Morrow County planning staff outlined local permitting context for data centers and the board approved a public-input letter to the governor's data center advisory committee; staff announced a Nov. 5 listening session at the Sage Center.

State and nonprofit experts told a Maynard workshop that the 2024 Climate Act creates an optional consolidated municipal permitting pathway that municipalities must operate and that gives towns 12 months to decide on projects that elect the process; appeals go to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board.

A Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources regional coordinator summarized the 2024 climate law’s consolidated local permitting pathway that municipal governments must offer by Oct. 1, 2026, and outlined the distinction between small (local) and large (state) projects, the 12‑month decision window, site‑suitability analysis requirements, and the appeals path to the Energy Facility Siting Board. Board members raised concerns about local authority on battery storage and stormwater review.

Local council completes design phase for gym to support River Valley programming changes.

Vernonia initiates permit option action and sends out notifications to residents.