“Time is a flat circle.” – Rust Cohle
It started as a routine administrative request at a July 12 Planning Board meeting: allow a Dale Street land owner to consolidate his 16-acre property from seven lots to two. Normally the Planning Board spends just a few minutes reviewing these “Form A” requests, as they involve redrawing lot lines, not actual development proposals.
This request, however, has now stretched over 12 weeks. The Conservation Commission has held multiple meetings to discuss a proposal to build a second driveway on the property. The Board of Selectmen was forced to twice hold disciplinary hearings and dismiss nearly half the Conservation Commission following an August visit to the site that went weird.
And finally, Monday night, Oct. 4, the Planning Board is expected to make a ruling on the initial Form A request. The meeting on Monday will feature both the Planning Board and Conservation Commission sitting together to discuss the property. The Conservation Commission says before it can issue an order of conditions for the work, it needs to learn more about how the Planning Board will handle the project. Once the Planning Board makes a ruling Monday night, the Conservation Commission will retreat to the Buckley Room to finalize its order of conditions and the loop will be closed. For now.
New Police Chief starts today
David Del Papa starts today as Abington’s new Police Chief. He takes over a department in turmoil. The polarizing previous chief spent the past year away from the department, taking personal time as part of a retirement deal signed with the town. Ten police officers have left in just the past year, leaving the department significantly short-staffed. Union officials say the departures are due to a contract that lacks pay boosters common in other similar size departments. The department is funded for 30 officers, plus a chief, but hasn’t had a full roster in years. Del Papa, an Abington resident who was previously a lieutenant in Braintree, also gets to implement the findings of a 2020 management and operations study. His contract was not yet publicly available. A public swearing in ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 13 at the Senior Center.
CURRICULUM FAIR TUESDAY
Tuesday evening’s Curriculum Fun Fair is a great opportunity for parents to learn more about what their children are being taught and why. Elementary school teachers and administrators will be on hand starting at 6 p.m. at the Middle School Cafeteria, with subject-specific breakout sessions planned. Organizers promise door prizes, curriculum overviews, and games in math, science, social studies, and ELA
VETERANS LUNCHEON ON WEDNESDAY
Abington’s Veteran Services Department is hosting a luncheon for all veterans Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to Noon, at the Senior Center. Veterans Agent Adam Gunn is asking anyone interested in attending to being a service photo of themselves to share. Attendees will hear about services available to them, and have the opportunity to write a letter to a service member currently overseas.
REGISTRATION ONGOING FOR YOUTH BASKETBALL
Abington Youth Basketball officials will be on hand Oct 7, from 7-9 p.m. at Town Hall for in-person signups for this year’s rec season. Registration forms can be downloaded ahead of time from www.ayba.com; copies will also be available at Town Hall. Cost is $100/per player, with families receiving a $20 discount for multiple players. Payments can be made by cash or by a check made out to Abington Youth Basketball. Questions can be emailed to baugusta781@yahoo.com
BEAVER BROOK PLAYGROUND GOLF TOURNEY DEADLINE SATURDAY
The Beaver Brook Playground Committee is organizing a golf tournament for Saturday, Oct. 16 at Strawberry Valley Golf Course. The 9-hole tournament features a 2:30 p.m. shotgun start. Cost is $300 per foursome, with proceeds benefiting the effort to reenvision and rebuild the Beaver Brook Playground. Deadline to sign up is October 9. Payments can be sent via Venmo to @rebuildbbp. Questions can be emailed to beaverbrookplayground@gmail.com
Flu Shot Clinic on Monday and Wednesday
The Health Department is sponsoring a free flu shot clinic for grown ups on Monday and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. and then 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Appointments and pre-registration is required.
MEETINGS
MONDAY
Planning Board, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes discussions about 1437 Bedford Street, 207 Bedford Street, 75 Dale Street, and questions about the new stormwater runoff bylaw.
Board of Health, 6 p.m., High School Auditorium. Agenda includes updates on COVID 19 and vaccination efforts, and discussions on flu shot clinics and illegal dumping.
Conservation Commission, 7 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a joint meeting with the Planning Board and discussion about 75 Dale Street
TUESDAY
Fire Station Building Committee, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes the introduction of new members to the committee, appointing a new board secretary, and a status updated with project engineers.
WEDNESDAY
Board of Assessors, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Agenda includes a discussion about excise taxes, small balance abatement requests, and an executive session to discuss other abatement requests