initial calendar, and consider a Spotlight Award and possible presentations for the upcoming school year.

AUG 18, '26

Design Review Committee will review sign applications for 63 Friend Street (Quick Pit Stop) and 57 Main Street (The Fruitful Fig).

AUG 17, '26

The Commission continued multiple Notices of Intent, including the multi-lot Elm Street NOI (265R, 277R, 281, 287, 287R, 287.5 Elm St) to Sept. 8 with peer-review consultant BETA requested to attend, and approved a Certificate of Compliance for 26 Merrimac St.

AUG 13, '26

The board will hear reports from staff (secretary, treasurer, stats, and manager), discuss governance and best practices under a Board Discussion, and receive updates on COA operations, Costello Center activities, programming, and FCOA matters.

AUG 12, '26

Discussion of pay-in-lieu options for affordable housing and reports on community housing programs, including a Community Preservation Committee update and updates on the Emergency Rehab Note Program and the Subsidized Rental Program.

AUG 10, '26

Planning Board signed off on the ADU design at 12 Oak St (subject to building-inspector review), asked staff to draft a decision for the Rocky Hill Development, and approved a minor modification rotating the house at 102 Kimball Rd. The board also approved paving at 7 Birch Ln and released Unit B and Unit C at 101 Market St from their covenant; several other hearings (29 Lake Attitash Rd, 3 Old Merrill St, 28 Haverhill Rd) were continued.

AUG 10, '26

The School Committee adopted policy JKAA (Timeout, Seclusion, and Physical Restraint of Students) with added parent-notification and posting requirements; the committee also authorized surplus disposal of three unroadworthy district vans and accepted $5,000 in donations for the Windrush Therapeutic Writing Program.