Billerica Town Manager’s Newsletter August 2024

Ditson Park 

The Select Board recently voted to appropriate ARPA money to renovate the old Ditson School site into a Park. The Town held a listening session to elicit feedback from the neighborhood on what recreational amenities they want. There was consensus behind a walking trail, updating the Basketball Court and Playground, as well as adding a pavilion with picnic tables. Now the Town is having a landscape architect design a plan and is in the process of pricing out all the work. 

In addition to the Ditson site the Select Board also appropriated ARPA funds to renovate Kohlrausch park in North Billerica. The Town held an information session with the neighborhood and learned what parts of the park need attention. Like the walking trail and playground, this work isnt expected to be as costly as the Ditson Park project. 

New DPW Facility

The Town received great news this week – the DPW project bids came in $4,000,0000+ under budget this includes the bid alternates as well. The Town, OPM, and Architect had all been patiently awaiting these bids. All three bids came in under budget and relatively close to each other. The Town expects to have a ground breaking ceremony sometime after Labor Day.

Town Hall Weekly Update

As acting Town Manager I will be starting short video updates that will run on BATV about what is going on in Town. They will be similar to the Town Managers Newsletter and the reports given during Select Board meetings but condensed version for the public. Take a look at the first one HERE and be sure to check back on Billerica Access Televisions (BATV) website for more! 

Community Meeting
On Monday August 12th at 6:30PM the Town will be hosting a community meeting at the North Billerica Fire Station (21 Lowell Street) to elicit feedback from residents on the new design. 

If you have any comments or questions about the new North Billerica Fire Station please come and ask!

Mosquito Spraying
Central Massachusetts Mosquito control personnel will be in Billerica to respond to residents concerns about mosquitos in their area on the following dates: 
 August 6, 12, 15, 21, 27
Any of the above dates are tentative, and all dates are subject to change due to weather conditions, mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity and/or special event spraying. The spraying schedule is available at https://www.cmmcp.org, click the “2024 Spray Schedule” button on the right. 

State Primary Election
State Primary – September 3, 2024

Early Voting 

Saturday 8/24/2024    9:00AM – 1:00PM
Sunday 8/25/2024      9:00AM – 1:00PM
Monday 8/26/2024      8:00AM – 6:30PM
Tuesday 8/27/2024      8:30AM – 4:00PM
Wednesday 8/28/2024    8:30AM – 4:00PM
Thursday 8/29/2024      8:30AM – 4:00PM
Friday 98/30/2024         8:00AM – 12:30PM

Last Day to register to Vote: August 24, 2024 – 5:00PM

Absentee Voting is available in the office as well! 

Ask a Planner Sessions
Questions about planning or zoning? Wondering about MBTA Communities and Billerica’s approach?  Planning and Community Development staff will be available throughout the summer at “Ask a Planner” office hours. 

August Dates 
August 14th, 9-11am, Billerica Public Library
August 20th, 10am-12pm, Council on Aging 
August 26th, 3-7pm, Farmers Market 

These sessions are a great opportunity to learn more about the the Planning and Community Development office and the work they do for Billerica. Stop by and have your questions answered!

Scoop the Poop!
 Dog waste can easily contaminate waterways with bacteria and pathogens if it’s left behind on walks so help your dog prevent stormwater pollution and bring a bag on walks.

Select Board: August 19
Planning Board: August 12
Board of Health: August 5
Zoning: August 21
Conservation: August 14
Historic Districts Commission: August 7

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