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New England Power Company's plan for a permanent substation has been green-lighted by the Planning Board, paving the way for a major upgrade in energy infrastructure!

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#TownofCharltonWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #EnergyInfrastructure #SustainablePlanning
Planning board approves permanent substation for New England Power Company
After peer review revisions, the planning board approved a special permit and site‑plan for a permanent substation (replacing a temporary installation) with standard conditions and a timeline for decommissioning the temporary facility.
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September 19, 2026 at 7:25 PM
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Residents are sounding the alarm over proposed state rule changes that could jeopardize environmental and safety protections for clean-energy projects in their town.

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Residents urge stronger protections as draft state clean‑energy rules are revised
Residents and at least one board member warned that recent draft changes to state clean‑energy/permitting rules removed environmental protections (vegetation buffers, noise, lighting) and decommissioning requirements, urging the town to comment and seek stronger safeguards for local wells and fire suppression.
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September 19, 2026 at 6:15 PM
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Amazon's proposal to convert parking into a bustling last-mile dispatch hub could bring an influx of 1,400 daily vehicle trips, raising serious traffic and safety concerns in Charlton.

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Charlton board continues Amazon 'flex' last‑mile proposal, orders peer review and monitoring
An Amazon last‑mile 'flex' program that would add up to 700 flex drivers per day drew intensive questioning over traffic and safety; the Planning Board continued the application to Oct. 7, authorized an MDM peer review retainer and recommended a legal retainer to be billed to the applicant.
citizenportal.ai
September 7, 2026 at 9:27 AM
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The regional school district's $11.1 million capital request could mean a hefty $6.1 million price tag for Charlton—are you ready to vote on it this September?

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Regional district seeks $11.1M capital project; Charlton faces roughly $6.1M share if district vote passes
Select Board heard that the regional school district has submitted an $11.1 million capital request; staff told the board Charlton's assessed share would be about $6.1 million and that the district will vote by district-wide ballot late September.
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August 29, 2026 at 4:40 PM
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A proposed battery energy storage project could potentially bring in $2 million a year, but the board warns that payments and timelines remain uncertain.

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Board hears about potential PILOT tied to battery storage project but cautioned payments are uncertain
The feasibility committee and board discussed a proposed battery energy storage development and its possible payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) that the committee estimated could yield roughly $2 million a year — but staff and members warned the amounts and timing are uncertain and would require explicit community-impact agreements.
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August 29, 2026 at 4:39 PM
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Significant changes are underway as monitoring wells are replaced and new analyses are launched to address the complex issue of PFAS detections near a Massachusetts landfill.

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Monitoring wells replaced; consultants preparing technical analysis for DEP to clarify PFAS source
CMG Environmental said it replaced two monitoring wells and is preparing a phase-2/phase-3 technical analysis for MassDEP to support conclusions about whether low-level PFAS detections distant from the landfill originate on site.
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August 28, 2026 at 1:10 AM
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PFAS monitoring around the Flint Road landfill shows promising results, with 61 homes tested and a significant number receiving safe water solutions.

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#TownofCharltonWorcesterCounty #MA #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalSafety #CharltonBoardOfHealth #WaterQuality
Consultant: PFAS monitoring steady at Flint Road; 61 homes sampled, 43 receiving bottled water
CMG Environmental consultant Gary Magnuson told the Chatham Board of Health that PFAS sampling around the Flint Road landfill remains steady: 61 homes are sampled, 43 receive bottled water, five have installed filtration systems and 13 homes show consistent non-detects.
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August 28, 2026 at 1:07 AM
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The Conservation Commission is taking action to investigate the environmental impact of wake-surfing at South Charlton Reservoir after residents raised serious concerns about shoreline erosion and ecological harm.

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Charlton commission votes to seek lake-specific study on wake-surfing impacts at South Charlton Reservoir
After residents and longtime lakefront owners described shoreline damage and presented informal depth measurements, the Conservation Commission voted to solicit proposals for a peer review study tailored to South Charlton Reservoir to evaluate whether wake-surfing should be restricted and to request Lakes and Ponds Committee approval to use Municipal Waterways funds.
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August 27, 2026 at 3:19 PM
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Unpermitted land disturbances at 24 Sir Rich Road have been wreaking havoc since 2019, causing environmental concerns and hefty fines for the town—what's next for this ongoing saga?

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#TownofCharltonWorcesterCounty #MA #LandUseRegulations #CitizenPortal
Town reports repeated unpermitted land disturbance at Route 20 parcel; counsel engaged
Town staff told the commission 24 Sir Rich Road (near Griffin Road) experienced unpermitted land disturbance beginning in 2019 and continuing into 2026; runoff reached Route 20 and Katy Brook, the town issued multiple fines, an NPDES permit was not found for the disturbance period, and the town has engaged counsel to pursue compliance.
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August 27, 2026 at 1:44 PM
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A proposed gas station and convenience store on Worcester Road promises to bring new amenities but raises eyebrows with traffic and conservation concerns.

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Proposed Worcester Road gas station with five units draws traffic and conservation questions
A developer presented plans for a 4.7-acre gas station, convenience store and drive-through with five residential units above; engineers said tanks will be double-walled with oil/water separators and hours likely 5 a.m.–11 p.m., while traffic reviewers recommended MassDOT coordination and a snow-management plan. Applicant will return after further reviews.
citizenportal.ai
July 26, 2026 at 2:23 PM
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A new permanent electrical substation is on the table in Charlton, raising significant concerns among residents about its impact on wildlife and the environment.

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New England Power seeks permanent Snake Hill substation to serve Amazon facility
At a July 15 hearing, New England Power presented plans for a permanent Snake Hill Substation (No. 2235) to replace a temporary unit that supported construction of an Amazon warehouse; the 49,300 sq ft yard, 864 sq ft control building and security fencing drew questions on wildlife, decommissioning and plan details. (Continued to Sept. 2.)
citizenportal.ai
July 26, 2026 at 2:22 PM
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Bay Path's proposed $31.3 million budget faces tough cuts due to skyrocketing health-insurance costs, but hope remains for future restorations as financial conditions improve.

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Bay Path superintendent outlines FY27 $31.3 million budget, cites health‑insurance pressures
Bay Path Superintendent Kyle Bridal told the Charlton Select Board on July 7 that the regional vocational school’s proposed FY27 operating budget is $31,305,852; rising health‑insurance costs and a high medical‑loss ratio forced cuts but officials said they hope to restore positions later.
citizenportal.ai
July 11, 2026 at 4:37 PM
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Residents of Charlton are raising pressing concerns about safety and environmental risks as a developer proposes a massive 150-megawatt battery energy storage system near their town.

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Developer presents 150‑megawatt battery project in Charlton; residents and fire chief press for safety assurances and benefits
At a planning-board meeting, ESA described a proposed 150‑megawatt battery energy storage facility near the Carpenter Hill substation. Residents pressed for clearer safety, environmental and decommissioning protections; the developer agreed to expand outreach and return for further community review in July.
citizenportal.ai
June 8, 2026 at 9:18 PM
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Charlton voters have decided to keep the Stretch Energy Code intact, rejecting concerns over costs in favor of significant grant funding and energy efficiency benefits.

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Charlton rejects bid to rescind stretch energy code after public arguments over costs and grants
A citizen petition to rescind Charlton’s Stretch Energy Code was defeated 71–41 after extended public comment. Proponents said the code increased construction costs and required HERS raters; opponents stressed grant eligibility and energy-efficiency benefits.
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May 27, 2026 at 7:29 PM
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After residents showcased a staggering 5,000 discarded "nips," the Charlton Select Board is pushing for a major change to Massachusetts' bottle-deposit law to tackle litter and support local businesses.

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Charlton board to urge state to expand bottle‑deposit law after volunteers display estimated 5,000 'nips'
After volunteers collected and displayed an estimated 5,000 small alcohol containers, the Charlton Select Board voted to send a letter to a state senator urging action on a bill to expand the Massachusetts bottle‑deposit system and raise deposits; local retailers offered pilot collection bins and financial support.
citizenportal.ai
May 16, 2026 at 9:58 PM
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A Charlton resident is sounding the alarm over a quarry's blasting, claiming it's coating homes in hazardous dust and raising serious health concerns.

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Resident urges Charlton health board to investigate quarry blasting after heavy dust clouds
A Charlton resident told the Board of Health that frequent blasting and operations at a nearby quarry owned by Ross Materials coated homes in dust and raised concerns about silica, groundwater contamination and radon spikes; the board agreed to gather more information and revisit the matter at its next meeting.
citizenportal.ai
May 15, 2026 at 4:53 PM
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Charlton's Water and Sewer Commission is gearing up for a monumental $14 million upgrade to its wastewater treatment plant—could this be the turning point for the town's infrastructure?

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Charlton commission votes to pursue $14 million wastewater overhaul, seek engineering proposals
The Charlton Water and Sewer Commission voted Dec. 3 to pursue a capital improvement project for the town's undersized wastewater treatment plant, estimate the project at $14 million, seek proposals for a consultant engineer and forward the estimate to the finance director for a rate study and financing options.
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May 14, 2026 at 10:18 AM
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Veolia's April report reveals alarming permit exceedances in Charlton, sparking urgent calls for compliance and corrective action from the commission.

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Veolia reports April permit exceedances; commission warns of I&I compliance work ahead
Veolias new project leader reported multiple April permit exceedances and operational fixes; commissioners discussed a missing infiltration and inflow (I&I) report that may prompt a state notice of noncompliance and asked staff to produce a corrective plan.
citizenportal.ai
May 9, 2026 at 7:12 PM
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Blue Sky Towers is pushing for a 120-foot wireless tower in Charlton, but the project faces delays as the Conservation Commission awaits critical permit approvals.

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Blue Sky Towers proposes about 120-foot wireless tower off Bond Road; hearing continued to May 13
Jeff Mason of Lucas Environmental presented a notice of intent for a Blue Sky Towers wireless facility at 103 Bond Road, describing a 75-by-75-foot lease area, a roughly 120-foot monopole and buffer-zone impacts. The commission continued the hearing to May 13 so planning-board peer review and a land-disturbance permit can be completed.
citizenportal.ai
April 19, 2026 at 8:23 AM
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Exciting news for the Flint Road landfill! Certified Andreic soils are set to start arriving on April 21, with close oversight from the Massachusetts DEP.

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#TownofCharltonWorcesterCounty #MA #CitizenPortal #SoilCertification #EnvironmentalProtection #CharltonBoardOfHealth
Health director says MassDEP contact confirms April 21 for Flint Road soil deliveries
At the April 7 Chatham Board of Health meeting, Health Director Jim Philbrook read a message that MassDEP contact Dan Giuliani indicated April 21 is still the planned date to begin accepting certified Andreic soils at the Flint Road landfill; CMG's licensed site professional will certify loads on arrival.
citizenportal.ai
April 10, 2026 at 2:18 AM
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Charlton's aging wastewater facility could face a $16 million overhaul, and a crucial rate study is on the horizon to determine the financial impact on residents.

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Charlton water and sewer officials warn plant replacement could cost $12–16 million; rate study to follow
A water and sewer consultant told the finance committee the town's wastewater plant has aged equipment and repeated patches; engineers are studying options (including sequential batch reactors) and a rate study will determine how much can be covered by rates, financing, or grants.
citizenportal.ai
February 27, 2026 at 5:12 AM
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The Charlton Select Board just took a bold step to tackle skyrocketing health insurance premiums by initiating a process that could change the town's coverage by July 1!

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Charlton Select Board votes to begin MGL c.32B process to change town health insurance
The Town of Charlton Select Board voted unanimously on Feb. 2026 to begin the Chapter 32B §21–23 process to change the town's health insurance arrangement amid steep premium increases; staff and consultants said the move would be effective in time to consider a July 1 carrier change and pledged provider- and prescription-transition protections.
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February 26, 2026 at 10:27 PM
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Charlton's Planning Board is tackling crucial zoning changes that could redefine how we think about land use, renewable energy, and community development.

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Charlton planners debate frontage rules, multi‑use lots and renewables as they prep bylaw changes and master plan
Board discussed multiple proposed zoning bylaw changes ahead of the May town meeting — use‑table edits, clearer frontage/public‑way language, special‑permit approaches for multiple uses on one lot (including battery energy storage), tightening decommissioning/surety language for renewables, and master‑plan consultant selection.
citizenportal.ai
February 24, 2026 at 2:16 PM
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Charlton's Planning Board is pushing back against state energy-siting rules that overlook small-town needs, advocating for vital community impact criteria to ensure local voices are heard.

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Charlton board backs member’s letter raising small‑town concerns about state energy‑siting rules
Board member Lori briefed the planning board on state energy siting hearings, urged additions to the scoring matrix for small towns and the board voted to authorize her to send a comment letter to the state ahead of upcoming rule adoption.
citizenportal.ai
February 6, 2026 at 3:28 AM
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Charlton's finance committee faces a potential 20% hike in health insurance costs as groups prepare to leave, sparking concerns over the town's claims pool and financial stability.

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Charlton finance committee warned of 16–20% health‑insurance increases; finance director gives bonds briefing for major projects
Finance staff told the committee preliminary health‑insurance rates could rise 16–20% and that several groups may leave the Hampshire Group trust; the session also included a detailed 'Bonds 101' presentation on municipal borrowing to finance the fire substation and landfill capping.
citizenportal.ai
February 1, 2026 at 5:07 AM